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BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


THE 


Blue  and  the  Gray 

A GRAPHIC  HISTORY 


OF  THE 

i^mtj  of  the  potomac  and  that  of  Jlotftheiiii  ifoginia, 

INCLUDING 

THE  BRILLIANT  ENGAGEMENTS  OF  THESE  FORCES 

FROM  1861  TO  1865. 


THE  CAMPAIGNS  OF  THE  SHENANDOAH  TALLEY  AND  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  JAMES, 
TOGETHER  WITH  REMINISCENCES  OF  TENT  AND  FIELD,  ACTS  OF  PERSONAL 
DARING,  DEEDS  OF  HEROIC  SUFFERING  AND  THRILLING  ADVENTURE, 
COUPLED  WITH  WHICH,  WILL  BE  FOUND  MANY  TALES  OF  INDIVIDUAL 
ACHIEVEMENTS,  ARMY  YARNS,  AND  PEN  PICTURES  OF  OFFICERS 
AND  PRIVATES. 

A COMPLETE  ROSTER  OF  THE  TWO  GREAT  ARMIES, 

AND  TWENTY  FULL-  PAG  El  MAPS. 


By  REV.  THEODORE  GERRISH, 

Private  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Author  of  “ Reminiscences  of  the  JPar,” 

AND 

REV.  JOHN  S.  HUTCHINSON, 

Private  in  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia. 


with:  introductions  by 


Colonel  Augustus  C.  Hamlin,  Maine,  and  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee,  Virginia. 


BANGOR,  ME. : 

BRADY,  MACE,  & CO. 

1884. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1883,  by 
THEODORS?  GERRISH, 

In  the  Office  of  tfie  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


(JW*-  w- SU> 


•v'V  * 


‘Vrc.w 

- 


*5 


IN  DEDICATING 

“THE  BLUE  AND  THE  GRAY,”  IT  IS  NOT  EXPECTED  THAT  WE  WILL 
PLEASE  EVERY  ONE;  BUT  FOR  THOSE  WHO  ARE  DESIROUS 
OF  SEEING  THE  OLD  WOUNDS  OF  THE  NORTH  AND 
SOUTH  PERMANENTLY  HEALED,  THIS 
WORK  IS  INTENDED.  IT  IS 
IN  HONORABLE 

]\lemory  of  our  Dead  Comrades, 

AND  FOR  THE  EDIFI- 
CATION OF  THE  SURVIVORS  OF  THE 
LATE  WAR,  THAT  IT  IS  INSCRIBED,  ALSO  WITH 
AN  HONEST  AND  EARNEST  DESIRE  THAT  “ BYGONES  MAY 
BE  BYGONES,”  AND  ALL  SECTIONAL  PREJUDICE  BE  FORGOTTEN. 

RESPECTFULLY, 

'I'he  Authors. 


Boionsi 


LIST  OF  MAPS 


PAGE 

Map  of  the  Bull  Run  battlefield  July  21,  1S6I, 33 

Map  of  Richmond  and  the  Peninsula,  * 77 

Campaign  in  Northern  Virginia  August,  1862,  under  Gen.  Pope,  113 

Antietam  battlefield  Sept.  16  and  17,  1S62, 157 

Battle  of  Fredericksburg  Dec.  13,  1SC2,  193 

Battle  of  Chancellorsville,  including  operations  from  April  29  to* 

May  5,  1S63,  267 

Map  of  Gettysburg  battlefield  July  1,  2 and  3,  1863 347 

Gettysburg  battlefield.  Positions  of  troops  July  2,  1863,  . . 363 

From  Gettysburg  to  the  Rapidan  river,  416 

Shenandoah  Valley, 423 

Battle  of  the  Wilderness  May  5-9,  1864, 4S2 

Battlefield  of  Spottsylvania  Court-house  May  8-21,  1S64,  . . 494 

Battlefield  of  the  North  Anna  May  23-26,  1S64, 502 

Battlefield  of  Cold  Harbor  May  31  to  June  12,  1864,  . . . 509 


Richmond  and  Petersburg, 689 

Battlefield  of  Winchester,  Virginia,  Sept.  19,  1864,  ....  653 

Battlefield  of  Fisher’s  Hill  Sept.  22,  1864, 683 

Battlefield  of  Cedar  Creek  Oct.  19,  1864, 687 


Route  of  retreat  of  the  Confederate  army  from  Richmond  and 

Petersburg,  and  its  capture  by  the  U.  S.  forces,  . . . 756 

Operations  around  Petersburg,  Five  Forks  and  Hatcher’s  Run 
from  March  29  to  April  2,  1865, 


767 


CONTENTS 


Preface,  ...••• 

Letter  from  colonel  Augustus  c.  hami.in, 

Letter  from  general  fitzhugh  lee, 

CHAPTER  I. 

The  condition  of  the  north  and  south  at  the  beginning  of 

HOSTILITIES. 


CHAPTER  II.  si 

Campaign  of  1861.  Battle  of  bull  run.  Preparing  for  war. 
Reorganization  of  the  army  of  the  potomac.  Blockade  of 

THE  POTOMAC  RIVER.  BATTLE  OF  BALL’S  BLUFF.  DEATH  OF  COL. 

baker.  Confederates  in  winter  quarters. 

Map— Bull  run  battlefield  July  21,  186|,  ...  33 

CHAPTER  III.  50 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  ETC. 


19 

21 

25 


27 


CHAPTER  IV.  68 

Peninsula  campaign.  Transfer  of  troops  from  "Washington  to 
yorktown.  Disembarking  troops  at  fort  monroe.  Siege  of 
yorktown.  Activity  of  magruder.  Battle  of  yorktown.  Ad- 
vance TOWARD  WILLIAMSBURG.  BATTLE  OF.  RETREAT  OF  CONFED- 
ERATES. Mcclellan  crossing  the  ciiickahominy.  Seven  days 
battles.  McClellan’s  retreat.  Malvern  hill.  Under  cover 
of  gun-boats.  Re-embarkation  of  the  army  of  the  potomac. 
Roster. 

Map — Richmond  and  the  peninsula,  ....  77 

Roster  A — Army  of  the  potomac,  April,  1862,  . . 90 

Roster  B — Army  of  Virginia  around  Richmond,  . . 96 

9 


10 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  Y.  101 

Campaign  of  general  pope.  H allege  appointed  commander  in 
chief.  Pope’s  celebrated  order.  Battle  of  cedar  mountain. 
Death  of  general  winder.  Garnett  avounded.  Confeder- 
ates REINFORCED.  POPE  RETREATS  ACROSS  EATPAHANNOCK.  BAT- 
TLE OF  GAINSVILLE.  GENERAL  EWELL  LOSES  A LEG.  SECOND 
BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN.  COLONEL  BAYLOR  KILLED.  GENERALS 
HATCH,  SCHENCK,  AND  TOWER  WOUNDED.  BATTLE  OF  CHANTILLY. 
FEDERALS  AYITHDRAAV  TO  WASHINGTON  DEFENCES.  DEATH  OF  GEN- 
ERALS STEVENS  AND  KEARNEY.  ROSTER. 

Map — Campaign  in  northern  Virginia  august,  1862,  under  general 
pope,  ........ 

Roster  A — Federal  and  confederate  armies  at  manassas, 

Roster  B— Army  of  northern  Virginia, 


CHAPTER  VI. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  ETC. 


113 

120 

125 


129 


CHAPTER  VII.  140 

Antietam.  Lee’s  invasion  of  Maryland.  His  reason  for  so  do- 
ing. Descriptive  letter  of  the  invasion  by  “ a high  pri- 
vate.” MCCLELLAN  TAKES  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS.  ADVANCES 
TO  FREDERICK  CITY.  Lee’s  PLAN  OF  CAMPAIGN  DISCOVERED  BY 
MCCLELLAN.  CONFEDERATES  CAPTURE  HARPERS  FERRY.  DEATH 
OF  COLONEL  MILES.  BATTLE  OF  SOUTH  MOUNTAIN.  DEATH  OF 
GENERAL  RENO.  BATTLE  OF  ANTIETAM.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  MANS- 
FIELD. General  hooker  wounded.  Frightful  slaughter  on 
both  sides.  General  lee  recrosses  the  potomac.  Roster. 
Map— Antietam  battlefield  sept.  16,  17,  1862,  . . . 157 

Roster  A — Army  of  the  potomac,  sept.,  1862,  . . 165 

Roster  B— Army  of  northern  Virginia,  aug.  to  nov.,  1862,  . 168 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  ETC. 


CHAPTER  IX.  188 

Campaign  against  Fredericksburg.  Mcclellan’s  tardiness. 
Seizes  harper’s  ferry.  His  plan  of  action.  Relieved. 
Burnside  in  command.  Marches  to  falmouth.  Fatal  delay. 
Activity  of  confederates.  Battle  of  Fredericksburg.  Shell- 


CONTENTS. 


4 


11 


ibg  the  cm*.  Bravery  op  Michigan-  and  Massachusetts 

TROOPS.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED.  RETREAT  ACROSS  THE  RAPPA- 
HANNOCK. Great  doss  of  life.  Burnside  prefers  charges 

AGAINST  HIS  SUBORDINATES.  RESIGNS.  GENERAL  JOSEPH  HOOKER 
SUCCEEDS  TO  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS.  ROSTER. 

Map — Battle  of  Fredericksburg,  dec.  13,  1862.  . . . 193 

Roster — Army  of  the  potomac,  December,  1862,  . . 203 


CHAPTER  X.  213 

STORIES  OF  TENT  AND  FIELD,  ETC. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

REMINISCENCES  OF  FAMOUS  GENERALS. 


CHAPTER  XII.  258 

Chancellorsville.  Hooker  in  command.  Army  of  potomac  reor- 
ganized. Thoroughly  disciplined.  Plan  of  spring  campaign. 
March  to  chancellorsville.  Auspicious  beginning  for  fed- 
erals.  Fatal  mistakes.  Genius  of  lee.  Jackson’s  flank 
MOVEMENT.  HOWARD  CRUSHED.  FEDERAL  CONFUSION.  KEENAN’S 
charge.  Poem.  Confederates  checked.  Sedgwick  ordered  to  " 

ADVANCE  ON  FREDERICKSBURG.  “STONEWALL”  MORTALLY  WOUND- 
ED— GRAPHIC  DESCRIPTION  OF  HIS  LAST  HOURS.  BATTLE  OF  SUNDAY. 
Death  of  general  berry.  Hooker  knocked  senseless.  Fed- 

ERALS  DEFEATED.  SEDGWICK  OCCUPIES  FREDERICKSBURG.  ASSAULT 

on  marye’s  height.  Death  of  colonel  spear.  Confederates 

DEFEATED  AND  RETREAT.  ADVANCE  OF  FEDERALS.  BATTLE  OF 
SALEM  CHURCH.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED  WITH  HEAVY  LOSS.  CON- 
FEDERATES RECAPTURE  FREDERICKSBURG.  CRITICAL  POSITION  OF 
FEDERALS.  HOOKER  RETREATS  ACROSS  THE  RAPPAHANNOCK — LEAVES 
DEAD  AND  WOUNDED  ON  FIELD. 

Map— Chancellorsville,  including  operations  from  April  25  to 
may  5,  1863,  ........  267 

CHAPTER  XIII.  296 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  ETC. 


CHAPTER  XIY.  315 


REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  ETC, 


12 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XV.  341 

The  invasion  of  Pennsylvania  by  confederates.  Hooker  pursues  ; 
resigns.  Meade  takes  command  of  federal  army.  Forces 

NEAR  GETTYSBURG.  PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  FIRST  DAY’S 

fighting.  Death  of  general  Reynolds.  Gallant  conduct  of 
TROOPS.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED.  GETTYSBURG  IN  POSSESSION  OF  CON- 
FEDERATES. Generals  barlow  and  paul  wounded.  General 
SCHIMMELPFENNIG  CAPTURED.  HEAVY  LOSS  ON  BOTH  SIDES.  HAN- 
COCK IN  COMMAND  OF  THE  FIELD.  TURNS  IT  OVER  TO  GENERAL 

slocum.  Battle  of  july  second.  Both  sides  reinforced.  In 

POSITION.  LoNGSTREET  BEGINS  THE  ATTACK.  FlGHT  ON  ROUND  TOP. 

Graphic  description  of.  Death  of  generals  weed  and  Vin- 
cent. Of  captain  hazlett.  Federals  successful.  Peach  or- 
chard fight.  Generals  cross  and  zook  mortally  wounded. 
General  brooke  severely  wounded.  Desperate  fighting  and 

HEAVY  LOSS  ON  BOTH  SIDES.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  BARKSDALE. 

Death  of  general  willard.  Sickles  wounded.  Confederates 
victorious.  Dreadful  loss  of  life.  Arrival  of  pickett’s  Vir- 
ginia BRIGADES  FROM  CHAMBERSBURG.  BATTLE  OF  JULY  THIRD. 
Terrific  artillery  fire  at  two  o’clock.  Pickett’s  charge. 
Death  of  general  garnett.  Generals  armistead  and  kemper 
wounded.  Hancock  wounded.  Terrible  loss  of  life.  The 
GALLANTRY  OF  THE  VIRGINIANS.  CONFEDERATES  DEFEATED.  GEN- 
ERAL LEE  RECEOSSES  THE  POTOMAC.  GENERAL  IMBODEN’S  ACCOUNT 


OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  RETREAT.  POEM.  ROSTER. 

Map— Gettysburg,  july  1 and  3,  ....  347 

Map— Gettysburg,  position  of  troops,  july  2,  . . 365 

Roster  A— Federal  army  at  Gettysburg,  .july,  1S63  . . 376 

Roster  B— Army  of  northern  Virginia,  june,  1863,  . . 384 

CHAPTER  XVI.  388 

reminiscences  of  camp  and  field,  poem. 

CHAPTER  XVII.  417 


The  fall  campaign  of  1363.  Lee  retires  to  the  shenandoah  val- 
ley. Meade  crosses  the  potomac.  Confederates  at  culpepper. 
Parts  of  both  armies  detached.  Federals  enforcing  new  yoric 

DRAFT.  LONGSTREET’S  CORPS  SENT  TO  TENNESSEE.  ADVANCE  OF 
FEDERALS.  Lee  FALLS  BACK  ACROSS  THE  RAP  ID  AN.  FEDERALS  AT 
culpepper.  Eleventh  and  twelfth  corps  sent  to  Tennessee. 
Advance  of  confederates.  Federals  fall  back.  Confeder- 
ates REOCCUPY  CULPEPPER.  BATTLE  OF  BRISTOE’S  STATION.  CON- 
FEDERATES repulsed.  Death  of  general  mallow.  Federals 


CONTENTS. 


13 


AT  CENTERVILLE.  CAVALRY  BATTLE  OF  THE  NINETEENTH.  CONFED- 
ERATES victorious.  Battle  of  kelly’s  ford.  Federals  victo- 
rious. Battle  of  Rappahannock  station.  Federals  victorious. 
Terrible  slaughter  of  troops.  Lee  retreats.  Federals  at 
culpepper.  Advance  to  mine  run.  Preparations  for  battle. 
Federals  retire  across  the  Rappahannock.  Both  armies  in 

WINTER  QUARTERS.  POEM. 

Map — Gettysburg  to  the  rapidan  river,  ....  417 

Map— Shenandoah  valley,  .....  422 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  ETC. 


432 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

PEN  PICTURES  AND  ANECDOTES  OF  FAMOUS  GENERALS. 


457 


CHAPTER  XX.  475 

Spring  campaign  of  ’64.  From  the  rapidan  to  the  james.  Rela- 
tive COMPARISON  OF  OPPOSING  FORCES.  FEDERALS  CROSS  THE  RAP- 
IDAN. Grant  in  command  of  the  army.  His  line  of  march. 
Rare  generalship  of  confederate  chief.  Confederates  in 
motion.  Federal  plan  of  attack.  Battle  of  the  wilderness. 
The  situation  of  the  armies.  Death  of  general  hayes.  Fear- 
ful loss  of  life.  Battle  of  the  sixth  of  may.  Death  of  gen- 
eral WADSWORTH.  GENERAL  LONGSTREET  WOUNDED.  THE  FOREST 
on  fire.  Generals  shaler  and  Seymour  captured.  An  inde- 
cisive battle.  Federals  lose  thirteen  thousand  men.  The 
Confederates  lose  eight  thousand  men.  The  object  of  the 

BATTLE  OF  THE  WILDERNESS.  A DRAWN  BATTLE.  GENERAL  MEADE’S 

order.  Confederates  on  the  alert.  Federals  surprised. 
Federal,  advance  blocked  by  lee.  Death  of  general  sedg- 
wick.  Battle  of  spottsylvania,  Death  of  general  rice.  Bat- 
tle OF  THE  TWELFTH  OF  MAY.  CAPTURE  OF  GENERAL  EDWARD 

Johnson.  Dreadful  loss  of  life.  Grant’s  flank  movement. 
Sheridan’s  raid.  Battle  of  yellow  tavern.  Death  of  gen- 
eral stuart.  Battle  of  the  north  anna.  Withdrawal  of 

FEDERALS.  BATTLE  OF  HAWES’  SHOP.  BATTLE  OF  HANOVER  COURT- 
HOUSE. Battle  of  cold  harbor.  Terrible  loss  of  life.  Feder- 
als DEFEATED.  DEATHS  OF  COLONELS  MCMAHON,  HASKELL,  MORRIS, 
PORTER  AND  MCKEEN.  GENERAL  TYLER  WOUNDED.  WITHDRAWAL 
OF  FEDERALS.  MARCH  TO  THE  JAMES  RIVER.  CROSSING  TO  THE 
SOUTH  SIDE.  BOSTER. 


14 


BLUE  A HD  GEAY. 


Map — Battle  of  the  wilderness,  may  5-9,  1S64,  . . 483 

Map — Battlefield  of  spottsylvaxia  court-house,  may  8-21, 

1S64, 495 

Map— Battlefield  of  north  anna,  may  23-26,  1864,  . . 503 

Map — Battlefield  of  cold  harbor,  may  31  to  june  12,  1S64,  508 

Eoster  A — Army  of  the  potomac,  may  4,  1864,  . . . 516 

Eoster  B— Army  of  northern  Virginia,  jan.  31,  1864,  . 522 


CHAPTER  XXL  531 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES  AND  POEM. 

% 

CHAPTER  XXII.  555 

Butler’s  campaign  against  Richmond.  His  instructions.  Landing 

HIS  ARMY  AT  FORT  POWHAITAN,  CITY  POINT  AND  BERMUDA  HUN- 
DRED. Activity  of  the  confederates.  Butler’s  fatal  mistake. 
Confederate  daring.  Arrival  of  Beauregard.  Confederates 

REINFORCED.  BATTLE  OF  PORT  WALTHALL  JUNCTION.  FEDERALS 

checked.  Battle  of  swift  creek.  Butler  turns  toward  Rich- 
mond. Battle  of  fort  stevens.  Federals  repulsed.  Fall 
back.  Butler’s  army  “bottled  up  and  hermetically  sealed.” 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

anecdotes,  reminiscences  and  poem. 


CHAPTER  XXIV.  586 

Siege  of  Petersburg.  Landing  of  the  eighteenth  corps.  Advance 

OF  THE  COLORED  TROOPS.  GENERAL  SMITH’S  FATAL  DELAY.  ATTACK 

on  hare’s  hill.  Confederates  repulsed.  Federals  checked 

WITH  HEAVY  LOSS.  SlEGE  BEGUN  IN  EARNEST.  JERUSALEM  PLANK 
ROAD  SEIZED.  GENERAL  A.  P.  HILL’S  BRILLIANT  VICTORY.  FEDERAL 
CAVALRY  RAID.  BATTLE  OF  REAM’S  STATION.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED. 

Throwing  up  intrenchments.  Hancock  crosses  the  james.  His 

PLANS  FOILED  BY  LEE.  THE  MINE  EXPLOSION,  DESCRIPTION  OF. 

Federals  defeated  with  terrible  loss.  Mccabe’s  account  of. 
Early’s  movement  on  Washington.  Departure  of  federal 
troops.  Confederates  destroy  Baltimore  and  ohio  railroad. 
Fatal  delay  of  general  early.  Federal  authorities  fright- 
ened. Hancock  on  the  peninsula.  Capture  of  the  weldon 
railroad.  Desperate  fighting;  heavy  loss  of  life.  Confed- 
erates defeated.  Second  battle  of  ream’s  station.  Federals 


CONTENTS. 


15 


DEFEATED.  CAPTURE  OF  FORT  HARRISON.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL 

burnham.  General  ord  wounded.  Arrival  of  general  grant. 
Attack  on  fort  gilmer.  Federals  defeated.  Terrible  loss 

OF  COLORED  TROOPS.  CONFEDERATES  REINFORCED.  ATTACK  FORT 

harrison.  General  stannard  wounded.  Battle  of  peeble’s 
farm.  Death  of  colonel  welch.  Terrible  loss  of  life.  Con- 
federates repulsed.  Battle  of  white  oak  swamp.  Death  of 

GENERAL  GREGG.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED.  GRANT’S  LETTER  TO 

meade.  Meade’s  plan.  Battle  of  hatcher’s  run.  Federals 

WITHDRAWN.  BUTLER  ON  THE  NORTH  BANK  OF  THE  JAMES.  TROOPS 
OF  BOTH  ARMIES  IN  WINTER  QUARTERS.  SURGEON  MCPARLIN’S 
REPORT. 

Map — Richmond  and  Petersburg,  .....  591 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES  AND  POEMS. 


628 


CHAPTER  XXVI.  &u 

Campaigns  of  the  Shenandoah.  Description  of  the  wonderful 
valley.  Its  appearance  at  the  beginning  of  the  war.  The 

FIELD  UPON  WHICH  JACKSON,  ASHBY,  AND  SHERIDAN  WON  THEIR 

laurels.  Harper's  ferry.  Evacuated  by  confederates.  Pat- 
terson OUT-GENERALED.  FEDERALS  OCCUPY  BATH.  JACKSON’S 
WEARY  MARCH  TO.  EVACUATED  BY  FEDERALS.  CROSS  THE  POTOMAC. 

Confederates  at  romney.  Immense  capture  by  confeder- 
ates. General  banks  in  command  of  federals.  Battle  of 

KERNSTOWN.  CONFEDERATES  REPULSED.  BATTLE  OF  MCDOWELL. 

Federals  defeated.  Battle  of  winchester.  Federals  de- 
feated. Immense  capture  of  supplies.  Death  of  turner  ash- 
by.  Battle  of  port  republic.  Federals  defeated.  Driven 

FROM  THE  VALLEY.  MlLROY  SURPRISED,  HIS  ARMY  AND  GUNS  CAP- 
TURED. Battle  of  new  market.  Federals  repulsed.  Sigel 
removed.  Battle  of  piedmont.  Federals  victorious.  Death  of 

GENERAL  JONES.  BURNING  OF  LEXINGTON  MILITARY  INSTITUTE. 

Battle  of  lynchburg.  Federals  defeated.  Battle  of  trevil- 
ian’s  station.  Sheridan  defeated.  Early’s  invasion  of  Mary- 
land. Alarm  at  Washington.  Federals  hastening  to  its  de- 
fence. Battle  of  monocacy.  Early’s  advance  on  Washington. 
Excitement  in  Baltimore.  Arrival  of  federal  reinforce- 
ments AT  THE  CAPITAL.  PRESIDENT  LINCOLN  RECEIVES  THEM. 
Battle  of  fort  stevens,  witnessed  by  mr.  Lincoln.  Confeder- 
ates DEFEATED  AND  RETIRE.  GENERAL  WRIGHT  IN  COMMAND  OF 
FEDERALS.  SECOND  BATTLE  OF  KERNSTOWN.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED. 


16 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Death  of  general  mulligan.  Confederate  raids.  Burning  of 

CHAMBERSBURG.  DESCRIPTION  OF.  BATTLE  OF  NEW  CREEK.  CON- 
FEDERATES DEFEATED.  BATTLE  OF  MOOREFIELD.  CONFEDERATES  DE- 
FEATED. Sheridan  in  command  of  federals.  Battle  of  the 
opequan.  Death  of  general  rodes.  Confederates  repulsed. 
Death  of  general  russell.  Confederates  fall  back  to  stras- 
burg.  Sheridan  promoted.  Great  loss  of  life.  Death  of 
GENERAL  GODWIN.  GENERALS  UPTON,  MCINTOSH,  CHAPMAN,  FITZ 
LEE  AND  YORK  WOUNDED.  BATTLE  OF  FISHER’S  HILL.  CONFEDER- 
ATES DEFEATED.  BATTLE  OF  CEDAR  CREEK.  FEDERALS  SURPRISED 
AND  DEFEATED.  DEATH  OF  GENERALS  THOBURN  AND  BIDWELL. 
Arrival  of  sheridan.  Federals  rallied.  Confederates  utter- 
ly routed.  Dreadful  loss  of  life.  Death  of  general  lowell. 
Generals  wright,  grover  and  ricketts  wounded.  The  north 
elated.  Mr.  Lincoln’s  dispatch.  Early’s  army  broken  up. 
Sheridan  master  of  the  Shenandoah.  Rejoins  grant.  Arrives 
AT  WHITE  HOUSE  MARCH  NINETEENTH,  1865.  THE  BEAUTIFUL  VAL- 


LEY a waste.  Roster. 

Map — Battlefield  of  winchester,  Virginia,  sept.  19,  1864,  . 652 

Map— Battlefield  of  fisher’s  hill,  sept.  22,  1863,  . » . 682 

Map— Battlefield  of  cedar  creek,  oct.  19,  1864,  . . 686 

Roster — Opposing  forces  in  the  Shenandoah  valley,  . 693 

CHAPTER  XXVII.  698 


Winter  quarters.  Contrast  of  opposing  forces.  Situation  of 
confederates.  Scanty  rations.  Lee’s  army  reduced  to 
thirty-three  thousand  men.  False  hopes.  The  north  san- 
guine. Grant’s  laconic  assertion.  Johnston’s  explanation. 
Conference  of  davis  and  lee.  The  plan  agreed  on.  The 
disposition  of  the  confederate  army.  Fort  steadman.  Seizure 

OF  BY  CONFEDERATES.  BRAVERY  OF  ASSAILANTS.  FEDERALS  SUR- 
PRISED. Their  line  endangered.  Fort  steadman  bombarded 

BY  FEDERALS.  RECAPTURED.  Two  THOUSAND  CONFEDERATES 
THROW  DOWN  THEIR  ARMS.  THE  END  DRAWING  NEAR. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII.  710 

Battle  of  five  forks.  Federal  flank  movement.  Numerical 

STRENGTH  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC.  IN  MOTION.  DISPOSI- 
TION of.  Battle  of  steam  mill.  Confederates  withdrawn. 
Heavy  loss  of  life.  General  chamberlain  wounded.  Lee 

DISCOVERS  GRANT’S  PLANS.  PREPARES  TO  OFFSET  THEM.  BATTLE 
OF  FIVE  FORKS.  PlCKETT  IN  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES.  SKIR- 
MISHING. Federals  reinforced.  Preparing  for  the  great  con- 


CONTENTS. 


17 


flict.  Sheridan’s  skillful  plan  of  battle.  The  assault 
begun.  Confederates  flanked.  Surprised  and  demoralized. 
Gallantry  of  general  warren.  His  last  official  act.  Con- 
federates defeated.  Fite  thousand  prisoners  in  hands  of 

FEDERALS.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  PEGRAM.  SOUTH  SIDE  RAILROAD 

captured.  Union  troops  elated.  Warren’s  ill  treatment. 


CHAPTER  XXIX.  724 

thrilling  incidents,  anecdotes,  and  POEM.1 


CHAPTER  XXX.  754 

The  last  campaign.  Bombardment  of  Petersburg.  The  infantry 
assault.  Federals  in  rear  of  confederate  intbenchments. 
Capture  of  forts  gregg  and  Alexander.  Confederate  force 
reduced  to  thirty-three  thousand  men.  Death  of  general  a. 
p.  hill.  Lee’s  message  to  president  davis.  Painful  excite- 
ment OF  RICHMOND  CITIZENS.  FLIGHT  OF  PRESIDENT  DAVIS.  The 
VIRGINIA  LEGISLATURE.  DESTRUCTION  OF  PUBLIC  PROPERTY.  MON- 
OCRACY. Richmond  in  flames.  Evacuated.  Dreadful  explo- 
sions. Burning  of  mayo's  bridge.  Lee's  hope  of  escape. 
Federals  occupy  Richmond  with  negro  troops.  Federals  wel- 
comed by  many  of  the  inhabitants.  Evacuation  of  Peters- 
burg. Lee’s  point  of  concentration  of  his  troops.  His  disap- 
pointment. Plans  abandoned.  Activity  of  Federals.  Pe- 
tersburg IN  HANDS  OF  FEDERAL  TROOPS.  SHERIDAN  IN  PURSUIT  OF 
CONFEDERATES.  INTERCEPTED  BY  FEDERALS.  Lee’s  EMBARRASS- 
MENT. His  only  hope.  Battle  of  fabmvtlle.  Federals  re- 
pulsed. Death  of  general  read.  Battle  of  sailor's  creek. 
Capture  of  confederate  wagon  train,  sixteen  guns  and  six 

THOUSAND  PRISONERS.  EWELL  CAPTURED.  CONFEDERATE  HEROISM. 

Council  of  confederate  generals.  Lee  declines  to  heed 
their  suggestions.  Betreat  continued.  Federals  in  pursuit. 
Battle  of  high  bridge.  Battle  on  the  road.  Federals  re- 
pulsed. Death  of  general  smythe,  generals  mott,  madill,  and 
MCDOUGALL  WOUNDED.  GRANT’S  NOTE  TO  LEE.  HlS  REPLY.  SUR- 
RENDER OF  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA  SUGGESTED  BY  GRANT. 

Sheridan’s  last  stroke.  Confederates  desperate.  Battle  of 
APPOMATTOX  STATION.  DETERMINED  VALOR  OF  CONFEDERATE  ARTIL- 
LERIST. Sergeant  underwood.  Capture  of  artillery.  Lee’s 
ORDERS  TO  GENERAL  GORDON.  The  LAST  EFFORT.  THE  WHITE  FLAG. 
Conference  of  lee  and  grant.  Army  of  northern  Virginia 

SURRENDERED.  MAGNANIMITY  OF  FEDERAL  CHIEFTAIN.  CONDITIONS 
OF  SURRENDER.  THEIR  ACCEPTANCE.  SOLDIERS  REJOICED.  ANIMOSITY 


13 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


FORGOTTEN.  IMPOSING  FORMULA  OF  SURRENDER.  CONFEDERATES 
SALUTED  BY  THEIR  CAPTORS.  RECEIVING  PAROLES.  Lee’S  FARE- 
WELL address.  Circulated  among  his  soldiers.  The  number 

OF  MEN  SURRENDERED.  Of  ARMS.  GOING  HOME.  COMMENDABLE 
CONDUCT  OF  CONFEDERATES.  "WITHDRAWAL  OF  FEDERAL  ARMY  TO 
WASHINGTON.  The  BLUE  AND  THE  GRAY.  ROSTER.  VALEDICTORY. 
Map — Route  of  retreat  of  the  confederate  army  from  Rich- 
mond AND  PETERSBURG,  AND  CAPTURE  BY  UNITED  STATES 
FORCES,  757 

Map — Operations  around  Petersburg,  five  forks  and  hatch- 
er’s run  from  march  29  to  April  2,  1865,  . . 706 

Roster— Commanders  of  the  army  of  the  potomac,  under 

GENERAL  MEADE,  ......  735 

Appendix,  ........  7S9 

General  index,  ........  803 


PREFACE. 


Three  objects  have  been  sought  in  preparing  this 
work  for  the  public  : The  first  being  to  give  a full  and 
impartial  history  of  the  campaigns  which  were  endured 
and  fought  by  the  rank  and  file  of  the  Armies  of  the 
Potomac  and  Northern  Virginia;  to  preserve  a record 
of  the  skillful  officers  who  led  the  two  armies  named, 
upon  so  many  fields  of  conflict ; to  give  the  dates  of 
the  various  movements;  to  hand  down  to  posterity  the 
names  of  those  who  were  conspicuous  participants ; to 
show  the  actual  strength  of  the  forces  engaged  at  vari- 
ous periods  of  the  war;  to  give  official  reports  of  the 
actual  losses  on  the  battlefield  as  well  as  elsewhere ; 
and  an  official  roster  of  the  opposing  forces  as  taken 
from  authentic  sources.  That  the  foregoing  object 
might  be  reliably  accomplished,  the  authors  have  had 
access  to  Lossing,  Swinton,  Scribner,  Pollard,  and 
Southern  Historical  Society  Papers,  to  all  of  whom 
they  acknowledge  their  indebtedness.  As  a result,  a 
carefully  compiled  record  has  been  attained,  which  can 
be  relied  on  as  being  as  nearly  correct  as  is  possible 
for  the  impartial  historian  to  produce. 


19 


20 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


The  second  object  has  been  to  preserve,  in  perma- 
nent form,  the  incidents,  reminiscences,  and  many 
amusing  anecdotes  of  the  private  soldier’s  life,  and  it 
is  a source  of  gratification  to  us  that  we  have  been 
enabled  to  produce  so  many  reminiscences  of  the 
classes  named,  which  may  recall  to  the  memory  of  our 
former  comrades  the  associations  of  the  past,  and 
which  may  impress  upon  the  minds  of  the  present  and 
future  generations,  the  characters  of  those  who  took 
part  in  the  great  rebellion. 

The  last,  although  not  least,  object  has  been  to  show 
the  fraternal  feeling  which  existed  between  those  who 
were  members  of  the  opposing  forces,  and  the  honora- 
ble example  set  to  coming  generations  by  the  soldiers 
of  both  sides  after  the  close  of  hostilities. 

Grateful  for  the  many  words  of  encouragement  re- 
ceived from  all  sections  of  the  Union,  we  only  hope 
that  our  effort  may  be  found  deserving  of  the  respect 
of  the  public,  and  that  we  have  at  least  partially  suc- 
ceeded in  our  honest  endeavor. 


LETTER  FROM  AUGUSTUS  C.  HAMLIN. 


21 


LETTER  FROM  COL.  AUGUSTUS  C.  HAMLIN. 

Bangor,  Maine,  Sept.,  1883. 

Gentlemen  : — 

I have  examined  with  care  many  of  the  pages  of 
your  new  book  relating  to  the  campaigns  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  and  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia, 
and  I may  add,  with  much  pleasure,  for  the  spirit  which 
seems  to  animate  and  govern  the  minds  of  the  authors 
is  characterized  by  candor,  fairness  and  good  humor. 
And  throughout  the  narrative  there  is  an  apparent  in- 
tention to  describe  the  events  and  scenes  as  they 
appeared  to  the  participants  at  the  time  and  the  place. 
It  is  refreshing  to  read  these  descriptions  free  from 
sectionalism  and  prejudice,  where  disaster  is  not  con- 
cealed nor  success  magnified. 

The  joke  of  the  soldier,  and  the  humorous  scenes  of 
military  life  are  well  woven  in  to  relieve  the  severity 
of  some  of  the  pages  where  carnage  and  destruction 
fill  the  heart  with  anguish.  It  will  be  from  these  indi- 
vidual experiences  that  the  future  historian,  unbiased 
and  untrammeled  by  the  sentiments  of  the  past,  will 
be  able  to  form  the  true  history  of  the  great  struggle. 

There  are  some  features  of  the  great  civil  war,  which 
shook  the  structure  of  the  American  Republic  to  its 


22 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


foundation,  which  in  a marked  degree  distinguish  it 
from  other  similar  contests  of  the  past.  One  of  these 
is  the  lack  of  bitterness  among  the  great  majority  of 
the  men  who  fought  each  other  and  struck  the  hardest 
blows  in  battle,  and  endured  the  hardships  and  priva- 
tions of  the  struggle  from  the  first  until  the  last.  The 
historian  will  admit  that  this  feeling  is  singularly  want- 
ing in  a fierce  contest,  characterized  by  extreme  bravery, 
determination  and  endurance  on  both  sides.  May  we 
not  claim  this  exhibition"  of  humanity,  this  generosity 
of  feeling,  as  one  of  the  results  of  our  free  institutions, 
as  well  as  due  in  part  to  the  enlightenment  of  the  age 
itself. 

Another  grand  feature  of  the  strife  was  the  manner 
in  which  a million  of  armed  men  laid  aside  their  arms 
at  the  word  of  command,  and  vanished  among  the 
peaceful  occupations  of  the  humble  citizen. 

As  the  flags  of  the  contending  armies  were  furled, 
the  glitter  of  the  bayonet  disappeared,  the  sound  of 
arms  ceased  as  if  by  enchantment,  and  the  deep  trod- 
den fields,  the  torn  mounds  and  redoubts  of  earth 
alone  remained  to  indicate  where  destruction  and  death 
had  played  havoc  with  mighty  and  resolute  armies  of 
men. 

When  the  final  order  to  stack  arms  was  given,  we 
must  not  forget  to  observe  the  friendly  feelings  which 
almost  instantly  sprang  up  between  the  men  who  had 
so  many  times  crossed  bayonets  in  deadly  earnest. 


LETTER  FROM  AUGUSTUS  C.  HAMLIN.  23 

Now  for  the  first  time  in  history,  we  may  see  two 
soldiers  from  the  opposing  ranks,  laying  aside  their 
arms,  their  sectional  prejudices,  and  placing  their  pens 
together,  as  in  a common  cause,  to  describe  the  events 
of  the  great  struggle  as  they  saw  it  amid  the  carnage 
and  the  smoke  of  the  front  line  of  battle. 

It  is  a happy  augury  for  the  future  when  combatants 
unite  to  relate  their  views  of  the  contest  which  tempo- 
rarily separated  them,  and  it  is  a fortunate  day  for  the 
present,  if  this  generous  feeling  becomes  widespread 
among  the  people  of  our  country. 

Neither  hatred  nor  vengeance  can  banish  the  gloomy 
shadows  that  darkened  so  many  of  our  firesides,  nor  fill 
the  vacant  chairs  with  the  forms  once  so  dear  to  us ; 
neither  can  they  restore  a single  penny  of  the  many 
millions  of  treasure  wasted  and  lost.  Why  then  con- 
sume our  remaining  years  in  unavailing  regrets,  when 
the  present  and  the  future  offer  to  us  so  many  bright 
and  happy  pictures  of  contentment  and  prosperity  ? 
It  seems  as  though  duty  calls  upon  every  citizen  to 
give  his  aid  unreservedly  to  his  country,  however  hum- 
ble it  may  be,  and  to  perform  his  part  in  perfecting  its 
institutions,  and  placing  it  at  the  head  of  the  great  na- 
tions of  the  earth.  So  as  the  battle  smoke  of  the  ter- 
rible conflict  has  cleared  away,  letting  in  the  glorious 
sunlight  of  peace  upon  every  section  of  our  broad  land, 
let  the  people  encourage  both  sides  of  the  battle  line 
to  clasp  hands  in  earnestness,  “ shoulder  the  crutch, 


24 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


and  show  how  fields  were  won.”  Let  them  now  claim 
and  recount  their  deeds  of  valor  as  the  boast  and  the 
common  property  of  the  nation  ; whether  it  be  the 
heroic  defence  of  the  sand  heaps  of  Fort  Wagner,  or 
the  Frigate  Cumberland;  or  whether  it  be  the  daunt- 
less charge  of  the  Virginians  at  Gettysburg,  or  the 
fearless  and  forlorn  hope  of  the  Iron  brigade  at  Rap- 
pahannock Station. 

“ The  songs  of  the  camp-fires  are  blended, 

The  North  and  the  South  are  no  more  ; 

The  conflict  forever  is  ended, 

From  the  lakes  to  the  palm-girded  shore. 

“ One  people  united  forever, 

In  hope  greets  the  promising  years  ; 

No  discord  again  can  dissever 
A Union  cemented  by  tears. 

• “ The  past  shall  retain  but  one  story, 

A record  of  courage  and  love  ; 

The  future  shall  cherish  one  glory, 

While  stars  shine  responsive  above.” 

Very  Respectfully  Yours, 

Augustus  C.  Hamlin. 


LETTER  FROM  FITZHUGH  LEE. 


25 


LETTER  FROM  GEN.  FITZHUGH  LEE. 


Spring  Bank,  near  Alexandria,  Va., 
Sept.  24,  1883. 

Gentlemen : — 

I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  letter  in  reference  to  your  forthcoming  book,  and 
some  of  the  proof  sheets  have  been  shown  to  me. 

The  spirit  springing  from  whatever  section  it  may, 
is  most  commendable  that  has  for  its  object  the  abate- 
ment of  the  bitter  memories  of  war,  and  the  promotion 
of  harmonious  feelings  in  peace. 

There  was  but  little  personal  hostility  between  the 
men  who  wore  the  “ Blue  and  the  Gray  ” in  the  four 
years’  struggle,  whether  exchanging  coffee  for  tobacco 
upon  the  picket  lines,  whether  as  organized  bodies  the 
one  was  hurled  against  the  other,  or  when  under  a flag 
of  truce  they  mingled  together  after  the  cessation  of 
shot  and  shell,  to  bury  in  the  same  mother  earth,  and 
under  the  same  blue  sky,  their  gallant  comrades  who 
had  fallen  in  defence  of  their  respective  flags. 

Now  that  the  battle  plains  have  been  converted  into 
fields  of  waving  grain  and  grass ; now  that  the  soft 
ripples  of  peace  have  chased  away  the  wild  waves  of 
war ; now  that  the  pickets  of  both  armies  have  been 


26 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


called  in,  let  us  hope  forever;  now  when  the  same 
flag  floats  over  “ Blue  and  Gray  ” ; now,  when  the  same 
laws  govern  them  both  ; now,  when  each  should  be 
equally  interested  in  making  this  Republic  what  their 
common  forefathers  intended  it  should  be,  “ the  glory 
of  America  and  a blessing  to  humanity,”  they  should 
never  be  found  in  the  ranks  of  those  who  can  see  noth- 
ing good  except  in  their  respective  sections,  and  who 
generally  compose  the  battalions  of  either  side  who 
were  “ invisible  in  war  and  invincible  in  peace.” 

Let  victory  upon  one  side  temper  its  martial  spirit 
with  magnanimity,  while  the  other  finds  consolation 
in  the  thought  that  “ valor  soars  above  misfortune.” 

Understanding  that  your  book,  the  “Blue  and  the 
Gray,”  apart  from  its  contribution  to  the  history  and 
incidents  of  the  war,  goes'  forth  in  the  interest  of 
“ Good  will  toward  men,”  its  pages  will  be  of  more  than 
ordinary  importance,  to  some  at  least,  who  wore  those 
colors. 

Very  Respectfully  and  Truly  Yours, 

Fitzhugh  Lee. 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  condition  of  the  north  and  south  at  the  beginning  of  hos- 
tilities. 

It  is  not  our  intention  to  consider  the  questions  of  the  war 
from  either  a religious,  moral,  social,  or  political  stand-point, 
but  to  speak  of  the  conditions  the  two  sections  of  the  country 
were  in,  to  meet  the  great  storm  of  civil  war  which  burst  upon 
them  from  the  skies  of  ’61. 

The  people  of  the  North  were  so  deeply  absorbed  in  the 
peaceful  pursuits  of  life,  that  they  failed  to  scan  with  sufficient 
care  the  ominous  indications  that  were  but  too  plainly  visible 
in  the  political  horizon,  while  a large  majority  of  them  did  not 
believe  a war  possible.  They  had  no  taste  or  desire  for  it, 
and  possessed  but  little  knowledge  as  to  the  organization  or 
equipment  of  armies ; nor  were  they  represented  but  by  few 
officers  of  any  prominence  in  the  United  States  regular  army. 

All  of  their  pursuits  and  associations  combined  to  place  them 
upon  a basis  of  peace,  while  in  all  the  North  there  were  but 
few  military  organizations,  either  of  a state  or  national  charac- 
ter. But  when  war  was  discussed,  the  people,  with  that  genu- 
ine Yankee  pluck  for  which  they  have  always  been  distin- 
guished, supposed,  that,  when  occasion  should  demand  such  a 
course,  they  could  easily  distinguish  themselves  upon  fields  of 
martial  strife.  They  cherished  with  much  pride  the  memories 
of  their  ancestors  who  fought  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and 
fondly  recalled  the  scenes  enacted  upon  the  plains  of  Lexing- 
ton and  the  slopes  of  Bunker  Hill. 

Their  success  in  the  peaceful  pursuits  of  life  had  perhaps 
given  them  an  exalted  and  exaggerated  opinion  of  their  own 
prowess ; and  they  fancied  that  the  muscular  power  which  had 

27 


28 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


transformed  the  wild  forests  of  the  North  into  blooming  fields, 
which  had  built  up  the  great  manufactories  and  industries  of 
their  section,  and  dotted  the  ocean  with  its  merchantmen, 
would  only  have  to  exchange  the  implements  of  peace  for  those 
of  war,  and  find  it  an  easy  task  to  win  victories  upon  the  red 
fields  of  battle  that  would  put  to  shame  the  exploits  of  a Napo- 
leon or  a Wellington.  It  was  frequently  remarked  that  one 
Yankee  could  quite  easily  cope  with  three  Southerners,  should 
there  be  a war  between  the  two  sections  ; showing  conclusively 
that  the  people  of  the  North  knew  but  little  of  their  Southern 
brethren,  and  failed  to  understand  how  deeply  they  were 
wedded  to  their  peculiar  ideas  of  State  Rights  and  the  consti- 
tutionality of  slavery,  nor  with  what  desperation  they  would 
defend  these  when  they  considered  them  endangered  by  any 
aggressive  movement  on  the  part  of  the  North. 

Of  all  the  loyal  millions  residing  north  of  Mason  and  Dix- 
on’s line,  there  were  but  few  who  would  believe  war  to  be 
possible.  They  thought  that  the  South  would  not  attempt  to 
secede,  but  that  all  such  threats  were  only  the  ravings  of  dis- 
appointed politicians.  And  when  secession  became  a fact,  and 
the  Southern  Confederacy  was  formed,  the  North  but  slowly 
grasped  the  situation,  and  imperfectly  estimated  the  many  ad- 
vantages and  immense  resources  possessed  by  their  opponents. 
It  undertook  the  work  of  coercion  as  if  it  were  a holiday  task, 
and  promised  itself  peace  within  sixty  days.  It  regarded  seces- 
sion as  a temporary  tempest  of  passion,  which  would  soon 
cease  ; but  when  the  terrible  realities  of  the  situation  were  un- 
derstood, and  the  magnitude  of  their  task  was  fully  compre- 
hended, the  North,  for  a 'single  moment,  did  not  falter  nor 
shrink  from  the  great  sacrifice  it  was  to  make.  The  people  had 
a supreme  faith  in  the  union  of  States,  which,  from  the  begin- 
ning, they  had  been  taught  to  regard  as  a sacred  bond ; and 
that  faith  inspired  them  with  courage  and  strength  to  face 
the  gravity  of  their  situation.  Great  methods  were  devised, 
enormous  revenues  were  gathered,  huge  armies  were  raised, 
equipped,  and  maintained  in  the  field,  through  a long  series 
of  the  most  disastrous  and  humiliating  defeats. 


THE  CONDITION  OF  THE  NORTH  AND  SOUTH. 


29 


Navies  were  created,  the  nation’s  credit  sustained,  lives  were 
sacrificed  by  hundreds  of  thousands,  treasure  was  expended  by 
thousands  of  millions;  yet  with  an  unparalleled  devotion  the 
people  sustained  it  all,  until,  by  the  wisdom  of  their  statesmen, 
the  bravery  of  their  soldiers,  and  their  overwhelming-  resources, 
their  efforts  were  crowned  with  success,  and  the  civilized  world 
beheld  the  strange  spectacle  of  artisans  coming  forth  from  the 
peaceable  avocations  of  life,  and,  without  any  military  train- 
ing, performing  deeds  of  brilliant  daring  upon  scores  of  battle- 
fields which  would  rival  those  performed  by  the  trained 
veterans  of  Europe. 

The  South,  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  possessed  much  more 
of  a warlike  spirit  than  did  the  North.  From  the  earliest  set- 
tlement of  the  country,  it  had  been  justly  proud  of  its  soldier 
sons.  They  had  fought  on  nearly  every  battle-field  where 
the  rights  and  interests  of  the  country  had  been  at  stake, 
from  the  days  of  Washington;  and  on  every  field  they  had 
honored  the  country  by  their  valor. 

The  hot  blood  of  that  section  seemed  to  find  a congenial  at- 
mosphere amid  the  exciting  and  bloody  scenes  of  war,  and  a 
martial  spirit  had  thus  existed  in  the  breasts  of  each  generation. 
The  men  of  the  South  bore  a full  share  of  the  burdens  of  the 
war  -of  1812-15,  and  it  had  furnished  a large  percentage  of 
the  officers  and  men  of  the  army  that  fought  under  Taylor 
and  Scott  in  Mexico.  Many  of  these  officers  were  holding 
very  prominent  positions  in  the  regular  army. 

A large  majority  of  them  had  been  trained  in  the  South,  and 
were  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  doctrine  of  State  Rights,  and 
ready  to  draw  their  swords  in  defense  of  their  native  States. 
Likewise  a large  part  of  the  private  soldiers  who  fought  in  the 
Mexican  campaigns  had  returned  to  peaceful  pursuits,  and  were 
living  in  the  South  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  war.  These 
had  not  forgotten  the  inspiration  and  glory  of  a soldier’s  life, 
and,  like  all  old  soldiers,  were  fighting  their  battles  over  again, 
and  were  anxious  to  enlist  in  defense  of  Southern  institutions. 

There  were  also  many  military  organizations  throughout  the 
South  already  disciplined  and  equipped  to  take  the  field.  All 


30 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


of  these  advantages  combined  to  give  the  South  a military 
prestige,  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  which  the  North  never 
enjoyed ; and,  as  the  gallant  soldiers  of  the  South  for  months 
won  victories  almost  unparalleled,  one  is  not  surprised  that 
the  Southern  people  for  a time  fondly  cherished  the  belief 
that  the  Confederacy  was  firmly  established  among  the  nations 
of  the  earth. 

But  the  South  also  made  its  mistakes,  and  committed  its 
fatal  blunders.  It  failed  to  understand  the  rugged  courage 
of  its  adversary,  and  was  mistaken  in  its  estimate  that  “ one 
Southerner  could  defeat  five  Yankees  on  the  field  of  battle.” 
They  thought  the  Northern  people  would  have  such  a dislike 
for  war  that  they  would  permit  the  South  to  depart  in  peace 
rather  than  enter  into  a prolonged  conflict ; neither  did  they 
comprehend  the  great  advantage  the  North  would  possess 
when  it  was  once  thoroughly  aroused.  Its  skilled  labor,  its 
manufactories,  its  infinite  agricultural  resources,  the  ease  with 
which  it  could  draw  upon  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  for  men 
and  material,  and  its  facilities  for  marshaling  overwhelming 
armies  and  building  blockading  squadrons  to  draw  a girdle  of 
death  around  the  Confederacy,  were  overlooked  until  it  was 
too  late  to  profit  by  it ; and  instead  of  utilizing  its  early  ad- 
vantages and  opportunities  by  pursuing  an  aggressive  policy 
in  throwing  its  armies,  flushed  with  victory,  upon  Northern 
soil,  it  assumed  the  defensive  to  a very  lai’ge  degree  — indeed, 
until  its  armies,  composed  of  as  gallant  men  as  ever  marched 
forth  to  the  field  of  battle,  were  overpowered  by  superior 
numbers,  composed  of  men  equally  as  brave  and  determined. 

The  struggle  was  long  and  desperate ; while  the  failure 
of  the  South  to  succeed  can  never  be  attributed  to  a lack  of 
great  generalship  on  the  part  of  its  officers,  the  bravery  of  its 
soldiers,  or  the  generous  sacrifices  of  its  people.  Rather  let 
us  attribute  the  results  of  the  war  to  the  overruling  providence 
of  the  Infinite  One ; and  as  both  North  and  South  rejoice  that 
the  Var,  with  all  of  its  vexed  questions,  has  passed  away  for- 
ever, let  us  thank  Him  for  an  undivided  country,  a re-united 
and  prosperous  people. 


CAMPAIGN  OF  1861. 


31 


CHAPTER  II. 

Campaign  of  1S61.  Battle  of  bull  run.  Preparing  for  ivar. 

Reorganization  of  tiie  army  of  the  potomac.  Blockade  of 

THE  POTOMAC  RIVER.  BATTLE  OF  BALL’S  BLUFF.  DEATH  OF  COL. 

baker.  Confederates  in  winter  quarters. 

With  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  which  was  so  disastrous  to 
the  Union  arms,  this  campaign  opened.  Public  sentiment, 
North,  so  ignorant  as  to  the  means  and  method  of  Avar,  had, 
for  Aveeks,  demanded  an  aggressive  movement  upon  the  Con- 
federate lines.  The  Government  yielded  to  this  demand  and 
it  was  decided  that  there  should  be  an  advance  of  the  army  in 
front  of  Washington.  Early  in  July,  the  duty  of  planning 
and  executing  a movement  against  Beauregard  at  Manassas, 
devolved  upon  General  Irwin  McDowell,  Avho,  since  the  trans- 
fer of  the  Union  forces  into  Virginia,  had  been  put  in  com- 
mand of  the  column  of  active  operation  south  of  the  Potomac, 
and  of  the  department  of  Northern  Virginia.  This  column 
numbered  about  thirty  thousand  men.  The  officer,  upon 
whom  it  thus  fell  to  lead  the  main  army  to  its  first  field,  Avas 
a man  of  no  mean  capacity  as  a soldier. 

Of  the  staff  of  the  old  regular  army,  McDoAvell  Avas  distin- 
guished for  his  fine  professional  acquirements.  Having 
studied  the  theory  of  Avar,  and  having  seen  European  armies, 
he  was,  of  the  small  body  of  trained  soldiers,  perhaps,  the  man 
best  qualified  for  the  command.  That  he  had  never  com- 
manded any  considerable  body  of  men  in  the  field  Avas  a draAV- 
back  shared  by  every  other  officer  in  the  service.  One  great 
difficulty  under  which  he  labored,  Avas  the  impatience  of  the 
northern  people,  who,  goaded  on  by  the  appeals  of  their 
press,  Avere  demanding  that  the  rebellion  should  be  crushed 
in  thirty  days.  General  McDowell  Avas,  therefore,  obliged  to 
take  the  field  Avith  an  army  that  Avas  neither  organized  nor 


32 


BLUE  AND  UR A ¥ . 


disciplined.  It  was  simply  a mass  of  citizens  marching  ont  to 
Bull  Run,  expecting  to  gain  a victory  over  another  mass  of 
citizens,  and  to  close  the  war  upon  a single  battlefield. 

mcdowell's  embarrassment. 

General  McDoAvell  well  understood  this  great  embarrass- 
ment ; but  there  was  no  remedy  at  hand,  and  like  a true  sol- 
dier he  went  forth  to  perform  his  duty  as  best  he  could. 

The  Confederates,  under  command  of  General  P.  T.  Beau- 
regard, occupied  a position  south  of  the  Bull  Run  stream,  at  a 
point  known  as  Manassas  Junction.  This  position  was  natu- 
rally a strong  one  because  the  forces  in  position  there  could 
easily  cover  the  fords  and  bridges  of  the  Bull  Run.  It  was 
also  one  of  importance  as  being  the  railroad  center  of  Virginia. 
At  the  time  the  forces  of  McDowell  and  Beauregard  were 
confronting  each  other  at  this  place,  two  other  armies,  — the 
Union  commanded  by  General  Patterson,  and  the  Confederate 
by  General  Johnston, — were  facing  each  other  in  the  Shenan- 
doah Valley.  In  planning  the  campaign,  the  duty  assigned 
General  Patterson  was  to  occupy  the  attention  of  General 
Johnston,  that  the  latter  might  not  move  his  troops  through 
the  passes  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  to  reinforce  General  Beaure- 
gard at  Manassas,  and  thus  overpower  the  troops  of  McDowell 
when  they  should  make  an  advance  movement. 

As  his  force  of  eighteen  thousand  men  was  much  larger 
than  that  of  his  opponent,  the  task  of  General  Patterson 
would  seem  to  have  been  a comparatively  easy  one.  The 
movement  made  by  this  general  only  developed  a capacity 
for  blunders  upon  an  infinite  scale.  On  the  eighteenth 
of  July,  the  very  day  that  the  reconnoitering  parties  of 
General  McDowell  appeared  in  front  of  Bull  Run,  General 
Johnston,  received  the  following  dispatch  from  General  Beau- 
regard, “If  you  wish  to  help  me  now  is  the  time.”  Subse- 
quent events  will  show  how  timely  that  help  arrived.  On 
this  date  General  Tyler,  commanding  a division  of  McDow- 
ell’s army,  who  had  been  ordered  to  occupy  Centreville  and 
observe  the  roads  to  Bull  Run,  but  not  to  bring  on  an  en- 


BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUU  OR  MANASSAS.  85 

gagement,  with  more  zeal  than  wisdom  did  have  an  engage- 
ment with  the  Confederates,  at  Blackburn’s  Ford;  the  results 
of  which  were  more  injurious  than  beneficial. 

The  nineteenth  and  twentieth  were  occupied  by  the  en- 
gineers of  McDowell  in  deciding  how  and  where  the  attack 
should  be  made.  It  was  discovered  that  there  was  a good 
ford  over  Bull  Run  at  Sudley  Spring,  two  miles  above  the 
point  where  the  direct  road  from  Centreville  to  Warrenton 
crosses  the  Bull  Run  at  the  Stone  Bridge.  That  ford  and 
the  stream  above  that  point,  were  unguarded  by  the  Confed- 
erates. Above  Sudley  Spring  the  stream  could  be  easily 
crossed  at  almost  any  place. 

On  this  data  was  the  plan  of  attack  arranged,  which  was 
to  be  as  follows  : 

BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN  OR  MANASSAS. 

The  fifth  division  (Miles)  to  remain  in  reserve  at  Centre- 
ville, and  to  make,  with  one  of  its  brigades,  added  to  Rich- 
ardson’s brigade  of  Tyler’s  division,  a false  attack  at  Black- 
burn’s Ford;  the  first  division  (Tyler)  to  move  by  the  turn- 
pike, up  to  the  Stone  Bridge  at  day-break,  threaten  that 
point,  and,  at  the  proper  time,  to  carry  it,  or  cross  it  uncov- 
ered from  above.  Meantime,  the  principal  column,  consist- 
ing of  the  two  divisions  of  Hunter  and  Heintzelman,  of  about 
twelve  thousand  men,  was  to  diverge  from  the  turnpike  to 
the  right,  a mile  beyond  Centreville,  and  by  a detour,  reach 
Sudley  Ford;  thence,  descending  the  right  bank  of  Bull  Run 
it  would  take  the  defences  of  the  Stone  Bridge  in  reserve. 
The  united  forces  would  then  give  battle,  strike  at  the  ene- 
my’s railroad  lines,  or  act  as  circumstances  should  direct. 
The  plan  was  a most  excellent  one,  and,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  mistakes  of  others,  it  would  have  resulted  in  a victory  for 
General  McDowell. 

The  army  of  General  Johnston  left  Winchester  on  the  nine- 
teenth of  July,  passing  through  Ashby's  Gap  in  the  Blue 
Ridge,  and  by  way  of  Upperville,  to  the  White  Plains,  a sta- 
tion on  the  Manassas  Gap  railroad.  It  reached  this  point 


36 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


on  the  twentieth,  a part  of  the  command  being  immediately 
forwarded  to  Manassas  Junction;  the  remainder  under  com- 
mand of  General  Smith,  waiting  until  the  next  day  for  the 
means  of  transportation.  It  was  about  twelve  noon  on  the 
twenty-first  of  July,  when  the  troops  under  General  Smith 
started  for  Manassas  Plains.  As  they  neared  Gainsville,  a few 
miles  from  Manassas,  Gen.  Smith  judging  from  the  sounds  of 
the  guns  that  a fierce  battle  was  raging,  stopped  the  engine, 
disembarked  the  troops,  and  moved  rapidly  across  the  country 
in  the  direction  of  the  firing  at  Manassas  Junction,  from 
which  place  the  battlefield  takes  its  name.  This  junction  is 
in  Prince  William  county,  Virginia,  about  thirty-five  miles 
southwest  of  Washington.  The  country  is  open  and  slightly 
rolling.  General  Beauregard  had  his  headquarters  at  Manas- 
sas, while  his  forces  were  distributed  along  Bull  Run,  a slug- 
gish stream  which  flows  in  the  direction  of  the  Potomac 
about  three  miles  east  of  Manassas.  The  banks  of  Bull  Run 
are  in  many  places  steep  and  rocky,  and,  although  not  a large 
stream,  it  presents  quite  an  obstacle  to  the  crossing  of  an 
army,  except  at  the  fords  and  bridges. 

The  numerical  strength  of  the  army  under  General  Beaure- 
gard was  reported  at  twenty-one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
thirty-three  men.  A line  of  field  works  had  been  thrown  up 
around  Manassas,  armed  with  a few  heavy  guns,  and  garri- 
soned by  about  twelve  hundred  men.  Beside  these  there 
were  no  earth-works  of  defence,  except  some  rifle-pits  at  the 
various  fords.  From  the  movements  of  the  Federal  army 
around  Washington,  as  reported  by  his  scouts,  General  Beau- 
regard concluded  that  General  McDowell  was  about  to  begin 
his  long  talked  of  advance.  All  of  his  troops  were  withdrawn 
from  the  eastern  side  of  Bull  Run,  and  such  disposition  made 
of  them  as  would  enable  the  Confederate  commander  to  meet 
an  attack  either  upon  his  right  or  left  flank. 

LOXGSTREET  ATTACKED. 

On  the  eighteenth  of  July,  as  has  already  been  stated,  an 
attack  was  made  on  Longstreet’s  guns.  A line  of  infantry 


LONGSTREET  ATTACKED. 


37 


skirmishers  then  advanced,  closely  followed  by  a brigade  in 
order  of  battle.  A rapid  and  decisive  fire  was  opened  by 
Longstreet’s  line,  before  which  the  Federal  force  retired  in 
some  confusion.  The  casualties  of  this  affair,  on  the  side  of 
the  Confederates,  amounted  to  fifteen  killed,  and  fifty-three 
wounded ; the  loss  sustained  by  General  Tyler  was  probably 
greater,  as  he  was  the  attacking  party.  In  itself,  the  affair  at 
Blackburn’s  Ford,  amounted  to  little  more  than  a skirmish , 
but,  in  the  bearing  on  subsequent  movements  of  the  two  arm- 
ies, it  deserves  to  be  accounted  as  a very  important  factor  in 
the  great  battle  which  followed.  This  “ reconnaisance  in 
force  ” as  it  was  called,  made  by  General  Tyler  without  orders, 
changed  General  McDowell's  plan  of  attack,  while  it  had  the 
effect  of  convincing  General  Beauregard  that  the  intentions 
of  McDowell  were  to  attack  his  right  center.  He  accordingly 
placed  the  larger  part  of  his  force  in  that  neighborhood.  A 
thin  line  extended  to  the  Stone  Bridge,  where  Colonel  Evans 
was  posted  with  a regiment,  a battalion,  and  four  pieces  of 
artillery. 

It  has  already  been  announced  that  upon  the  twentieth  of 
July,  a portion  of  the  command  of  General  Johnston  arrived  at 
Manassas,  and  as  the  ranking  officer  he  took  command  of  the 
army,  but  having  learned  from  General  Beauregard  his  plans, 
agreed  with  him  in  his  conclusions.  Fearing  the  arrival  of 
Patterson,  the  Confederate  generals  had  concluded  to  take  the 
offensive,  and  moved  upon  McDowell  at  Centerville  on  the 
twenty-first.  The  movements  in  McDowell’s  camp  on  this 
morning,  indicated  very  plainly  that  he  had  taken  the  initi- 
ative. His  plan  of  attack  was  admirably  arranged  and  showed 
conclusively  that  he  deserved  to  rank  as  a strategist  of  high 
order.  A series  of  feints  were  to  be  made  at  the  different 
fords  of  Bull  Run,  so  as  to  keep  the  Confederates  engaged, 
and  undecided  as  to  the  real  point  of  attack ; while  with  the 
main  body  of  his  army,  he  intended  to  push  far  to  the  right, 
until  he  should  reach  an  unguarded  ford,  where,  crossing  over, 
he  could  fall  upon  the  extreme  left  of  the  Confederates,  over- 
whelming them,  sweep  down  upon  Manassas,  and  compel  the 


38 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


retreat  or  surrender  of  Beauregard’s  army.  The  first  part  of 
the  plan  succeeded  well.  The  movement  to  the  right  was 
skillfully  concealed,  a crossing  was  effected  without  opposi- 
tion, by  the  divisions  under  Hunter  and  Heintzelman,  while 
the  first  division  under  Tyler,  made  an  attack  on  Colonel 
Evans’  position  at  Stone  Bridge. 

The  attack  at  this  point  was  so  lightly  pressed  that  Colonel 
Evans  with  his  small  force  held  his  ground  without  difficulty ; 
and  the  impression  grew  stronger,  that  the  movement 
under  Tyler  was  a feint,  and  that  the  real  attack  would  be 
made  at  the  lower  fords,  near  Beauregard's  right  or  center  ; 
nor  was  this  impression  dissipated  until,  to  Colonel  Evans’ 
surprise,  Hunter’s  division  emerged  from  the  forest  that  had 
hitherto  concealed  them,  and  came  bearing  down  upon  his 
position  in  overwhelming  numbers.  Realizing  the  uselessness 
of  trying  to  hold  his  ground  against  this  superior  force,  Evans 
fell  back,  and  posted  his  eleven  companies  on  a ridge  about 
half  a mile  in  the  rear  of  his  former  line.  Here  he  was  joined 
by  General  Bee,  with  a brigade  of  four  regiments,  and  a bat- 
tery of  artillery.  This  little  force  was  all  that  stood  between 
the  Union  army  and  victory.  A bold  push  was  made  to  crush 
the  slender  line,  and  carry  out  McDowell’s  plan;  and  the 
probability  is,  that  had  the  men  comprising  the  regiments  of 
Bee  and  Evans  been  experienced  soldiers,  instead  of  raw  re- 
cruits who  had  never  been  under  fire,  the  success  of  the  move- 
ment would  have  been  complete.  The  men  did  not  know,  as 
veterans  would  have  known,  that  they  were  outflanked,  and 
outnumbered.  In  their  ignorance  of  military  movements,  they 
supposed  that  they  must  stand  and  fight  under  any  circum- 
stances ; and  fight  they  did,  like  heroes  every  one  of  them, 
even  when,  to  a practiced  eye,  every  hope  of  success  had  van- 
ished. At  length,  borne  down  by  the  weight  of  the  assaulting 
column,  they  were  driven  from  their  position.  There  was, 
however,  no  confusion  in  the  retreat,  they  fell  back  slowly  and 
sullenly,  contesting  every  foot  of  the  ground.  While  there 
was  no  regularity  in  their  movement,  each  man  seemed  de- 
termined to  sell  his  life  as  dearly  as  possible,  and  this  determi- 


LONGSTREET  ATTACKED. 


39 


nation,  on  the  part  of  men  who  had  been  hopelessly  outnum- 
bered, stayed  the  advance  of  the  Union  army  long  enough  to 
enable  reinforcements  to  come  a distance  of  four  miles  and 
reach  the  field  in  time  to  retrieve  the  fortunes  of  the  day. 

The  victory  of  the  Confederates  at  the  first  Manassas  was 
not  due  to  superior  generalship  on  the  part  of  the  commander 
of  the  army,  but  to  the  individual  valor  of  the  private  soldiers. 
It  is  true  that  skillful  and  vigorous  movements  were  made  by 
Johnston  and  Beauregard,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  day,  but 
the  fact  remains  that,  up  to  twelve  o’clock,  McDowell  had 
succeeded  in  completely  deceiving  them  as  to  his  real  pur- 
pose and  nothing  but  the  stubborn  fighting  of  the  little  force 
on  the  left,  saved  them  from  a disastrous  defeat.  Justice  has 
never  been  done  to  McDowell ; the  shadow  of  the  defeat  in 
the  afternoon  has  obscured  the  glory  of  his  success  in  the 
morning  of  that  day.  His  movements  deserve  to  rank 
among  the  brilliant  achievements  of  the  war. 

While  the  brave  men  of  Bee  and  Evans’  command  were,  by 
their  hard  skirmishing,  delaying  the  advance  of  the  Union 
line,  Jackson,  with  his  brigade,  was  hastening  to  their  assist- 
ance. Seeing  at  a glance  the  situation  of  affairs,  he  posted 
his  men  in  the  most  advantageous  position  to  check  the  on- 
coming columns.  The  ground  occupied,  being  an  elevation 
south  of  Young’s  Branch,  a ravine  on  his  left,  and  skirted 
with  pines  and  scrub  oak,  forming  a cover,  behind  which  the 
shattered  line  of  Bee  was  sheltered.  Hampton’s  battalion 
coming  up,  was  formed  on  Jackson’s  right,  but  being  en- 
filaded by  the  fire  of  Rickett’s  and  Griffin’s  batteries,  was 
compelled  to  fall  back. 

It  was  about  this  time  that  Generals  Johnston  and  Beaure- 
gard arrived  on  the  field.  They  had  at  last  become  aware  of 
the  fact  that  the  assault  on  the  left  was  the  real  attack,  and 
giving  orders  to  hurry  forward  the  troops,  rode  at  once  to  the 
point  where  Bee  and  Jackson  were  engaged.  The  conduct 
of  the  Confederate  generals  shows  how  desperate  they  felt 
the  situation  to  be.  General  Johnston  seized  the  colors  of  the 
Fourth  Alabama  regiment  and  offered  to  lead  the  attack. 


40 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Beauregard  leaped  from  liis  horse,  and  placing  himself  in 
front  of  his  men,  cried  out,  “I  have  come  here  to  die  with 
you!”  It  was  indeed  a most  critical  time.  Jackson’s  brigade 
consisted  of  the  Second,  Fourth,  Fifth,  Twenty-seventh  and 
Thirty-third  Virginia  regiments,  known  from  that  day  as  the 
“Stonewall  Brigade.”  The  origin  of  the  name  is  found  in 
the  following  incident.  When  the  brigade  of  General  Bee 
was  slowly  falling  back,  he  rode  up  to  Jackson,  and  said, 
“General,  they  are  beating  us  back.”  “Then  sir,”  said  Jack- 
son,  “we  must  give  them  the  bayonet.”  Bee  rode  back  to 
his  broken  line,  and  cried,  “Men,  yonder  is  Jackson  and  his 
Virginians  standing  like  a stonewall ; let  us  determine  to  die 
here  and  we  will  conquer.” 

Jackson’s  “stonewall,”  Bee’s  broken  columns,  Hampton’s 
battalion,  and  the  remnant  of  Evans’  command,  with  a few 
pieces  of  artillery,  was  the  Confederate  force  at  this  time  on 
the  field.  That  these  troops  held  their  ground  against  five 
brigades,  sounds  more  like  romance  than  history ; yet  such  is 
the  fact.  Porter’s,  Keyes’,  Sherman’s,  Franklin’s  and  Wil- 
cox’s brigades,  with  Rickett’s  and  Griffin’s  batteries  advanta- 
geously posted,  were  the  odds  against  which  they  had  to  con- 
tend. That  these  men  met  and  repulsed  this  force,  and 
held  the  ground  long  enough  to  enable  the  reinforcements, 
brought  from  the  fords  five  miles  below,  to  reach  the  field 
and  form  in  line  of  battle,  justly  entitles  them  to  the  name  they 
so  proudly  won  of  the  “ Stonewall  Brigade.”  Reinforcements 
came  just  in  the  nick  of  time.  Holmes’  brigade,  with  two  of 
Bonham’s  regiments,  and  Kemper’s  battery  of  six  pounders, 
were  the  first  to  arrive.  A new  line  was  formed  in  the  skirt 
of  woods  near  the  Henry  and  Robinson  house.  Rickett’s 
battery,  supported  by  two  regiments,  was  advanced  to  the 
elevation  near  the  Henry  house,  and  poured  a destructive 
fire  into  Jackson’s  line.  He  at  once  formed  the  bold  plan  of 
capturing  the  battery.  The  Thirty-third  Virginia  was  as- 
signed to  this  work,  marching  forward  in  splendid  style. 
The  artillerists  stood  to  their  guns  like  heroes,  firing  their  last 
round  when  their  assailants  were  at  the  very  muzzles  of  their 


LOXGSTREET  ATTACKED. 


41 


cannon.  The  regiment  lost  heavily,  and  the  artillerymen 
were  nearly  all  killed  or  wounded;  the  captain  of  the  battery 
fell  under  his  guns  badly  wounded.  A loud  shout  told  that 
the  movement  had  been  successful,  but  in  a moment  the  in- 
fantry support  moved  forward,  and  pouring  a deadly  fire  into 
the  ranks  of  the  victorious  regiment,  caused  them  to  retreat 
and  relinquish  the  prize  they  had  gained  at  such  a costly 
price. 

An  attempt  was  now  made  to  drag  the  guns  from  their 
exposed  position,  when  the  Second  Virginia  made  another 
charge,  and  again  the  guns  were  wrested  from  the  hands  of 
their  brave  defenders.  Again  the  Union  troops  rallied  to  the 
charge,  and  once  more  the  battery  was  recaptured.  At  this 
time  the  Confederates,  having  received  more  reinforcements, 
made  a general  advance,  and  for  the  third  time  the  battery 
changed  hands.  The  Union  forces  had  now  fallen  back  to 
the  turnpike,  when  suddenly  the  brigade  of  Kirby  Smith,  un- 
der Colonel  Elzey,  coming  from  the  direction  of  the  railroad 
where  it  had  disembarked,  struck  the  right  flank.  Early’s 
brigade,  with  Beckham's  battery,  moved  around  by  the  Chinn 
House,  and  struck  the  rear.  The  left  flank  of  McDowell  was 
borne  down  and  broken.  Regiment  after  regiment  turned  in 
retreat,  and  soon  the  movement  became  general.  Wild  and 
prolonged  cheers  from  the  Confederate  front  told  that  they 
had  won  the  day.  A regiment  of  cavalry  under  J.  E.  B. 
Stuart  (who  afterward  became  so  famous),  with  a battery 
of  artillery,  followed  the  retreating  army,  while  the  infantry 
lines  were  moved  forward  in  the  direction  of  Stone  Bridge. 

At  the  Cub  Run  Bridge,  a shot  from  the  battery  in  pursuit 
overturned  a wagon,  blocking  up  the  bridge,  and  as  the  men 
pressed  forward  to  climb  over  the  wreck,  a few  more  shells 
produced  such  havoc  that  a panic  ensued,  and  the  retreat  be- 
came a rout.  Artillery  and  wagons  were  abandoned ; mus- 
kets were  thrown  away,  knapsacks,  haversacks,  blankets  and 
cartridge-boxes  were  torn  off  and  flung  aside  ; all  order  was 
lost,  and  down  the  roads  and  through  the  fields  they  rushed, 
a surging,  struggling  mass  of  human  beings,  intent  only  on 


42 


BLUE  AND  GKAY. 


one  object,  and  that  was  to  put  as  much  space  as  possible  be- 
tween themselves  and  the  terribly  blood-thirsty  rebels  whom 
they  imagined  to  be  on  their  very  heels.  For  miles  this  wild 
flight  continued.  Soldiers,  teamsters,  cooks,  camp-followers, 
citizens,  members  of  Congress,  newspaper  correspondents,  and 
even  ladies,  who  had  come  out  from  Washington  to  view  the 
battle,  were  blended  together  in  this  disgraceful  stampede. 

A correspondent  of  the  “ London  Times,”  who  has  ever 
since  been  known  as  “ Bull  Run  Russell,”  is  said  to  have  made 
the  fastest  time  on  record. 

With  the  exception  of  a few  brigades,  the  panic  was  gen- 
eral. These  few  commands  had  not  been  engaged,  and  served 
to  keep  up  a degree  of  order  and  organization,  until  the  army 
of  stragglers  had  recovered  something  of  the  calmness  requi- 
site to  an  organization.  Thousands  of  fugitives  from  the  bat- 
tlefield thronged  the  streets  of  Washington,  and  but  for  the 
energetic  measures  adopted,  many  would  have  boarded  the 
trains,  and  departed  for  their  homes.  The  Confederates  did 
not  attempt  a pursuit.  Beyond  an  occasional  dash  of  cavalry, 
nothing  was  done  to  follow  up  the  success  of  the  afternoon. 
The  impression  seemed  to  be  that  the  army  had  done  all  that 
was  required  of  it,  and  was  entitled  to  a rest.  The  fruits 
of  the  victory  were  fifteen  hundred  prisoners,  twenty-eight 
pieces  of  artillery,  a number  of  wagons,  and  five  thousand 
small  arms,  together  with  the  colors  of  quite  a number  of  the 
regiments  engaged. 

The  losses  on  the  Confederate  side  were  eighteen  hundred 
and  fifty-two  killed  and  wounded.  The  loss  on  the  Union 
side  must  have  been  four  thousand.  After  the  battle,  a Con- 
federate soldier  walked  over  the  field,  and  at  that  time  being 
unused  to  sights  of  blood,  the  scene  that  met  his  eyes  sent  a 
thrill  of  horror  through  his  heart.  The  ground  was  strewn 
with  the  evidences  of  carnage  ; men  shot  in  almost  every 
conceivable  way,  some  moaning  in  agony,  others  stark  and 
still,  their  dead  faces  turned  toward  the  sky;  others  lying 
face  downward,  their  hands  clutching  tufts  of  grass,  which 
they  had  grasped  in  the  agony  of  death.  Pools  of  blood  here 


LONGSTREET  ATTACKED. 


48 


and  there  told  where  some  one  had  been  struck  and  carried 
from  the  field;  all  around  were  seen  the  sad,  sad  marks  of 
war’s  cruel  footsteps. 

In  a ravine  Avas  a young  man  who  had  been  shot  in  the  side  ; 
his  life  Avas  sloAvly  draining  away ; he  turned  his  eyes  toward 
this  soldier,  and  with  his  parched  lips  he  murmured  “ Water.” 
A canteen  being  pressed  to  his  lips  he  eagerly  swallowed  the 
warm  and  nauseous  liquid,  which  had  been  dipped  from  a 
ditch  by  the  roadside.  He  possessed  a fair,  fresh  face  and 
looked  so  innocent,  that,  when  he  spoke  of  his  mother  and  sis- 
ters in  Michigan,  the  soldier  sat  down  by  his  side  and  wept. 
He  died  in  that  ravine,  and  a shallow  grave  was  dug  and  he 
received  a soldier’s  burial. 

The  Confederate  army  bivouaced  on  the  field  that  night, 
and  the  next  day  moved  down  the  road  to  Fairfax  Station, 
where  it  went  into  camp. 

Both  the  North  and  the  South  learned  much  from  the  battle 
of  Bull  Run  and  its  results.  The  feeling  of  exultation  in  the 
South  at  the  great  victory  of  Manassas  was  general.  The 
people  thought  that  the  great  battle  of  the  war  had  been 
fought ; that  now  foreign  nations  would  recognize  their  inde- 
pendence, and  the  North,  seeing  their  determination  and  having 
such  proof  of  their  valor,  would  agree  to  accept  the  advice  of 
one  of  her  prominent  political  lights  and  “ let  her  erring  sis- 
ters go  in  peace.”  But  the  Confederate  soldiers  were  soon 
undeceived ; they  succeeded  in  getting  copies  of  the  northern 
papers  and  read  of  the  action  of  the  Federal  Congress,  passing 
upon  the  very  next  day  after  the  battle  the  following  resolu- 
tion : — 

Resolved,  That  the  maintenance  of  the  Constitution,  the  preservation 
of  the  Union,  and  the  enforcement  of  the  laws,  are  sacred  trusts  which 
must  he  executed  ; that  no  disaster  shall  discourage  us  from  the  most 
ample  performance  of  this  high  trust;  and  that  we  pledge  to  the  country 
and  the  world  the  employment  of  every  resource,  national  and  individual, 
for  the  suppression,  overthrow,  and  punishment  of  rebels  in  arms.” 

and  they  came  to  the  conclusion  that  they  would  have  some 
more  work  to  do  ere  the  object  they  proposed  to  gain  would 
be  realized. 


44 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PREPARING  POR  AVAR. 

The  North  received  a terrible  shock  by  the  defeat  of  its 
army,  and,  for  the  first  time,  began  to  comprehend  the  magni- 
tude of  the  task  it  had  undertaken.  It  did  not  recoil  from 
the  responsibility  imposed  upon  it  however,  but  inaugurated 
those  tremendous  enterprises  which  enabled  it  to  carry  on  the 
war  for  a series  of  years  on  a scale  of  grandeur  that  amazed 
the  world. 

Both  the  Federals  and  Confederates  discovered  that  armies 
must  not  only  be  marshalled,  but  must  be  organized,  chilled, 
and  disciplined,  before  the  war  could  be  carried  on  success- 
fully. At  that  time  the  soldiers  had  not  become  accustomed 
to  the  rigorous  rules  of  army  life.  Many  of  the  Union  sol- 
diers, at  the  retreat  from  the  field  of  Bull  Run,  decided  that 
they  had  seen  enough  of  the  war,  and  did  not  halt  until  they 
reached  their  homes. 

Each  Confederate  soldier,  up  to  that  time,  considered  him- 
self an  independent  command,  and  governed  himself  accord- 
ingly. If  he  learned  of  the  location  of  some  friend,  in  a com- 
mand twenty  miles  away,  he  would  go  and  visit  him,  asking 
no  questions,  and  remaining  as  long  as  he  saw  fit.  If  some 
old  friend  was  wounded  or  killed,  he  would  leave  his  regiment 
and  go  in  search  of  him,  never  supposing  for  a moment  that 
he  Avas  transgressing  any  rules  or  regulations  of  army  life. 

Both  armies  now  grasped  the  situation  and  governed  them- 
selves accordingly.  General  McDowell  resigned  the  command 
of  the  army  and  General  McClellan,  who  had  commanded  the 
Federal  troops  in  West  Virginia,  was  called  to  fill  the  place 
made  vacant.  General  McClellan  brought  to  his  high  trust 
proofs  of  talent  which,  though  not  sufficient  to  prove -him  a 
proper  captain  of  a great  army,  were  yet  enough  to  inspire  the 
loyal  North  with  great  hopes  of  the  results  that  might  be 
gained  by  his  prowess.  lie  had  served  with  distinction  in 
Mexico , had  studied  war  in  Europe , was  in  the  flower  of 
his  youth;  and,  above  all,  had  just  finished  a campaign  that, 
by  itself,  amid  general  failures  elsewhere,  seemed  to  furnish  at 
once  the  prestige  and  prophecy  of  victory.  The  young  chief- 


REORGANIZATION  OF  ARMY  OF  POTOMAC.  45 

tain  threw  himself  with  his  utmost  ard»r  and  energy,  into  the 
work  of  molding  into  form  an  army  adequate  for  the  na- 
tion’s needs.  It  was  a colossal  task;  for  it  was  necessary,  not 
only  to  build  up  an  army,  but  to  make  the  model  on  which 
the  army  should  be  built.  The  initiatory  traditions  of  the 
United  States,  confined  to  the  single  campaign  of  Mexico,  af- 
forded no  groundwork  for  the  organization  of  such  a military 
establishment  as  was  now  demanded  for  the  portentous  task 
before  the  country. 

The  regular  army  kept  on  foot,  previous  to  the  war,  was 
limited  by  law  to  under  twenty  thousand  men,  but  its  whole 
internal  organism  had  been  disrupted  by  secession.  The 
force  around  Washington,  of  which  General  McClellan  as- 
sumed command  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  July,  numbered 
about  fifty  thousand  infantry,  less  than  a thousand  cavalry, 
six  hundred  and  fifty  artillerymen,  with  nine  imperfect  field 
batteries  of  thirty  guns.  It  still  retained  the  provisional 
brigade  organization  given  it  by  McDowell,  but  the  utter 
collapse  which  followed  Bull  Run  had  made  it  rather  a mob 
than  an  army.  Desertions  had  become  alarmingly  numerous, 
and  the  streets  of  Washington  were  crowded  with  straggling 
officers  and  men  absent  from  their  stations  without  authority, 
and  indicating  by  their  behavior  an  utter  want  of  discipline 
and  organization ; and,  to  add  to  the  embarrassment  of  the 
situation,  many  regiments  were  officered  by  men  totally  unfit 
for  the  position  they  occupied. 

REORGANIZATION  OF  ARMY  OF  POTOMAC  BY  MCCLELLAN. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac,  under  McClellan’s  command, 
was  organized  into  brigades  of  four  regiments  each,  and  these 
into  divisions  of  three  brigades  each. 

The  task  of  forming  an  artillery  establishment  was  not  so 
difficult,  because  there  were  many  accomplished  artillery 
officers  that  remained  loyal  to  the  Government.  As  a basis, 
it  was  decided  to  form  field  batteries  of  six  guns  each,  never 
less  than  four,  and  the  pieces  of  each  battery  to  be  of  uniform 
caliber,  these  to  be  assigned  to  divisions,  in  the  proportion  of 


46 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


four  batteries  to  each  division,  one  of  which  was  to  be  a bat- 
tery of  regulars,  and  the  captain  of  the  regular  battery  was 
in  each  case  to  be  appointed  commandant  of  the  artillery  of 
the  division.  In  addition,  it  was  determined  to  create  an 
artillery  reserve  of  a hundred  guns,  and  a siege  train  of  fifty 
pieces.  This  work  was  pushed  forward  with  so  much  rapidi- 
ty that  whereas,  when  General  McClellan  took  command  of 
the  army  the  entire  artillery  establishment  consisting  of  nine 
imperfectly  equipped  batteries  of  thirty  guns,  this  service, 
before  it  took  the  field,  had  reached  the  gigantic  proportions 
of  ninety-two  batteries  of  five  hundred  and  twenty  guns, 
served  by  twelve  thousand  five  hundred  men,  and  in  full 
readiness  for  active  field  duty. 

Three  months  of  activity  followed  the  battle  of  Bull  Run, 
months  of  ceaseless  work  in  both  armies,  relieved  by  only  a 
few  events,  and  all  of  a humiliating  character  to  the  Federal 
army.  The  most  important  of  these  was  the  blockade  of  the 
Potomac  river  by  the  Confederates,  and  the  terrible  disaster 
at  Ball’s  Bluff,  but  in  the  meantime  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac became  an  organization  so  perfect,  that  a repetition  like 
that  of  Ball’s  Bluff  or  Bull  Run  would  be  impossible. 

BLOCKADE  OF  THE  POTOMAC  RIVER. 

Shortly  after  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  the  Confederates  ad- 
vanced their  pickets  from  Centre ville  and  Fairfax  court-house, 
as  far  as  Munson's  hill,  and  almost  to  the  banks  of  the  Poto- 
mac. This  movement  was  of  no  military  advantage,  but 
gave  them  the  prestige  of  flaunting  their  flag  within  view  of 
the  capital  of  the  nation.  They  proceeded  to  erect  batter- 
ies at  different  points  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the  Potomac, 
with  the  view  of  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  river.  So 
successfully  was  this  work  performed,  that  early  in  October 
the  flag  officer  of  the  Potomac  flotilla  officially  reported  the 
water  highway,  by  which  a large  part  of  the  supplies  for  the 
army  ;around  Washington  was  brought  forward  from  the 
morth,  to  be  effectually  closed.  This  event,  the  actual  block- 
ade of  the  capital,  produced  throughout  the  country  a deep 


BATTLE  OF  BALL’S  BLUFF. 


47 


feeling  of  mortification  and  humiliation,  and  called  forth  bit- 
ter complaints  against  the  Government.  A proposition  was 
made  to  destroy  these  batteries  by  an  assaulting  force  sent 
from  the  Maryland  side  of  the  river ; but  the  enterprise  not 
being  considered  feasible  by  the  engineers,  it  was  abandoned. 

■ Meantime  General  McClellan  was  unwilling  to  undertake  the 
destruction  of  the  batteries  by  the  only  method  which  prom- 
ised success  — a forward  movement  — for  the  reason  that  it 
would  bring  on  a general  engagement. 

BATTLE  OF  BALL’S  BLUFF. 

The  battle  of  Ball's  Bluff,  a sanguinary  affair,  occurred  on 
the  twentieth  of  October.  General  Evans,  the  hero  of  Stone 
Bridge,  was  in  command  of  a Confederate  brigade  near  Lees- 
burgh,  Loudoun  County,  Virginia.  He  had  in  his  command 
the  Thirteenth,  Seventeenth  and  Eighteenth  Mississippi  regi- 
ments, as  well  as  the  Eighth  Virginia.  A scout  reported  to 
General  Evans  that  a Federal  force,  sixteen  thousand  strong, 
with  twenty  pieces  of  artillery,  was  approaching  by  the 
Drainsville  road.  He  drew  up  his  brigade  in  line  of  battle, 
delivering  a short  address,  telling  his  men  of  the  impossibility 
of  being  reinforced,  and  concluded  with  the  emphatic  words, 
“ We  must  fight.”  He  put  his  army  of  two  thousand  men  in 
motion  across  Grove  Creek,  and  along  the  Drainsville  road. 
A little  after  sunrise  a Federal  courier  was  captured,  with 
dispatches  from  General  McCall  to  General  Stone.  From 
these  dispatches  Evans  learned  that  the  movement  on  the 
Drainsville  road  was  a decoy  to  draw  him  away  from  Lees- 
burgh,  while  General  Stone  was  to  cross  the  river  at  Conrads 
Ferry,  and  get  into  his  rear.  A small  force  also  crossed  at 
Edwards’  Ferry,  a few  miles  below.  The  Eighth  Virginia  was 
ordered  forward  toward  Ball's  Bluff,  to  hold  the  approach  of 
Leesburgh,  while  General  Evans,  with  the  remainder  of  his 
brigade,  watched  the  movements  of  General  Devins,  who  had 
effected  a crossing  at  Edwards’  Ferry.  Colonel  Baker  com- 
manded the  main  body  of  General  Stone’s  army,  and  pushed 
boldly  forward  toward  Leesburgh,  the  Eighth  Virginia  and 
some  Mississippi  companies  receiving  them  quite  warmly. 


48 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


When  General  Evans  was  convinced  that  no  advance 
would  be  attempted  from  Edwards’  Ferry,  he  pushed  with  all 
speed  to  the  support  of  the  Eighth  Virginia.  He  found  Colo- 
nel Baker  advancing  in  a semicircular  line  of  battle,  sup- 
ported by  four  howitzers.  Evans,  as  soon  as  his  men  could 
deploy,  ordered  a charge,  which  was  made  with  great  impetu- 
osity. The  Union  force  gave  way,  and  began  to  fall  back 
toward  the  bluff. 


DEATH  OF  COLONEL  BAKER. 

Colonel  Baker  bravely  strove  to  rally  his  men,  exposing  his 
own  person  recklessly,  and  for  a moment  succeeded  in  induc- 
ing them  to  stand.  Another  charge  was  made  by  Evans’ 
troops,  the  men  yelling  like  demons.  Colonel  Baker  fell, 
shot  through  the  head,  and  his  men  broke  and  tied  toward 
the  river.  Several  hundred  were  cut  off  and  made  prisoners; 
the  remainder  rushed  wildly  over  the  bluff,  closely  pursued 
by  the  exultant  Confederates.  The  bluff  is  about  thirty  feet 
high,  and  almost  perpendicular.  As  the  men  came  rolling 
and  tumbling  down  the  steep  declivity,  they  spread  conster- 
nation and  dismay  among  the  ranks  gathered  on  the  river’s 
brink  below.  The  boats  that  had  been  used  to  bring  them 
over  the  river  were  soon  crowded,  and  sunk.  Some  were 
drowned,  many  w'ere  trampled  to  death,  and  others  were  shot 
as  they  attempted  to  swim  for  their  lives.  Two  regiments  of 
Massachusetts  troops  surrendered  on  the  banks.  Take  it  all 
together,  such  another  scene  of  horror  was  not  witnessed 
during  the  entire  war.  In  this  affair  the  Federal  loss,  in 
killed,  wounded,  prisoners,  and  drowned,  was  about  two  thou- 
sand. Evans  reported  his  loss  at  one  hundred  and  fifty-three. 

This  lamentable  affair  discouraged  the  people  of  the  North 
as  much  as  it  elated  those  of  the  South.  Its  entire  history 
affords  a striking  exemplification  of  the  looseness  of  military 
conduct  and  relations  at  that  time.  In  venturing  on  the 
undertaking,  General  Stone  proceeded  on  the  supposition  that 
General  McCall,  who,  as  General  McClellan  informed  him,  had 
occupied  Drainsville  on  the  twentieth,  and  was  to  “send  out 


DEATH  OF  COLONEL  BAKER. 


49 


reconnaisances  in  all  directions,”  still  remained  there,  yet  Mc- 
Call was  withdrawn  the  following  morning,  when  Stone  sent 
the  force  across  the  river,  without  the  latter’s  being  informed 
of  the  fact.  Again,  although  General  McClellan  did  not  order 
the  expedition  across  the  river,  yet  on  being  informed  of  the 
crossing  during  the  day,  he  congratulated  General  Stone, 
thereby  indirectly  approving  the  movement  thus  made. 
Stone’s  plan  of  operation  lacked  definite  purpose;  it  was 
neither  a feint,  nor  a serious  attack.  He  seemed  to  have 
left  Colonel  Baker  in  misunderstanding  as  to  the  co-operation 
of  the  forces  at  Edwards’  Ferry;  and  the  conduct  of  Colonel 
Baker,  a patriotic  and  high-spirited  man,  who  had  vacated  his 
seat  in  the  United  States  Senate  to  take  the  field,  was  with- 
out military  skill  or  direction. 

After  this  bloody  affair  there  was  quiet  again  until  Decern-' 
ber  twentieth,  when  General  Ord  advanced  to  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Drainsville,  and  fell  in  with  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart, 
who,  with  about  twenty-five  hundred  cavalry,  was  on  a forag- 
ing expedition.  Stuart  did  not  like  the  idea  of  engaging  this 
force,  but,  to  give  his  wagon  train  time  to  retreat,  was  com- 
pelled to  do  so.  General  Ord  handled  him  very  severely, 
and  after  a short  fight,  Stuart  retreated,  losing  about  two 
hundred  men. 

This  engagement  closed  the  campaign  of  1861.  The  Con- 
federates moved  back  to  the  banks  of  Bull  Run,  and  built 
their  winter  quarters,  where  they  rested  until  the  opening  of 
the  spring  of  1862,  when  the  cry  of  “on  to  Richmond”  dis- 
turbed their  tranquil  lethargy,  and  sent  them  on  to  meet  the 
grand  and  well  disciplined  Army  of  the  Potomac,  on  new  and 
still  more  bloody  fields  of  strife. 


4 


50 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  III. 

REMINISCENCES  AND  ANECDOTES. 

THE  TRANSITION. 

An  old  soldier  furnishes  this  sketch  which  is  in  every  re- 
spect true  : — 

“ It  is  a most  difficult  task  to  describe  the  transition  period, 
between  the  citizen's  life  and  that  of  the  soldier.  I would  not 
undertake  such  a task,  and  thus  prominently  introduce  my- 
self, did  I not  think  my  experience  similar  to  that  of  many 
others. 

“ At  the  date  of  my  enlistment,  I was  but  sixteen  years  of 
age,  and  had  never  passed  beyond  the  limits  of  my  native 
county.  I had  developed  in  the  shade  of  the  great  forest,  in 
the  eastern  part  of  my  native  state  of  Maine,  and  at  the  age 
of  sixteen,  stood  six  feet  in  my  stockings,  and  weighed  one 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds.  I very  much  resembled  a bean- 
pole, both  in  length  and  size.  I was  very  much  in  earnest  at 
the  time  of  my  enlistment ; the  Avar  had  then  been  raging  a 
year,  and  the  Union  army  had  suffered  many  defeats.  When 
I put  my  name  upon  the  enlistment  roll,  it  was  with  a heroic 
determination  to  crush  the  rebellion,  even  if  it  required  all  of 
my  ability ; and  that  one  object  absorbed  all  my  thoughts  Avhile 
en  route  from  my  home  to  the  seat  of  war.  I purchased  every- 
thing I saw  that  could  possibly,  directly  or  indirectly,  relate 
to  war.  It  was  a unique  and  interesting  collection  Avhich  I 
thus  gathered  for  my  future  use.  As  I have  not  the  original 
inventory  in  my  possession  I can  only  give  a partial  and  im- 
perfect list  of  the  articles.  I can  distinctly  remember  the  tin 
j^ails,  pans  and  cups,  the  knives,  forks,  and  spoons,  the  blankets 
of  Avoolen,  rubber  Avaterproof,  oil  cloth  and  underclothing  of 
every  description  and  quality ; then  there  Avere  havelocks, 


THE  TRANSITION. 


51 


portfolios,  drinking  tubes,  pencils,  stencil  plates  and  inks, 
patent  pens,  stationery,  combs  and  brushes,  pins  and  needles, 
a revolver,  with  numerous  boxes  of  metallic  cartridges  ; a mur- 
derous looking  knife,  which  was  a cross  between  a bush  scythe 
and  a butcher’s  cleaver ; a money  belt,  and  numerous  quanti- 
ties of  patent  medicines  ; all  of  this  composed  a portion  of  the 
war  material  which  I gathered  in  1862. 

“Those  days  were  the  most  memorable  and  exciting  of  my 
life.  The  journey  from  Houlton  to  Bangor  can  never  be  for- 
gotten, It  Avas  made  in  one  of  those  famous  old  stage  coaches 
so  well  known  at  that  time.  The  distance  was  one  hundred 
and  fifteen  miles  and  consumed  two  days’  time.  There  were 
a number  of  passengers,  but,  so  far  as  I knew,  I was  the  only 
candidate  for  Uncle  Sam’s  service.  It  was,  to  me,  a long, 
lonesome  ride  ; the  only  remarkable  event  which  occurred  to 
relieve  the  monotony  of  it  by  way  of  variety,  took  place  on 
the  afternoon  of  the  second  day.  There  were  three  seats  in 
the  coach ; the  rear  one  was  filled  by  three  elderly  and  digni- 
fied gentlemen ; I occupied  the  center  seat  alone ; on  the 
front  seat,  riding  backward  and  facing  me,  were  a young  lady 
and  gentleman,  who  during  the  day  had  exhibited  much  affec- 
tion for  each  other.  They  had  whispered  and  giggled  and 
smiled  in  true  lover's  style  as  the  coach,  — drawn  by  six  pow- 
erful horses,  — dashed  over  the  rough  turnpike  ; I,  of  course, 
had  watched  them  with  boyish  curiosity.  The  coach  was 
slowly  climbing  a long  steep  hill  not  far  from  the  village  of 
OldtoAvn.  The  afternoon  was  sultry;  I had  not  slept  any  for 
seAreral  nights,  and  in  the  warm,  close  atmosphere  I became 
drowsy.  The  affectionate  couple  in  front  of  me  became  indis- 
tinct. As  Ave  toiled  up  the  steep  ascent,  I Avas  dreaming  of 
home,  of  the  loArers  in  front  of  me,  and  of  Avar.  All  these 
were  mixed  up  in  much  confusion.  There  suddenly  came  a 
shock,  a scream,  and  I aAVoke,  supposing,  of  course,  that  I 
Avas  amidst  bursting  shells  and  howling  Confederates,  when, 
to  my  horror,  I discovered  that  Ave  had  reached  the  crest  of 
the  hill,  the  driver  had  given  the  horses  a sharp  crack  with 
the  Avhip  and  they  dashed  down  the  steep  descent  of  the  hill. 


52 


BLUE  AND  GEAT. 


The  sudden  change  in  speed  caused  me  to  pitch  forward  head 
foremost,  until  a direct  collision  had  occurred  between  the 
young  lady  and  myself.  I,  in  the  excitement  of  my  dreams, 
supposing  it  was  an  encounter  with  the  rebels,  was  manfully 
endeavoring  to  hold  my  advanced  position,  while  she,  scream- 
ing with  well  affected  fright,  was  endeavoring  to  repulse  my 
unexpected  advance.  The  elderly  gentlemen  were  roaring 
with  laughter,  and  the  young  lady’s  escort  was  much  excited 
with  indignant  rage,  while  I resumed  my  seat  and  apologized 
with  all  the  grace  that  a country  lad  generally  exhibits  when 
his  first  journey  from  home  is  made.  It  taught  me  a lesson 
of  caution,  however  ; I did  not  sleep  any  more  until  I reached 
Bangor. 

“One  of  the  most  important  steps  in  the  transition  period  is 
in  putting  on  the  uniform.  It  Avas  such  a change  from  the 
clothes  usually  worn.  When  once  it  was  on,  Iioav  oddly  I 
felt,  and  how  illy  it  fitted ! In  order  to  get  the  legs  of  a pair 
of  pants  to  come  in  hailing  distance  of  my  feet,  I was  obliged 
to  have  them  large  enough  at  the  waist  for  the  most  portly 
German  in  the  Eleventh  corps.  The  same  Avas  true  of  my 
coat ; if  the  sleeAres  extended  to  my  wrists,  the  coat  at  the 
shoulders  was  ample  enough  in  its  dimensions  for  the  use  of 
a giant.  The  shoes  were  nearly  as  broad  as  they  were  long. 
I could  not  get  a cap  large  enough  and  only  succeeded  in 
wearing  one  after  it  had  been  skillfully  manipulated  by  a 
tailor.  Another  important  matter  in  this  period  was  in  be- 
coming accustomed  to  the  rations  issued  by  the  Government. 
It  may  sound  like  a small  item  now  that  the  Avar  is  so  far  re- 
moved, but  it  Avas  quite  serious  then.  I distinctly  remember 
my  own  feelings,  upon  leaATing  the  hearty  food  to  which  I had 
always  been  accustomed,  and  being  obliged  to  subsist  upon 
what  the  Government  allowed.  Those  ten  cakes  of  hard  bread 
at  first  seemed  A-ery  insignificant.  I could  easily  eat  eight  or 
ten  of  them  at  a single  meal,  and  then  arise  as  lean  and  lank 
as  I Avas  Avhen  the  meal  began.  It  required  many  weeks  of 
practice  to  make  it  appear  like  food  to  me. 

“The  Avliole  route  from  Bangor  to  Washington  was  of  course 


THE  FIRST  MARCH. 


53 


filled  with  strange  and  interesting  sights,  which,  with  the 
novelty  of  the  position  and  the  exciting  intelligence  which 
was  coming  from  Virginia,  informing  us  of  McClellan’s  re- 
treat from  the  Peninsula,  and  Pope’s  disastrous  campaign, 
made  up  an  experience  of  weeks  in  which  nearly  every  inci- 
dent was  indelibly  inscribed  upon  my  boyish  memory  never 
to  be  forgotten.  The  transition  period  was  a most  memorable 
one  indeed.” 


THE  FIRST  MARCH. 

The  first  march  destroys  much  of  the  romance  which  has 
existed  in  the  mind  of  the  soldier,  and  forcibly  reminds  him 
of  the  reality  of  his  new  profession. 

The  first  march  of  a certain  regiment  was  from  Washington, 
D.  C.,  to  Sharpsburg,  Md.,  where  the  battle  of  Antietam  was 
fought.  Many  had  an  idea  that  soldiers  upon  the  march  were 
neat,  tidy  and  well  dressed,  with  ranks  well  closed  up,  and 
gay  in  appearance.  How  surprised  and  disgusted  were  the 
men,  soon  after  that  march  began  ! Soldiers  fell  into  line 
and  marched  away,  ragged,  dirty  and  demoralized.  Each 
man  carried  his  rifle,  ammunition,  haversack  and  canteen, 
but  all  their  baggage  was  one  woolen  blanket,  — no  knapsack, 
or  that  extra  baggage  which  had  been  accumulated  with  so 
much  trouble  and  expense.  Some  mentally  exclaimed,  “ The 
rebellion  can  never  be  crushed  in  this  manner ! Guerrilla 
warfare  amounts  to  nothing ; it  is  the  heavy  regulation  work 
which  will  crush  it.”  Then  the  regiment  to  which  reference 
is  made,  was  put  in  motion. 

Each  man  heroically  stooped  down,  and  took  up  a load 
which  would  have  sent  dismay  to  the  heart  of  a pack  mule  in 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  The  men  adjusted  their  burden  to 
their  shoulders,  and  moved  forward  in  their  proper  places, 
and  thus  that  famous  first  march  began.  Every  survivor  will 
remember  it.  Many  of  the  officers  had  provided  themselves 
with  very  heavy  topped  boots,  the  legs  of  which  came  above 
their  knees,  and  they  also  had  heavy  revolvers  strapped  about 
their  waists.  Before  that  inarch  was  over,  there  was  a great 


54 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


change  in  the  appearance  of  things.  The  long-legged  boots 
and  revolvers  had  disappeared,  and  the  swords,  instead  of 
trailing  on  the  ground  a yard  or  two  behind  them,  as  at  first, 
were  either  carried  upon  the  shoulders,  or  put  in  some 
friendly  baggage  wagon.  The  experience  of  some  of  the 
men  was  memorable.  At  first  the  novelty  of  the  scene 
caused  them  to  forget  their  load,  and  they  marched  lightly 
on,  but  the  sun  was  hot,  the  roads  were  dusty,  and  the  hills 
were  long  and  steep,  and  before  the  sun  had  reached  the  me- 
ridian their  bodies  began  to  describe  the  arc  of  a circle,  and 
the}r  began  to  unload  pails,  pans,  blankets,  stationery,  rubber 
goods,  revolvers  and  knives,  one  after  another,  and  to  scatter 
them  over  the  hillsides  of  “Maryland,  my  Maryland,”  to  tell 
coming  generations  of  the  sacrifices  they  had  made  to  crush 
the  rebellion,  and  when  they  reached  Antietam,  money  belts 
were  all  that  remained  of  extra  baggage,  in  their  possession. 

One  young  man  from  the  country  was  kindly  informed  by 
an  agent  in  the  city  of  Portland,  that  no  soldier  would  ever 
think  of  getting  along  without  a money  belt,  and  so  sold  him 
one  for  the  small  sum  of  three  dollars,  the  first  cost  of  this 
useless  article  being  about  ten  per  cent  of  the  price  paid  for 
it.  Before  leaving  Washington  he  had  placed  Ids  last  ten 
dollar  bill  in  that  belt,  and  fastened  it  around  his  person,  and 
after  the  battle  of  Antietam,  wishing  to  use  some  money,  re- 
moved his  belt,  and,  to  his  great  disgust,  found  that  it  had 
been  completely  saturated  with  perspiration,  and  his  ten  dol- 
lar bill  had  been  soaked  to  death  within  its  fatal  folds.  With 
an  exclamation,  which,  to  say  the  least,  was  not  a prayer,  he 
threw  the  belt  beneath  the  muddy  waters  of  Antietam  Creek, 
and  forever  bade  farewell  to  bandbox  soldiery.  But  that 
march  recalls  many  other  things  to  mind,  among  which  are 
the  fatigue  and  exhaustion  of  the  soldiers. 

Stand  at  some  point  of  observation  and  notice  a column  of 
soldiers  march  by.  See  how  dusty  and  footsore  they  are ; 
how  every  muscle  is  strained  to  its  utmost  tension.  A few 
files  in  each  company  are  quite  well  dressed,  but,  in  the  great 
majority  of  cases,  each  making  his  way  as  best  he  can.  The 


CAMPING  FOE  THE  NIGHT. 


55 


incessant  tramp  of  thousands  causes  the  dust  to  rise  in  clouds, 
and  hang  in  a gray  canopy  above  the  moving  columns.  The 
sun  pours  his  intense  heat  upon  the  almost  suffocating  col- 
umns. Many  men  are  utterly  unable  to  keep  up  with  their 
commands.  Strong  men  reel  and  stagger,  and  fainting,  fall 
beside  the  road,  unable  to  take  another  step.  In  the  rear 
there  is  a great  mass  of  stragglers ; some  there  from  choice, 
but  the  great  majority  moving  on  as  fast  as  possible,  footsore, 
sick,  discouraged.  They  will  be  obliged  to  tramp  far  into  the 
night  to  overtake  their  commands , then  only  to  fall  out 
again  on  the  morrow.  Really  the  hardest  strains  ever  brought 
to  bear  upon  humanity,  might  have  been  witnessed  in  those 
blue  clad  columns  which  marched  over  the  hills  of  Maryland 
to  meet  the  army  of  General  Lee  at  Antietam. 

CAMPING  FOE  THE  NIGHT. 

Camping  for  the  night  and  the  events  connected  with  it, 
made  up  quite  an  item  in  the  soldier’s  life.  A day’s  march 
usually  covered  a distance  of  twenty  or  twenty-five  miles, 
which,  along  muddy  roads  and  in  heavy  marching  order,  was 
quite  a day’s  work. 

Usually,  between  sunset  and  dark  the  regiments  would 
file  out  in  some  open  field  to  camp  for  the  night.  The  com- 
mand, “ By  the  right  of  company  to  the  rear  into  column  ” 
would  be  given,  and  in  each  company  the  roll  would  be  called 
by  the  orderly  sergeant.  Then  the  order,  “Stack  arms,” 
“Break  ranks,”  “March!”  would  be  given,  and  all  would 
begin  preparation  for  the  night.  A squad  of  three  made  up 
a good  household.  The  work  of  the  night  would  be  divided  ; 
one  to  get  the  wood  and  water,  another  pitch  the  tent,  while 
the  other  would  cook  supper.  The  first  rush  would  be  for 
wood,  perhaps  when  the  guns  were  stacked.  Fences  of  oak 
rails,  as  dry  as  tinder,  ran  in  almost  every  direction  across 
the  fields  and  over  the  hills.  The  moment  the  ranks  were 
broken,  hundreds  of  men,  from  a score  of  regiments,  would 
rush  for  the  rails.  It  was  an  exciting  scene  ; thousands  rush- 
ing for  rails.  One  fellow  would  seize  the  end  of  a rail,  think- 


56 


BLUE  AND  GHAT. 


ing  the  prize  was  his,  when  to  his  dismay,  he  would  find  some 
one  else  holding  fast  to  the  other  end,  and  he  would  be 
obliged  to  continue  his  search.  Here  some  fortunate  fellow 
would  be  staggering  toward  his  regiment  with  a heavy  load, 
while  a score  of  fellows  would  be  rushing  past  him  in  the 
other  direction.  Thus  the  work  would  go  on  until  every  rail 
would  be  converted  into  fire-wood.  Then  he  would  take  the 
canteens  to  fill  with  water.  The  search  at  times  would  be  a 
difficult  one,  and  he  would  tramp  many  weary  steps  before  it 
could  be  found. 

By  this  time  the  tent  would  be  pitched ; which  was,  in  it- 
self, quite  an  art.  Two  forked  sticks,  each  about  four  feet  in 
height,  would  be  driven  into  the  ground,  some  six  feet  apart, 
with  the  forked  ends  up.  Then  another  small  pole  would  be 
placed  in  the  forks  to  serve  as  a ridge-pole.  If  forks  could 
not  be  found,  then  the  pole  was  fastened  with  straps  to  the 
top  of  the  posts ; then  the  tent  pieces,  made  of  stout  cotton 
cloth,  each  about  five  feet  by  six,  would  be  fastened  together 
by  buttons,  so  that  two  would  form  the  roof,  and  the  other 
the  end,  leaving  the  end  next  to  the  fire  open.  The  cloth 
would  be  fastened  to  the  ground  around  the  two  sides  and 
end,  thus  making  a comfortable  shelter  for  three ; and  this 
gave  the  name  of  “shelter  tent”  to  this  mode  of  covering. 

In  the  meantime  the  cook  has  kindled  the  fire,  and  the 
odor  of  fragrant  coffee  fills  the  air.  Beside  the  coffee  there 
is  not  much  to  cook ; if  there  is  a little  fresh  beef  it  is 
roasted  on  a stick,  and  served  without  pepper  or  salt.  If 
there  is  salt  pork,  it  is  usually  cooked  upon  a stick,  or  served 
raw,  to  be  eaten  like  cheese.  “ Supper  is  ready,”  calls  the 
cook,  and  they  gather,  not  around  the  board,  but  around  one 
side  of  the  fire.  The  coffee,  which  has  been  cooked  in  a 
small  tin  pail,  made  black  by  coming  in  contact  with  the  fire, 
is  poured  out  in  tin  cups  equally  black  from  the  same  cause. 
The  sheets  of  hard-tack  are  taken  from  the  haversacks,  and 
piled  up  in  little  pyramids  upon  the  ground,  and  the  work 
begins.  No  milk,  probably  no  sugar  for  the  coffee,  but  the 
latter  has  the  virtue  of  strength,  color  and  heat,  and  is 


MAGRUDER  AND  THE  MISSISSIPPIAN. 


57 


keenly  relished.  The  supper  is  eaten,  the  remainder  put 
back  in  the  faithful  haversack,  one  blanket  is  spread  upon  the 
ground  to  serve  as  a bed,  the  cartridge  boxes  serving  as  pil- 
lows ; then  the  soldier  lies  down,  the  other  two  blankets  are 
spread  over  him,  and  all  sleep  until  the  morning  reveille 
awakens  them  to  resume  the  march,  or  to  face  danger  and 
death  upon  the  field  of  battle. 

MAGRUDER  AND  THE  MISSISSIPPIAN. 

During  the  Peninsula  campaign  of  1862,  General  Ma- 
gruder  commanded  the  Confederate  forces  below  Williams- 
burg. Among  others  in  his  command  was  a regiment  of  Mis- 
sissippians,  composed  of  the  best  and  wealthiest  class  of  young 
men  in  that  fertile  valley. 

The  father  of  one  of  the  young  men,  once  came  from  his 
home  to  visit  him,  and  shortly  after  his  arrival  asked  his  son 
if  they  “ never  had  anything  to  drink  in  camp.”  The  son  re- 
plied that  they  never  did.  “ There  is  a plenty  of  liquor  upon 
the  Peninsula,  but  General  Magruder  drinks  it  all  himself,” 
said  the  son.  This  remark  was  made  in  the  company  quarters 
of  the  son,  and  only  in  hearing  of  his  messmates.  Two  or 
three  days  later  however,  an  order  was  received  by  the  col- 
onel of  that  regiment,  from  Magruder’s  headquarters,  that 

private be  sent  to  him  under  arrest.  All  were  surprised 

in  the  regiment;  not  a better  soldier  could  it  boast  of.  “ What 
has  he  done  ? ” was  on  the  lips  of  every  comrade. 

Upon  being  ushered  into  the  presence  of  the  old  General,  he 
was  confronted  with  the  declaration  he  had  made  to  his  father 
in  his  quarters.  “ So  you  say  I drink  all  the  liquor  on  the 
Peninsula,  do  you?”  roared  Magruder.  “ Yes,  General,  I did 
say  it,”  replied  the  soldier,  “ but  I had  no  idea  it  would  ever 
get  to  your  ear.”  “Well,  sir!  we  will  see  about  this,”  again 
he  exclaimed,  “ come  in  this  way,  sir  ! ” 

There  had  been  placed  in  the  rear  apartment  of  the  tent, 
a table,  two  chairs,  two  decanters  of  brandy,  glasses,  and 
a pitcher  of  water.  “Now  you  take  that  seat,”  said  the 
General,  pointing  to  a chair,  “ and  I will  take  this  one.” 


58 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


“Young  man,”  he  continued,  “drink  that  decanter  of 
brandy.”  The  surprise  of  the  private  was  great,  but  he  did 
as  ordered,  without  any  reluctance  either,  while  General  Ma- 
gruder  began  to  drink  from  the  other  bottle.  When  he  arose 
from  the  table  both  decanters  were  empty.  “ Go  back  to 
your  quarters  now,  sir,  and  don’t  you  ever  say  that  Magru- 
der  drinks  all  the  liquor  on  the  Peninsula,”  cried  the  eccentric 
General,  as  he  bade  him  depart. 

LITTLE  RHODY. 

Two  soldiers  were  doing  picket  duty  near  the  Pamunky 
river,  one  a Union,  the  other  a Confederate.  They  were  sta- 
tioned so  near  together  that  they  were  enabled  to  converse, 
and  after  a time  the  following  dialogue  ensued  : 

“ Hello,  Yank,”  cried  the  Confederate,  “ what  state  did 
you  come  from  ? ” 

“ I came  from  Rhode  Island,”  was  the  answer. 

“ Umph ! ” responded  the  reb,  “ I wouldn’t  come  from 
such  a blasted  little  state.” 

“Say,  Johnny,  where  did  you  come  from?” 

“ I came  from  the  great  state  of  Mississippi,”  roared  the 
rebel  in  reply. 

“That’s  all  right,”  responded  the  facetious  Yankee,  “ but 
I am  proud  of  little  Rhody,  for  she  always  pays  her  debts.”* 
That  settled  it,  and  the  conversation  came  to  an  abrupt 
ending. 

“ TAR-HEELS.” 

“ Tar-heels  ” is  the  name,  which  long  ago  was  given  the 
North  Carolineans,  and  during  the  war,  troops  from  that  state 
were  so  called.  When  General  Stoneman  made  his  famous 
raid,  and  the  Confederate  troops  were  sent  to  check  his  ad- 
vance, a regiment  of  North  Carolina  infantry  were  passing 
near  the  camp  of  a regiment  of  Virginia  cavalry,  which,  only 
a few  days  before,  had  been  badly  repulsed  and  driven  back 
by  the  enemy,  in  anything  but  good  order.  Some  one  cried 


* Mississippi  repudiated  her  debt  before  the  war. 


SERGEANT  B. 


59 


out,  “ Hello,  Tar-heels,  where  are  you  bound  ? ” “Don’t  call 
us  Tar-heels  any  more,”  said  one  of  the  Carolineans,  “ we  have 
unanimously  decided  to  give  all  the  tar  in  North  Carolina  to 

the Virginia  cavalry,  to  see  if  they  won’t  stick,  the  next 

time  they  meet  Stoneman.” 

SERGEANT  B. 

Sergeant  B.  was  a Virginia  cavalry  man,  especially  noted 
for  his  size  and  good  humor.  His  weight  was  about  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  pounds,  and  if  his  natural  good  humor  could 
have  been  calculated  in  proportion  to  his  avoirdupois,  it 
might  have  been  roughly  estimated  at  a ton.  He  was  further 
noted  as  being  too  fat  to  do  active  service,  and  unless  an 
emergency  arose,  was  never  sent  out  of  camp. 

Such  a time  once  presenting  itself,  he  did  go  with  a squad- 
ron to  an  outpost  near  Culpepper  court-house  one  morning 
in  July.  The  writer  of  this  sketch  had  charge  of  that  post, 
and,  as  B.  was  a member  of  his  company  knows  it  to  be  a fact. 

There  was  a road  to  guard,  running  west,  another  north, 
and  another  east ; all  three  forming  a right-angle  triangle, 
just  where  the  pickets,  consisting  of  fifteen  horsemen,  were 
stationed.  South  of  the  post  was  a lot  of  heavy  timber,  and 
east,  a field  of  corn,  then  about  seven  feet  high.  The  orders 
we  had,  were  to  guard  the  roads. 

It  was  very  warm  weather,  and  as  a fence  ran  along  the 
skirt  of  the  woodland,  the  trees  breaking  off  the  heated  rays 
of  the  sun,  we  all  dismounted  and  sat  upon  the  fence,  at  the 
same  time  keeping  an  eye  on  all  the  roads,  and  not  thinking 
that  the  enemy  could  in  any  manner  surprise  us.  The 
Union  cavalry  doing  duty  only  a mile  away,  succeeded 
in  flanking  our  vigilance,  and  got  behind  us  in  the  woods  al- 
ready mentioned.  Dismounting,  they  cautiously  crept  through 
the  woods  until  they  were  within  a few  rods  of  the  fence.  Just 
at  this  time  Sergeant  B.  was  regaling  the  boys  with  one  of 
his  many  jokes,  while  we  were  on  the  fence,  facing  the  corn- 
field, with  our  backs  to  the  wood. 

Somebody’s  attention  was  attracted  by  the  snapping  of  a 


60 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


twig,  and  immediately  the  cry  of  “Yankees!”  burst  upon  our 
ear.  B.  was  the  first  man  in  the  cornfield.  None  of  us  be- 
ing near  our  horses  or  guns,  and  the  enemy  outnumbering  us 
five  to  one,  we  followed  him  in  quick  order.  The  flight  of 
our  pickets  caused  a rousing  cheer  from  the  Union  skirmishers, 
who,  upon  coming  up  to  where  we  had  been,  laid  their  guns 
upon  the  fence  and  fired  at  us.  Meantime  B.  was  making 
the  best  time  ever  on  record,  breaking  down  two  rows  of  corn 
in  his  flight. 

He  always  said  afterward,  that  he  heard  the  report  of  a rifle 
behind  him,  but  reached  the  other  side  of  the  field  before  the 
bullet  struck  the  stonewall  behind  which  he  concealed  him- 
self. After  that  he  was  known  as  the  “ Cornbreaker,”  and  if 
living,  and  reads  this  anecdote,  will  immediately  divine  who 
wrote  it.  We  lost  our  horses  and  guns. 

POOR  WHITES. 

There  were,  during  the  war,  a class  of  people  in  the  interior 
of  the  southern  states  who  were  especially  noted  for  their 
ignorance,  and  to  beat  them  at  breaking  up  the  English  ver- 
nacular, it  would  be  necessary  to  introduce  a cross  between 
the  Chinee  and  Dutchman’s  brogue.  This  class  was  known 
as  “ poor  whites,”  and  was  especially  conspicuous  in  the  state 
of  Georgia. 

An  officer,  returning  to  his  regiment  upon  one  occasion, 
rode  overland  through  that  portion  of  the  state  where  some 
of  these  people  lived,  and  as  the  district  was  isolated,  seldom 
anything  from  the  seat  of  war  was  heard  in  the  vicinity. 
Passing  along  a narrow  country  road,  he  came  to  a log  cabin, 
in  front  of  which  stood  a woman,  and  from  her  he  attempted 
to  gain  any  information  which  she  might  have  picked  up  from 
any  who  had  chanced  to  precede  him. 

“ Good  morning ! ” exclaimed  the  officer,  “ any  soldiers  been 
this  way  lately  ? ” 

“No,  I guess  not;  ain’t  seen  ’em.  That  are,  I hain’t  saw 
many,  — only  yist’r’dy  a exerter  com’  ’long,  and  he  sed  how 
things  was  bad ; how  the  news  had  com’  ’long  over  the  wire- 


A THOUSAND  SHIRTS. 


61 


grass,  dat  Blacksburg  had  fell ; that  at  Richmond  the  pre- 
serves had  been  called  out,  and  that  we  ’uns  had  vaccinated 
the  Pen-su-a-la.  This  is  all  he  tole  me,  for  ges’  as  he  was 
gwine  to  say  some  mo’,  Mr.  Gauslin  come  ’long,  wid  his  critter 
company,  and  interested  him.  Does  you  know  any  news?  ” 

In  plain  language,  briefly  told,  the  woman  meant  that  a 
deserter  had  told  her  that  Vicksburg  had  been  surrendered, 
and  that  a telegram  had  announced  the  alarm  felt  in  Rich- 
mond, which  had  caused  the  reserves  to  be  placed  in  active 
service  at  the  time  of  the  evacuation  of  the  Peninsula.  That 
while  she  was  being  interviewed  by  the  deserter,  General 
McCausland,  commanding  cavalry,  had,  in  passing,  arrested 
the  man. 

A THOUSAND  SHIRTS. 

Sometimes  little  incidents  happened  in  the  “ Army  of  the 
Tennessee,”  which  were  as  amusing  as  in  any  other  section  of 
the  country.  A good  story  is  told  at  the  expense  of  a Texan 
who  was  connected  with  that  branch. 

Upon  Hood's  retreat,  many  of  his  soldiers  lost  all  of  their 
clothing,  and  for  many  weeks  quite  a number  were  scarcely 
able  to  cover  their  nakedness,  anything  available  being  appro- 
priated, and  used  as  a substitute  for  the  regular  uniform. 
One  day,  while  Hood  and  his  staff  were  on  the  march,  they 
overtook  a regiment,  and  among  the  soldiers  was  one  whose 
uniform  consisted  of  only  a long  coffee  sack,  in  lieu  of  a shirt, 
and  with  nothing  else  on.  A hole  had  been  cut  for  his  head 
as  also  for  his  bare  arms,  and  over  this  garment  was  suspended 
his  canteen,  and  around  him  his  cartridge  belt,  while  he  car- 
ried his  musket  as  is  usual. 

Observing  this  novel  sight,  Hood  reined  up  his  horse,  and 
demanded  his  name  and  regiment.  “ Martin  Brown,  Company 
I,  Texas,”  was  the  prompt  response  of  the  soldier.  “ Well, 
have  you  no  better  uniform  than  that  ? ” The  soldier  laid 
down  his  gun,  looked  the  General  straight  in  the  face,  and  as 
the  blood  rushed  indignantly  to  his  cheeks,  he  said : “ Look 
here,  General  Hood,  do  you  expect  a man  to  have  a thousand 
shirts  ? ” 


62 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


THE  NEGRO  OYSTERMEN. 

When  hostilities  first  began,  Fort  Monroe  was  declared  to 
be  hostile  to  the  free  passage  of  small  boats,  without  being 
hailed  by  the  garrison,  and  made  to  “come  to,”  as  nautical 
people  say. 

An  oysterman’s  fleet  was  passing  by  early  one  morning,  en 
route  to  Norfolk,  each  boat  in  command  of  a negro  slave,  the 
property  of  some  Norfolk  citizen.  These  not  knowing  that 
the  United  States  Government  had  any  jurisdiction  over 
them  greater  than  that  of  their  masters,  and  being  anxious 
to  make  the  harbor,  declined  to  “ heave  to  ” when  ordered  by 
the  sentry  from  the  ramparts,  and  kept  right  on. 

Soon  a shot  was  fired  far  ahead  of  the  foremost  boat,  and 
then  another,  and  another,  until  one  was  dropped  right  over 
the  one  in  advance.  This  was  more  than  the  negro  captain 
could  stand ; so  raising  himself,  he  shouted  to  the  men  on 
shore:  “ Quit  your  foolishness,  you  blue  bellied  devils;  you’ll 
be  killing  a valuable  nigger,  mind ! and  I’m  gwine  straight 
home  and  tell  massa ; do  you  heah?  ” 

When  told  by  his  master  that  war  had  been  declared,  and 
that  he  must  not  go  out  for  any  more  oysters,  his  bewilder- 
ment was  beyond  description.  “ Well,  massa,”  he  exclaimed, 
“ what  will  become  of  missus  and  the  childen  ? I aint  got  any 
odder  way  to  ’spote  ’em.” 

DOING  PICKET  DUTY. 

Every  soldier  knows  what  his  feelings  were  the  first  time 
he  was  sent  on  picket  post,  and  left  to  himself,  especially  if  it 
was  in  the  night  time,  and  any  alarm  was  manifested  in  the 
vicinity  of  his  post. 

About  the  time  that  the  Union  army  began  to  land  at  New- 
ports  News,  it  was  often  that  marauding  parties  would  cross 
the  river  to  plunder  and  despoil  the  pigpens,  dairies  and  cellars 
of  the  planters.  Often  as  many  as  fifty  would  make  an  ap- 
pearance in  a body.  About  this  time,  also,  a regiment  of 
cavalry  was  camped  in  the  vicinity  of  Burwell’s  Bay,  and  did 


DOIN' G PICKET  DUTY. 


63 


picket  duty  along  the  shore  of  the  river,  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  the  chosen  landing-place  of  the  marauders. 

The  large  plantations  which  skirted  the  river  for  miles 
were  finely  stocked  with  herds  of  cattle,  and  these  were  al- 
lowed to  roam  at  will  upon  the  marshes.  One  beautiful 
moonlight  night  a solitary  picket  had  been  placed  at  the  ex- 
treme end  of  the  line,  on  the  river  shore,  distant  half  a mile 
from  any  other,  and  about  four  miles  from  his  camp.  The 
young  soldier  had  never  done  picket  duty  before,  nor  been  left 
to  his  own  reflections  in  the  night  time,  with  none  to  cheer  him 
save  the  languid  plash  of  the  rippling  river,  and  the  expect- 
ancy which  occupied  his  mind,  under  the  circumstances. 
His  orders  were  to  guard  the  landing,  and  if  an  attempt  was 
made  to  land,  to  fire  his  rifle  as  a signal  of  their  coming,  and 
then  to  fall  back  upon  the  main  post. 

At  midnight  the  sharp  report  of  a rifle  echoed  far  and  near, 
and  quickly  afterward,  the  rapid  thud  of  a horse’s  hoofs, 
told  that  the  enemy  had  appeared  and  doubtless  were  land- 
ing. When  the  horseman  came  up  to  the  main  post,  he  re- 
ported the  enemy  as  having  landed  in  “ great  force  ” beyond 
his  post,  and  that  they  were  £hen  moving  in  close  column  up 
the  shore.  The  commanding  officer  ordered  him  to  hurry 
on  to  camp  and  give  the  alarm,  and  to  return  with  the  whole 
regiment  as  quickly  as  possible. 

When  he  reached  camp,  crying  “Yankees!  Yankees!”  all 
were  soon  aroused  and  quickly  “ saddled  up,”  fell  in  line,  and 
with  the  colonel  in  advance  moved  down  the  Day’s  Neck 
road  to  the,  to  be,  scene  of  action,  not  a man  among  them  all 
ever  having  been  under  fire. 

These  are  the  times  that  try  men’s  souls ; the  time  when 
all  of  the  good  deeds  and  bad,  of  one’s  past  life  come  vividly 
before  his  vision  , the  time  Avhen  he  considers  himself  a hero 
and  expects  to  accomplish  single-handed  some  deed  that  shall 
forever  immortalize  his  name. 

In  quick  time  the  regiment  advanced  in  the  direction  indi- 
cated by  the  guide,  and  soon  came  up  to  the  pickets,  who 
had  all  been  called  in  by  the  rifle  shot,  and  were  awaiting  the 


64 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


arrival  of  the  main  body,  to  attack  the  enemy,  who  were  then 
about  a mile  away,  and  who  seemed  to  have  halted  in  the 
moonlight,  as  if  awaiting  its  assault.  The  regiment  was  de- 
ploj'ed  by  platoons,  and  ordered  to  charge.  Soon  the  whole 
column  was  under  way,  and  such  a rousing  yell  as  resounded 
in  that  vicinity,  would  to-day  have  frightened  men  to  death. 
On  they  went  with  hearts  beating  high,  and  with  minds  fully 
determined  to  cover  themselves  with  glory. 

Singularly  the  enemy  made  no  preparation  to  receive  them, 
and  until  the  advance  was  within  a hundred  jmrds  of  him,  it 
did  not  observe  this  fact.  On  it  went,  however,  and  with 
drawn  sabers,  dashed  wildly  into  the  midst,  not  of  Yankees, 
but  a large  herd  of  cattle.  There  never  was  a more  dis- 
gusted set  of  men  in  this  world  for  a week  than  these,  and 
you  may  rest  assured  that  no  official  report  of  that  engage- 
ment ever  reached  headquarters. 

COARSE  FOOD. 

It  was  quite  a common  occurrence  for  many  of  our  youth- 
ful lieutenants  to  suppose,  when  they  first  entered  the  army, 
that  they  were  officers  of  considerable  importance.  These 
had  a peculiar  way  of  looking  sidewise  at  their  shoulder 
straps,  and  the  red  sash  around  their  waists,  worn  full  width. 
They  had  a strut  in  their  walk,  and  the  swords,  so  soon  to  be 
crimsoned  in  blood,  would  trail  along  at  quite  a respectable 
distance  in  their  rear.  One  glance  would  be  sufficient  to  con- 
vince the  most  careless  observer  that  each  felt  as  if  the  des- 
tiny of  the  country  depended  largely  upon  their  individual 
efforts. 

There  were  several  of  this  character,  members  of  the 
Twentieth  Maine  regiment,  in  the  early  days  of  the  war,  but 
its  colonel  soon  took  the  starch  out  of  all  such.  Some  weeks 
after  the  battle  of  Antietam  this  regiment  was  marching 
through  Loudon  Valley,  in  Virginia.  Two  of  these  young 
officers,  being  somewhat  weary,  thought  they  would  leave 
their  command,  and  cross  a field,  thus  saving  some  distance. 
They  had  not  proceeded  far  before  a messenger,  dispatched 
by  the  colonel,  ordered  them  to  the  rear,  under  arrest. 


CHAPLAIN  C.’S  PRAYER. 


65 


The  following  day,  the  regiment  having  advanced  quite 
near  the  village  of  Snickersville,  these  officers,  wishing  to 
visit  the  village,  supposed  they  had  only  to  make  known  to 
the  colonel  their  wishes,  and  their  desire  would  be  gratified. 
One  of  these  remarks  to  the  other,  “This  usage  is  pretty 
coarse  food ; I will  write  a note  to  the  colonel,  and  obtain  his 
permission  to  visit  the  village ; ” and  in  his  simplicity  he  tore 
a small  piece  of  paper  from  his  pocket-book,  and  wrote  his 
request  to  the  colonel  in  a very  democratic  form,  and  sent  it 
up  by  one  of  his  men.  In  a few  moments  he  received  a re- 
ply something  like  this,  bearing  proper  date  and  signature : 

Lieutenants will  please  understand  that  officers  under 

arrest  receive  no  favors,  and  when  communicating  with  these 
headquarters  hereafter,  will  use  stationery  of  proper  size. 

Signed , Commanding  Regiment. 

The  matter  soon  leaked  out  among  the  men,  and  for 
months  these  officers  had  no  lack  of  “coarse  food.” 

CHAPLAIN  C.’s  PRAYER. 

During  the  campaign  of  '62,  it  became  necessary  one  morn- 
ing for  a chaplain  of  a Virginia  regiment  to  take  command  of 
it,  on  the  Peninsula.  Its  colonel  had  been  killed,  lieutenant- 
colonel  wounded,  major  a prisoner,  with  many  others. 

The  enemy  were  in  the  act  of  making  a charge,  and  this 
regiment,  behind  temporary  earthworks,  were  ready  to  receive 
that  charge. 

“Now  boj^s,”  said  old  Chaplain  C.,  a solemn  faced  Metho- 
dist, especially  famous  for  his  piety,  “ don’t  one  of  you  fire 
until  I give  the  command.” 

Patiently  they  waited,  while  the  enemy  were  coming  down 
upon  them  in  gallant  style.  Closer  they  came,  until  now  they 
were  in  a few  rods  of  the  works,  when  up  rose  old  Chaplain  C., 
and  with  hands  uplifted,  and  his  face  all  aglow  with  excite- 
ment, he  exclaimed,  “ May  God  have  mercy  on  their  souls  ; 
give  ’em  hell  boys  ! give  ’em  hell ! ” 

To-day  many  of  those  who  faced  the  awful  carnage  which 
followed  that  command  sleep  peacefully  in  honored  graves ; 
5 


66 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


among  them  Chaplain  C.,  hut  their  spirits  have  long  since 
commingled  in  kindred  sympathy,  and  are  doubtless  silent 
witnesses  to  this  record  of  their  immortal  deeds  of  valor. 

THE  ONLY  PRIVATE. 

Custom  makes  some  very  queer  laws  sometimes,  and  one  of 
these  used  to  be  the  habit  in  the  South  of  addressing  people 
by  some  title,  whether  they  deserved  it  or  not. 

Soon  after  the  war  closed,  the  shrewder  men  of  the  North 
saw  many  golden  fields  of  abundant  harvest  ripening  for  them, 
and  among  these  was  the  enterprising  landlord  of  one  of  the 
first  hotels  in  the  city  of  Atlanta.  This  gentleman  had  come 
from  the  North,  purchased,  refitted  in  elegant  style,  and 

opened  to  the  public,  the Hotel,  giving  out  that  this 

would  be  the  headquarters  of  the  southern  aristocrats. 

The  southern  army  had  been  disbanded  only  a short  time 
before,  and  as  in  many  other  cities  of  the  South,  Atlanta  was 
filled  with  idle  men,  many  of  whom  were  ex-soldiers. 

One  morning,  several  months  after  the  opening  of  this  es- 
tablishment, the  handsome  office  attached  was  the  scene  of  a 
hot  dispute,  between  General  A,  Colonel  B,  Major  C,  Captain 
D,  and  Lieutenant  E.  Beside  these  five  gentlemen,  there 
were  present  the  landlord,  and  one  other ; a very  quiet  look- 
ing young  man,  who  took  no  part  in  the  controversy,  yet  who 
seemed  to  be  mentally  familiar  with  the  subject  in  dispute. 
The  proprietor  of  course  was  only  a silent  spectator,  being  a 
northern  man. 

These  gentlemen  were  discussing  the  merits  of  a certain 
battle,  and  as  no  two  of  them  could  agree,  high  words  had 
ensued.  One  claimed  one  thing,  and  one  something  different. 
After  vainly  attempting  to  convince  each  other  of  their  indi- 
vidual mistakes,  the  quiet  gentleman  arose  from  his  chair, 
and,  addressing  the  crowd,  said:  “You  are  all  mistaken,  gen- 
tlemen ! The regiment  did  take  part  in  the  battle  of 

Shiloh,  and  that  part  of  the  line  in  dispute  was  broken  and 
did  fall  back  in  disorder  and  retreat.  I was  a member  of 
that  regiment  and  was  on  that  part  of  the  line  and  fell  back 
with  it.” 


THE  OXLY  PKIVATE. 


67 


Here  the  landlord  inquired  of  the  speaker  as  to  his  rank  in 
the  army.  “I  was  a private,”  he  replied.  “Young  man,” 
said  the  facetious  Yankee,  “how  long  do  you  expect  to  re- 
main in  Atlanta?”  “Don’t  know.”  “Well,  sir,  this  hotel 
considers  you  its  guest,  as  long  as  you  will  remain,  free  of 
charge.  I have  been  in  this  city  over  six  months,  and  min- 
gled with  thousands,  but  I will  be  cl d if  you  aren’t  the 

first  private  I have  ever  seen,  of  the  Confederate  army.” 


68 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Peninsula  campaign.  Transfer  of  troops  from  Washington  to 
yorktown.  Disembarking  troops  at  fort  monroe.  Siege  of 
yorktown.  Activity  of  magruder.  Battle  of  yorktown.  Ad- 
vance TOWARD  WILLIAMSBURG.  BATTLE  OF.  RETREAT  OF  CONFED- 
ERATES. MCCLELLAN  CROSSING  THE  CHICK AHOMINY.  SEVEN  DAYS 
battles.  Mcclellan’s  retreat.  Malvern  hill.  Under  cover 
OF  GUN-BOATS.  Re-EMBARKATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 
Roster. 


THE  PENINSULA  CAMPAIGN. 

To  successfully  conduct  the  movement,  of  an  army  of  one 
hundred  thousand  men,  and  the  immense  quantity  of  war  ma- 
terial attending  such  a force,  both  of  which  were  to  be  con- 
veyed a distance  of  two  hundred  miles  by  water,  was  an 
undertaking  of  stupendous  magnitude,  requiring  great  genius 
and  enterprise.  This  was  the  task  imposed  on  the  Govern- 
ment as  it  inaugurated  the  Peninsula  campaign. 

The  van  of  the  great  army,  thus  removed,  was  led  by  Ham- 
ilton’s— afterward  Kearney’s  — division  of  the  Third  corps 
(Heintzelman’s),  which  embarked  for  Fortress  Monroe  on 
the  nineteenth  of  March,  1862.  It  was  followed  by  Porter’s 
division  on  the  twenty-second  ; other  troops  following  Porter 
as  rapidly  as  transports  could  be  procured  for  the  purpose. 
General  McClellan  reached  Fortress  Monroe  on  the  second  of 
April  and  by  that  time  there  had  arrived  five  divisions  of  in- 
fantry, three  regiments  of  cavalry,  the  artillery  division,  and 
artillery  reserve ; making  in  all  fifty-eight  thousand  men,  and 
one  hundred  guns.  This  force  was  at  once  put  in  motion  in 
the  direction  of  Yorktown,  in  front  of  which  place  the  remain- 
der of  the  army  joined  it,  upon  arriving.  The  region  on  which 
the  army  found  itself  thus  planted,  is  known  as  the  peninsula 
and  formed  by  the  peculiar  geographical  position  of  the  James 
and  York  rivers.  These  streams  rise  in  the  very  heart  of  Vir- 


THE  PENINSULA  CAMPAIGN. 


69 


ginia,  and  running  in  a south-eastwardly  direction,  empty 
their  waters  into  Chesapeake  Bay.  The  peninsula  varies  in 
width  from  seven  to  fifteen  miles',  and  is  about  fifty  miles 
long.  The  land  is  low  and  flat ; in  some  places  it  is  marshy, 
and  generally  well  covered  with  wood  of  various  kinds.  The 
York  river  is  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the  Mattapony  and 
Pamunky,  which  unite  at  West  Point.  Richmond,  the  ob- 
jective point  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  is  on  the  northern 
bank  of  the  James  river,  at  the  head  of  navigation,  distant 
overland  from  Fortress  Monroe  about  seventy-five  miles. 

From  Fortress  Monroe  the  advance  was  made  in  two  col- 
umns, General  Keyes,  with  the  Fourth  corps  — the  divisions 
of  Couch  and  Smith  — formed  the  left,  and  General  Heintzel- 
man,  with  the  Third  corps  — divisions  of  Fitz  John  Porter 
and  Hamilton,  together  with  Averill’s  cavalry  and  Sedgwick’s 
division  of  the  Second  corps  — forming  the  right.  At  the 
very  outset  the  roads  were  found  to  be  almost  impassable,  as 
the  season  had  been  unusually  wet.  No  resistance  was  en- 
countered, and  on  the  fifth  of  April  the  advance  of  each  col- 
umn came  to  a halt ; the  right  in  front  of  Yorktown,  and  the 
left  before  the  enemy’s  works  at  Lee’s  Mills. 

. The  Confederate  forces  upon  the  peninsula  were  known 
as  the  “ Army  of  the  Peninsula,”  and  were  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  Magruder.  When  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac landed,  that  of  the  Confederates  amounted  to  about 
eleven  thousand  men.  About  Norfolk  there  was  another 
command  of  eight  thousand  men,  commanded  by  General 
Huger,  the  iron-clad  steamer  Merrimac  being  also  at  the 
mouth  of  the  James  river.  The  general  command  of  the 
Confederate  forces  was  under  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston, 
who,  so  soon  as  his  antagonist’s  movements  were  fully  de- 
veloped, put  his  army  in  motion  from  the  Rapidan  toward 
Richmond,  where  he  halted  it  for  a time.  He  did  not  expect 
to  hold  the  peninsula ; both  General  Lee,  then  acting  as  chief 
of  staff  of  Mr.  Davis,  and  himself,  deeming  it  untenable. 
Soon  after  the  advent  of  the  Federal  army,  General  Johnston 
visited  Yorktown,  examined  its  line  of  defences,  and  urged 


70 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  military  authorities  at  Richmond  to  withdraw  the  force 
from  the  peninsula,  assuming  that  the  Federal  commander 
would,  with  the  aid  of  the  navy,  soon  reduce  the  fort  at 
Yorktown,  and  thus  open  up  the  York  river,  and  by  means  of 
transports  soon  reach  the  head  of  the  peninsula,  and  thus  cut 
off  any  body  of  troops  that  might  remain  there. 

General  McClellan  began  an  elaborate  investment  of  York- 
town. The  line  of  forts  and  batteries  extended  from  the 
York  river  on  the  right  to  Warwick  on  the  left,  a distance  of 
about  one  mile.  In  all,  some  fourteen  batteries  and  a num- 
ber of  redoubts  were  erected  and  soon  armed  with  guns  of 
very  heavy  caliber.  On  the  fourth  of  May,  the  whole  work 
having  been  completed,  it  was  found  that  the  Confederates 
had  evacuated  Yorktown  ; had  done  so  in  the  same  skillful 
manner  as  they  did  Manassas,  and  the  boys  in  blue  came 
only  into  possession  of  deserted  defences,  and  some  seventy- 
five  siege  guns,  which  the  boys  in  gray  had  been  unable  to 
remove.  Upon  this  discovery  being  made,  all  of  the  availa- 
ble cavalry,  together  with  four  batteries  of  horse  artillery,  un- 
der General  Stoneman,  were  ordered  in  pursuit.  The  divis- 
ions of  Hooker  and  Smith  were  at  the  same  time  sent  for- 
ward in  support,  and  afterward  those  of  Kearney,  Couch  and 
Casey  were  put  in  motion. 

General  Sumner,  the  second  officer  in  command  in  the  Ar- 
my of  the  Potomac,  was  ordered  to  the  front  to  take  charge 
of  operations,  while  General  McClellan  remained  behind,  at 
Yorktown,  to  arrange  for  the  departure  of  Franklin’s  division 
by  water  to  West  Point.  By  this  move  it  was  expected  to 
force  the  Confederates  to  abandon  whatever  works  they 
might  have  on  the  peninsula  below  that  point. 

General  Stoneman  met  with  but  little  difficulty  until  he 
reached  the  enemy's  position  in  front  of  Williamsburg, 
twelve  miles  from  Yorktown.  Here  was  a large  fort  called 
Magruder,  with  extensive  earthworks  prolonging  the  line  on 
either  side.  These  had  been  constructed  by  the  Confeder- 
ates many  weeks  before.  When  Stoneman  reached  this  line 
he  had  a lively  tilt  with  the  Confederate  cavalry,  but  as  the 


BATTLE  OF  WILLIAMSBURG. 


71 


position  was  too  strong  to  carry,  lie  assumed  the  defensive, 
and  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  infantry.  General  Sumner 
came  up  at  dark  with  his  command,  and,  as  it  was  too  late  to 
attack,  his  men  bivouaced  in  the  woods.  A heavy  rain  came 
pouring  down,  which  made  the  roads  almost  impassable. 
Early  the  next  morning  Hooker's  division  had  taken  position 
on  the  left,  and  Smith’s  on  the  right,  the  other  divisions  not 
having  arrived. 


BATTLE  OF  WILLIAMSBURG. 

The  battle  was  now  opened  in  front  of  Fort  Magruder  by 
General  Hooker.  As  soon  as  he  succeeded  in  clearing  the 
shrubbery  from  his  front,  he  advanced  the  batteries  of  Web- 
ber and  Bramhall  to  within  six  hundred  yards  of  the  fort, 
and  soon  succeeded  in  silencing  its  guns.  At  this  time  the 
Confederates  made  a determined  attack  upon  Hooker’s  left, 
and  it  required  all  of  his  available  strength  to  hold  his  line. 
Both  the  Federals  and  Confederates  fought  gallantly.  Hook- 
er’s troops  exhausted  their  ammunition,  and  would  undoubt- 
edly have  been  driven  from  the  field,  but  at  four  o’clock  in 
the  afternoon  the  division  of  General  Kearney  came  up,  on 
the  double-quick,  and  relieved  Hooker’s  men,  re-established 
the  line,  and  held  the  position.  In  this  engagement  General 
Hooker  lost  a thousand  men. 

During  the  morning  the  troops  of  General  Smith,  on  the 
Federal  right,  had  not  been  engaged,  but  at  noon  General 
Sumner  ordered  him  to  send  a brigade  to  occupy  a redoubt 
on  the  extreme  right,  which  the  enemy  had  evacuated.  Han- 
cock’s brigade  was  selected.  General  Hancock  at  this  time 
was  also  in  command  of  Davidson’s  brigade,  and  for  the  work 
assigned  him  he  selected  from  his  own  brigade  the  following 
regiments:  the  Fifth  Wisconsin,  Forty-Ninth  Pennsylvania, 
and  Sixth  Maine;  and  from  Davidson’s  brigade,  the  Seventh 
Maine  and  Thirty-third  New  York  regiments.  General 
Johnston  did  not  know  of  the  existence  of  the  redoubt  which 
Hancock  was  ordered  to  capture,  and  this  important  position 
came  into  the  possession  of  the  Federals  without  a struggle, 


72 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


and  it  was  not  until  after  it  was  captured  that  the  Confeder- 
ate general  became  aware  of  this  new  danger,  and  prepared 
to  meet  it.  It  happened  that,  at  precisely  this  moment,  while 
the  Confederates  were  preparing  to  regain  the  position  which 
they  had  lost,  and  while  the  gallant  Hancock  was  sending  for 
reinforcements  to  enable  him  to  hold  that  prize,  that  General 
Sumner  ordered  General  Hancock  to'  fall  back  to  his  first 
position.  Hancock,  appreciating  the  commanding  position 
which  he  occupied,  delayed  doing  so  as  long  as  possible,  but 
about  five  o’clock,  seeing  that  the  Confederates  were  in  mo- 
tion in  his  front,  that  they  had  reoccupied  the  two  redoubts 
from  which  they  were  last  driven,  and  that  they  were  threat- 
ening both  of  his  flanks,  lie  withdrew  his  troops  behind  the 
crest.  Here  he  formed  his  line  with  about  one  thousand  six 
hundred  men,  being  determined  to  remain.  Waiting  until 
the  advancing  enemy  got  below  the  rise  of  the  hill,  and 
within  thirty  paces,  he  ordered  a general  charge.  This  was 
executed  in  a very  spirited  manner,  each  regiment  taking 
part  in  the  movement,  winning  a most  brilliant  record.  A 
few  of  the  enemy  who  had  approached  nearest  were  bayo- 
neted, the  rest  broke  and  fled  in  all  directions,  and  the  Con- 
federate flanking  force  being  dismayed,  also  beat  a hasty  re- 
treat. Shortly  after  the  action  was  decided,  General  Smith, 
by  order  of  General  McClellan,  who  had  reached  the  front, 
and  appreciated  the  position  secured  by  Hancock,  brought  up 
strong  reinforcements.  At  the  same  time  firing  ceased  in 
front  of  Fort  Magruder,  and  the  troops,  wet,  weary  and  hun- 
gry, rested  on  their  arms  for  the  night.  Williamsburg  was 
really  won,  for  Hancock  held  the  key  to  the  entire  position, 
and  during  the  night  the  Confederates,  who  during  the  day 
had  fought  so  nobly,  retired  in  the  direction  of  the  Chick- 
ahominy. 

In  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  General  Hooker  won  the 
name  of  “ Fighting  Joe,”  although  the  battle  was  quite  unnec- 
essary, since  the  obstacles  which  he  encountered  could  easily 
have  been  turned,  as  they  were  later  in  the  day,  by  General 
Hancock.  The  Federal  commanders  had  shown  a disposition 


BATTLE  OF  WILLIAMSBURG. 


73 


to  give  battle,  which  fact  aided  in  pacifying  the  excited  and 
impatient  demand  of  the  northern  people,  who  were  much 
elated  by  the  gallant  heroism  displayed  by  the  troops  of  Han- 
cock and  Hooker. 

When  the  Confederates  retreated  from  Williamsburg,  the 
Federals  followed  them  as  closely  as  the  wretched  condition 
of  the  roads  would  permit,  moving  upon  a line  parallel  with 
the  York  and  Pamunky  rivers  ; and  on  the  sixteenth  of  May, 
headquarters  were  established  at  White  House,  at  the  head  of 
navigation  upon  the  Pamunky;  distant,  eighteen  miles  east 
of  the  city  of  Richmond.  Great  depots  were  established  at 
White  House,  to  which  supplies  for  the  army  were  brought 
by  water,  and  the  columns  moved  along  the  line  of  the  York 
river  and  Richmond  railroad,  until  they  reached  the  northern 
bank  of  the  Chickahominy  river,  which  position  they  occupied 
on  the  twenty-first  of  May. 

General  Johnston,  who  had  so  skillfully  withdrawn  the 
Confederate  forces  from  the  Pamunky,  now  proceeded  to 
gather  his  forces  around  Richmond,  to  give  the  Federals  bat- 
tle. Both  commanders  labored  under  serious  and  similar  em- 
barrassments. The  Federal  President  had  assured  General 
McClellan  that,  when  operations  upon  the  peninsula  should 
commence,  he  should  be  reinforced  by  the  division  of  General 
McDowell ; but  when  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  disappeared 
from  before  Washington,  a strong  and  unnecessary  terror 
seemed  to  seize  the  minds  of  the  officials  there,  and  they 
deemed  the  presence  of  the  troops,  under  McDowell,  necessary 
to  the  safety  of  the  capital ; and  consequently  turned  a deaf 
ear  to  the  demands  of  McClellan  for  these  all  important 
troops.  General  Johnston  also  found  that  the  cabinet  at 
Richmond  imagined  that  they  knew  much  more  about  the 
war  than  did  their  generals  in  the  field,  and  it  was  with  great 
difficulty  that  he  could  induce  them  to  accept  his  plans.  But 
he  did  induce  them  to  order  the  evacuation  of  Norfolk  by 
General  Huger,  which  was  done  on  the  tenth  of  May,  and  the 
garrison  was  added  to  the  forces  defending  Richmond.  The 
Merrimac  was  also  blown  up  by  the  Confederates,  and  the 


74 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Federal  gun-boats  ascended  the  James  river,  until  they  reach- 
ed Fort  Darling,  at  Dre wry’s  Bluff,  within  twelve  miles  of 
Richmond,  where  they  were  checked  by  the  Confederate  lire 
and  were  obliged  to  retire  from  the  conflict. 

At  this  period,  the  Federal  forces  in  Virginia  presented  a 
strange  spectacle ; they  were  in  such  a position  that  success 
was  impossible.  The  Federal  army  consisted  of  some  seven- 
ty-five thousand  men,  and  was  upon  the  banks  of  the  Chick- 
ahoininy  river.  General  McDowell  with  a force  of  some 
thirty  thousand  men,  was  at  Fredericksburg,  upon  the  Rap- 
pahannock river;  General  Banks  with  sixteen  thousand  men, 
was  at  Strasburg,  in  the  Shenandoah  valley ; and  General 
Fremont,  with  fifteen  thousand  men,  was  at  Franklin,  in 
West  Virginia.  These  commands  were  all  independent  of 
each  other.  Neither  of  them  alone  was  able  to  accomplish 
great  results ; and,  in  their  isolated  and  inactive  condition, 
incited  the  enemy  to  concentrate  Ins  forces  and  crush  them 
in  detail.  McClellan  was  anxious  for  McDowell  to  unite 
with  him  by  marching  across  the  country  from  Fredericks- 
burg, and  the  latter  general  was  equally  anxious  to  do  so, 
but  the  Government  was  timid  and  fearful ; it  hesitated  to 
uncover  Washington,  and  that  hesitation  was  fatal.  It  is 
easy  to  understand  the  perilous  position  in  which  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  was  placed  by  these  proceedings,  and  the  on- 
ly hope  of  its  success  under  the  circumstances,  was  a vigor- 
ous movement  on  the  part  of  its  commander.  When  the 
Federal  general  found  that  the  much  desired  reinforcement 
would  not  be  sent  him,  he  long  delayed  an  aggressive  move- 
ment ; and  when  that  movement  was  made,  it  was  not  char- 
acterized by  the  energy  such  an  one  should  have  developed. 

The  passage  of  the  Chickahominy  was  made  by  Casey’s 
division  at  Bottom’s  Bridge  on  the  twentieth  of  May ; and  by 
the  twenty-fifth  the  corps  of  Keyes  and  Heintzelman  were 
established  on  the  right  bank.  Meanwhile,  the  corps  of 
Sumner,  Porter,  and  Franklin,  remained  on  the  left  bank. 
By  the  twenty-eighth,  Sumner  had  constructed  two  bridges, 
for  the  passage  of  his  corps ; but  up  to  the  time  that  the  Con- 


BATTLE  OF  WILLIAMSBURG.  75 

federate  commander  assumed  the  initiative,  on  the  thirty-first, 
no  provision  had  been  made  for  the  crossing  of  the  right 
wing,  and  the  reinforcing  of  that  wing  by  the  left  involved 
a detour  of  twenty-five  miles,  a distance  quite  too  great  for 
the  possibility  of  reinforcement  in  the  precarious  emergency 
of  battle.  Material  for  three  bridges,  to  be  used  in  the  pas- 
sage of  the  right  wing,  were  indeed  prepared,  and,  by  the 
twenty-eighth  of  May,  these  bridges  were  ready  to  be  laid. 
But  in  the  meantime  they  were  not  used,  and  the  two  wings 
were  suffered  to  remain  separated  by  the  Chickahominy,  and 
without  adequate  means  of  communication.  This  position  of 
the  army  must  be  considered  a dangerous  one,  and  shows  a 
most  serious  blunder  on  the  part  of  the  commanding  general. 

General  Johnston  was  not  the  man  to  let  such  a golden 
opportunity  pass  unimproved,  and,  as  quickly  as  he  had  de- 
veloped the  position  of  the  Federal  army,  he  determined  to 
crush  that  portion  of  it  which  had  crossed  the  Chickahominy 
river.  By  the  thirtieth  of  May  he  had  his  plans  well  ma- 
tured; but  on  that  night  there  came  a fearful  storm  of  rain 
which  somewhat  embarrassed  his  movements,  although  giving 
promise  of  making  them  all  the  more  complete  Avhen  carried 
into  execution. 

Casey’s  division  of  Keyes’  corps,  held  an  advanced  posi- 
tion, at  a point  known  as  the  Seven  Pines,  on  the  Williams- 
burg road,  six  miles  from  Richmond.  These  troops  were 
soon  reinforced  by  the  remainder  of  Keyes’  corps,  as  also  the 
corps  of  General  Heintzelman.  On  the  left  bank  of  the 
Chickahominy  were  the  corps  of  Franklin,  Sumner,  and 
Porter,  General  McClellan’s  headquarters  being  at  Gaines’ 
mill. 

Johnston  was  rapidly  reinforced  by  all  of  the  available 
troops  at  the  command  of  the  department ; Huger’s  division 
from  Norfolk,  Branche’s  command  from  North  Carolina,  the 
forces  from  around  Petersburg,  together  with  all  of  the 
smaller  commands  from  various  sections,  being  concentrated 
about  Richmond. 


76 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


BATTLE  OF  SEVEN  PINES. 

On  the  thirty-first  of  May  Johnston  advanced  his  line,  and 
attacked  that  portion  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  which  had 
crossed  the  Chickahominy,  and  occupied  the  position  at  Seven 
Pines.  Casey’s  division  was  in  front,  with  Couch  a short 
distance  in  his  rear,  near  Fair  Oaks  station.  The  attack  was 
sudden  and  furious.  The  division  of  General  Casey  was 
driven  hack,  and  Couch,  who  came  to  his  support,  shared  the 
same  fate.  These  troops  made  a stubborn  resistance,  and  the 
carnage  in  General  Johnston’s  ranks  was  fearful,  the  artillery 
fire  being  especially  destructive.  The  lines  were  frequently 
so  near  together  that  the  men  fought  hand  to  hand.  Nagle’s 
brigade,  composed  of  the  One  Hundredth  New  York,  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  Pennsylvania,  and  Eleventh  Maine,  es- 
pecially distinguished  themselves  by  their  heroic  bravery. 
The  impetuosity  of  the  assault  was  too  strong,  however,  for 
successful  resistance.  Keyes’  corps,  and  half  of  that  of 
Heintzelman,  which  came  to  the  assistance  of  the  former,  was 
forced  back  for  more  than  a mile,  with  the  loss  of  many  men, 
ten  pieces  of  artillery,  six  thousand  small  arms,  and  four 
regimental  flags. 

On  the  left  of  the  Confederate  line,  the  attack  was  not  so 
successful.  General  Smith’s  division,  with  a part  of  Whit- 
ing’s, made  an  attack,  but  failed  to  carry  the  position  until 
about  dark,  when  the  retreat  of  the  left  of  the  Federal  right 
wing  made  it  necessary  for  the  forces  in  their  front  to  with- 
draw. General  Johnston,  who  was  with  this  part  of  his 
army,  received  a severe  wound  in  his  shoulder ; General  Pet- 
tigrew was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner,  and  General  Hatton 
was  killed.  The  Confederates  lost,  in  killed  and  wounded, 
four  thousand  two  hundred  and  eighty-three,  while  General 
McClellan’s  official  report  states  his  loss  at  five  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  thirty-nine. 

On  the  morning  of  June  first,  two  divisions  of  McClellan’s 
army,  under  General  Sumner,  were  thrown  across  the  Chick- 
ahominy and  the  fight  was  renewed.  An  engagement,  lasting 


STONEWALL  JACKSON. 


79 


about  two  and  one  half  hours,  resulted  in  the  withdrawal  of 
the  Confederate  line,  after  a loss  of  about  nine  hundred  men. 
McClellan  once  more  advanced  his  line,  and  occupied  the 
ground  held  before  the  bloody,  but  indecisive  battle  of  Seven 
Pines,  but  which,  upon  the  whole,  was  disastrous  to  the  Con- 
federates. 


GENERAL  LEE  TAKES  COMMAND. 

The  severe  wound  of  General  Johnston  made  it  necessary 
to  appoint  a new  commander  for  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia ; the  choice  fell  upon  General  Robert  E.  Lee,  who  im- 
mediately assumed  the  position,  and  held  it  with  honor  until 
the  close  of  the  war. 

McClellan’s  intention  seemed  to  be  to  take  Richmond  by 
gradual  approaches.  A position  was  chosen  and  strongly 
fortified ; then  his  line  would  again  advance  and  be  entrench- 
ed. Strong  and  elaborate  defences  had  been  thrown  up 
around  Richmond,  so  that  it  would  be  practicable  for  a com- 
paratively small  force  to  hold  the  approaches  to  the  city, 
while  the  main  body  of  Lee’s  army  was  left  free  for  offensive 
operations. 

One  of  Longstreet’s  old  veterans  once  said  : “ McClellan  al- 
ways holds  a good  hand  when  spades  are  trumps.”  Spades 
were  brought  into  requisition,  and  while  McClellan  was  con- 
structing parallels  and  zigzags  in  the  most  approved  and 
scientific  manner,  General  Lee  was  preparing  for  important 
movements,  and  was  about  to  receive  welcome  visitors,  as 
described  in  the  following  narrative  : — 

STONEWALL  JACKSON. 

“Before  we  left  our  camp  at  Weyer's  Cave,  General  Jack- 
son’s army  was  reinforced  by  the  arrival  of  Whiting’s  division 
of  three  brigades,  which  came  directly  from  Richmond.  The 
natural  inference  was  that,  with  his  force  thus  augmented, 
General  Jackson  would  press  Fremont  vigorously,  and  per- 
haps cross  into  Maryland,  and  threaten  Washington.  But  we 
soon  found  out  that  quite  a different  programme  had  been  ar- 


80 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ranged.  On  the  twentieth  of  June  we  broke  camp  and  started 
in  the  direction  of  Waynesboro  ugh,  crossing  the  Blue  Ridge  at 
Rockfish  Gap,  and  moving  by  way  of  Charlottesville,  took  the 
line  of  the  Virginia  Central  railroad  toward  Richmond.  Gen- 
eral Jackson  was  marching  against  time,  having  arranged  with 
General  Lee  to  be  present  with  his  army  at  Mechanicsville  on 
the  twenty-sixth  to  take  part  in  the  attack  on  General  Mc- 
Clellan at  that  point. 

“ Tn  consequence  of  the  bridge  having  been  burned,  General 
Jackson  had  not  a sufficient  number  of  engines  and  cars  to 
transport  his  whole  army  ; but  ‘ Old  Jack  ’ was  fertile  in  ex- 
pedients, and  made  the  best  possible  use  of  the  rolling  stock 
at  his  command.  One  or  two  brigades  would  be  placed  on 
the  cars,  and  carried  forward  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles,  and 
then  disembarked,  and  hurried  forward  on  foot,  while  the 
trains  would  return  to  meet  the  troops  who  were  pressing  on 
behind,  and  thus,  alternately  walking  and  riding  we  moved 
‘on  to  Richmond.’  Very  few  incidents  of  this  march  are 
remembered ; it  was  a forced  march,  no  time  for  play, 
hardly  enough  for  sleep ; but,  with  all  our  efforts,  we  did. 
not  arrive  any  too  soon. 

“On  the  evening  of  the  twenty-sixth  of  June  as  we  drew 
near  to  Beaver  Dam  creek,  our  ears  were  saluted  by  the  sound 
of  heavy  cannonading.  The  deafening  roar  of  artillery  sound- 
ed louder  and  louder,  as  we  advanced.  It  was  the  beginning 
of  the  famous  Seven  Days  battle.  A.  P.  Hill  had  assaulted 
Fitz  John  Porter’s  position  at  Mechanicsville.  Jackson’s 
orders  were  to  cross  Beaver  Dam  creek  and  fall  upon  Porter's 
right  and  rear.  On  we  rushed,  but  such  was  the  weariness  of 
the  men  that  much  time  elapsed  before  the  last  brigade  could 
reach  the  ground.  Darkness  came  on  before  the  firing  ceased, 
and  we  halted  about  nine  o’clock  at  night,  anxious  and  uncer- 
tain as  to  the  result  of  Hill’s  movement.  General  Lee’s  plan 
was  to  cross  to  the  north  side  of  the  Chickahominy,  and 
by  threatening  McClellan’s  communications  with  York  river, 
to  either  force  him  to  give  battle  out  of  his  entrenchments,  or 
compel  him  to  retreat.  Like  most  of  the  plans  of  this  able 
general,  Lee’s  order  of  battle  was  very  simple.  A.  P.  Hill  was 


STONEWALL  JACKSON. 


81 


to  cross  the  Chickahominy  at  Meadow  Bridge,  and  move  di- 
rectly on  Mechanicsville ; while  Jackson  was  to  turn  the 
right  flank  of  McClellan  at  Beaver  Dam.  Longstreet  was  to 
hold  himself  in  readiness  to  support  A.  P.  Hill,  while  D.  H. 
Hill  was  to  cross  at  Mechanicsville  as  soon  as  the  bridge  was 
uncovered,  and  moving  in  the  rear  of  A.  P.  Hill,  proceed  to 
the  support  of  Jackson.  They  were  then  to  press  down  the 
north  side  of  the  river  ; J ackson  on  the  left,  and  in  advance ; 
Longstreet  on  the  river,  and  in  the  rear.  The  divisions  of 
Huger  and  Magruder  were  left  in  the  defences  at  Richmond, 
with  instructions  to  follow  McClellan  closely,  in  case  he 
should  retreat. 

“Such  was  the  situation  of  affairs,  as  we  came  within  hearing 
of  the  guns  on  the  evening  of  June  twenty-sixth,  as  detailed 
in  the  foregoing  pages.  The  result  of  the  battle,  as  we  learned 
on  the  next  morning,  was  the  dislodgement  of  Porter’s  corps 
from  the  hills  at  Mechanicsville,  and  his  retreat  to  the  strong 
earthworks  at  Beaver  Dam  creek.  A vigorous  effort  was 
made  to  turn  the  left  of  these  works  by  the  brigades  of  Ripley 
and  Pender  ; the  attempt  met  with  a most  bloody  repulse. 

“ E.  A.  Pollard  says  of  this  attempt : ‘ Ripley  advanced  his 
line  through  the  open  fields,  and  had  reached  the  road  and 
swamp  in  front,  when  suddenly,  the  enemy  opened  with  grape 
at  seventy  yards  and  mowed  down  whole  files  of  our  men. 
The  word  “ charge,”  ran  from  wing  to  wing,  and  our  men 
running  down  the  bank  to  the  road  beneath,  were  suddenly 
stopped  by  the  impassable  swamp  and  abattis ; to  the  right, 
up  the  rising  road,  cannon  also  blazed  in  their  faces,  while 
well  posted  infantry  poured  showers  of  small  shot.  Retreat 
was  the  only  alternative,  and  under  cover  of  the  darkness 
it  was  effected  with  little  additional  loss.’  The  battle  was 
renewed  the  next  morning  at  an  early  hour.  Hill  made  a 
fierce  attack  which  was  gallantly  resisted  until  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  Jackson  had  succeeded  in  crossing  Beaver  Dam 
creek  some  distance  above,  and  was  rapidly  closing  in  on  {Sor- 
ter’s flank  and  rear.  As  soon  as  Porter  became  aware  of  this 
fact,  he  abandoned  his  position,  and  retreated  down  the  river.” 

6 


82 


BLUE  AND  GEAT. 


BATTLE  OP  GAINES  MILL. 

The  ground  selected  by  McClellan  was  a range  of  hills  be- 
hind Avhat  is  known  as  “ Boatswain’s  Run.”  A deep  ravine 
at  the  foot  of  the  hill  formed  a most  excellent  shelter  for  the 
first  line  of  infantry.  In  the  front  of  this  ravine  the  trees 
had  been  felled  and  the  limbs  sharpened  to  points.  Sharpened 
stakes  had  also  been  driven  into  the  ground  pointing  toward 
our  lines.  On  the  side  of  the  hill,  rifle-pits  and  breastworks 
of  logs  and  earth  protected  the  second  line,  which  was  suffi- 
ciently elevated  to  fire  over  the  heads  of  their  comrades  be- 
low. A breastwork  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  was  filled  with  a 
third  line  of  infantry  and  crowned  with  artillery. 

Our  line  of  march  had  thrown  us  some  distance  from  the 
field  of  battle,  but  pressing  rapidly  forward  we  reached  the 
scene  of  action  about  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon.  A.  P. 
Hill  had  commenced  the  attack  about  two  hours  before  our 
arrival,  driving  in  the  skirmishers  and  assaulting  the  strong 
position  of  the  Federals  on  the  right.  Brigade  after  brigade 
had  been  thrown  against  this  almost  impregnable  position, 
only  to  be  hurled  back  broken  and  bleeding.  Longstreet,  who 
had  been  held  in  reserve  until  the  arrival  of  Jackson  would 
enable  Lee  to  attack  with  his  entire  force,  was  now  ordered 
to  move  in  Hill’s  favor.  An  advance  of  Pickett’s  brigade 
soon  made  it  plain  to  Longstreet  that  a feint  would  not  relieve 
Hill,  and  it  was  at  once  resolved  to  make  a real  attack.  An- 
derson and  Wilcox  were  ordered  to  the  front.  As  these  two 
divisions  moved  into  position,  we  reached  the  field.  Jackson 
at  once  formed  on  Longstreet’s  left  and  the  whole  line  moved 
forward.  Our  brigade  was  in  the  second  line,  supporting 
Hood’s  Texans. 

The  shock  of  battle  was  awful ; the  roar  of  the  musketry 
was  incessant ; the  ground  fairly  trembled  under  the  thunder 
of  the  cannon ; the  cloud  of  smoke  and  dust  was  almost 
blinding,  and  as  we  rushed  forward  into  this  arena  of  death, 
it  looked  like  moving  into  the  very  crater  of  a bursting  vol- 
cano. Our  line  of  advance  was  marked  by  piles  of  dead  and 
wounded  ; streams  of  bleeding  men  were  pouring  to  the  rear, 
seeking  shelter  from  the  pitiless  storm  of  iron  and  leaden  hail. 


BATTLE  OF  GAINES  MILL. 


83 


On  before  us,  rushed  the  brave  Texans,  yelling  and  shout- 
ing as  they  advanced.  The  fiery  storm  of  shot  and  shell 
poured  destruction  into  these  ranks,  but  there  was  no  halt, 
not  the  least  waver ; but  like  a mighty  living  wave,  they 
moved  onward,  over  the  fallen  timber,  through  the  chevaux 
de  frise,  across  the  deep  ravine,  up  the  slope  of  the  hills, 
bearing  before  them  the  lines  of  infantry,  until  at  last  they 
stood  upon  the  crest,  and  driving  the  cannoneers  from  the 
guns,  they  raised  a long,  loud,  exultant  cry  of  victory. 

Two  regiments  of  infantry  surrendered  in  the  rifle-pits. 
The  artillery  horses  were  shot  down  so  that  it  was  impossi- 
ble to  move  the  guns,  and  fourteen  pieces  of  artillery  were 
taken.  When  we  reached  the  crest  of  the  hill,  we  found  that 
the  Texans  had  repulsed  an  attack  made  on  their  left,  and 
that  the  fighting  was  over  for  the  day.  Colonel  Fulkenson 
commanding  our  brigade,  was  killed  by  the  last  volley  fired 
by  the  retreating  column  as  they  sullenly  retired  to  the  thick 
swampy  woods  in  our  front. 

The  battle  was  one  of  the  most  bloody  and  hotly  contested 
of  the  war.  The  charge  of  Hood’s  brigade  surpassed  any- 
thing that  came  under  my  observation  during  the  war.  Al- 
most any  troops  would  have  been  excusable  for  recoiling  be- 
fore the  heavy  fire  which  swept  through  that  devoted  column. 
I think  I would  be  safe  in  asserting  that,  before  they  reached 
the  brow  of  the  hill,  fully  one  half  of  the  brigade  had  been 
shot  down,  wounded  or  killed. 

In  the  battle  of  Gaines  Mill  we  were  confronted  by  the  un- 
comfortable fact  that,  while  thirty  thousand  Federals  were 
being  assailed  by  seventy  thousand  Confederates  on  the  north 
bank  of  the  Chickahominy,  on  the  south  bank  of  that  river, 
twenty-five  thousand  Confederates  held  in  check  sixty  thou- 
sand Federals.  The  losses  on  both  sides  were  terrible, 
amounting  to  many  thousands  of  men,  although  no  official 
statement  of  the  extent  of  these  losses  is  found  on  either  side. 
During  the  night  after  the  battle,  the  tired  and  mangled  rem- 
nants of  the  Federal  troops  were  removed  to  the  southern 
bank  of  the  river,  and  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  turned  its 


84 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


back  upon  the  Confederate  capital,  all  the  brilliant  hopes  of 
its  capture  being  remorselessly  dashed  to  the  ground. 

A retreat  began,  the  intelligence  of  which  sent  a thrill  of 
despair  through  the  North,  and  a corresponding  thrill  of  joy 
through  the  South.  During  the  night  which  succeeded  the 
bloody  and  desperate  battle  of  Gaines’  Mill,  resulting  in  a vic- 
tory for  the  Confederate  troops,  General  McClellan  withdrew 
his  shattered  and  wearied  right  wing  across  the  Chickahomi- 
ny,  destroying  the  bridges  as  he  crossed.  With  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  the  great  question  was,  could  it  make  good  its 
retreat  to  the  James  river,  with  the  victorious  legions  of  Gen- 
eral Lee  crowding  upon  its  rear.  There  was  one  advan- 
tage which  still  remained  for  General  McClellan,  he  had  a 
definite  plan  of  operations,  while  General  Lee  must  wait  un- 
til that  plan  was  developed  before  he  could  mature  his  plans ; 
and  when  on  Sunday,  the  twenty-eighth  of  June,  General 
Lee  ordered  Ewell's  division  and  Stuart’s  cavalry  to  seize 
the  York  River  railroad,  he  found  that  this  line  had  been 
abandoned  by  McClellan  two  days  before,  and  that  the  Feder- 
al army  was  in  full  retreat  for  the  James  river.  General 
McClellan  had  so  skillfully  concealed  his  movement,  that 
Generals  Magruder  and  Huger,  whose  duty  it  was  to  watch 
the  Federal  army,  were  entirely  unaware  that  any  such  move- 
ment was  being  made. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-ninth,  Longstreet,  A.  P. 
Hill,  and  Jackson,  crossed  the  Chickahominy,  and  with  Huger 
and  Magruder  were  ready  to  move  in  pursuit  of  McClellan, 
but  the  latter  had  then  gained  a start  of  twenty-four  hours, 
which  time  was  of  infinite  value  to  the  Federals,  in  executing 
so  dangerous  a movement.  In  retreating  to  the  James  river, 
McClellan  was  obliged  to  cross  the  White  Oak  Swamp  on  one 
single  road.  When  the  size  of  his  army  is  considered,  the 
long  line  of  five  thousand  baggage  wagons  and  twenty-five 
hundred  beef  cattle,  all  to  cross  on  one  thoroughfare,  some- 
thing can  be  understood  of  its  magnitude.  The  corps  of 
General  Keyes  led  the  advance,  and  by  noon  of  the  twenty- 
eighth  they  had  crossed  the  swamp,  and  occupied  a strong 


BATTLE  OF  SAVAGE  STATION. 


85 


position  npon  the  southern  side,  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the 
army.  Then  went  the  long  line  of  wagons  and  cattle.  These 
were  followed  by  the  corps  of  General  Porter.  The  troops  of 
General  Sumner,  Heintzelman  and  Smith’s  division  of  Frank- 
lin’s corps,  did  not  undertake  to  cross  the  White  Oak  Swamp 
until  the  night  of  the  twenty-ninth.  This  delay  was  to  ena- 
ble the  trains  to  reach  a position  of  safety. 

In  the  meantime,  General  Lee  was  planning  operations,  if 
possible,  to  intercept  the  retreat  of  McClellan.  Generals 
Magruder  and  Huger  were  ordered  to  advance  upon  the  Wil- 
liamsburg and  Charles  City  roads,  Longstreet  and  A.  P. 
Hill  were  to  cross  at  New  Bridge,  and  move  by  flank  routes 
near  the  James  river,  to  get  in  the  rear  of  the  retreating  Fed- 
erals,  if  possible.  And  the  impetuous  Jackson  was  to  cross 
the  Chickahominy  at  Grape  Vine  Bridge,  sweep  down  the 
south  bank  of  that  river,  and  strike  the  Federal  column  in 
the  rear. 


BATTLE  OF  SAVAGE  STATION. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-ninth,  General  Sumner 
learned  that  the  Confederates  were  crossing  the  Chickahomi- 
ny and  advancing  toward  Savage  Station.  He  moved  his 
corps  from  Allen’s  farm  to  that  place,  there  joining  Smith's 
division  of  Franklin's  corps.  General  Heintzelman  at  the 
same  time  fell  back  from  his  position  on  the  Williamsburg 
road,  and  retreated  across  the  White  Oak  Swamp.  General 
Magruder  advancing  along  the  same  road,  by  the  withdrawal 
of  Heintzelman,  did  not  encounter  any  Federals  until  he  came 
upon  General  Sumner  at  Savage  Station. 

It  was  a very  critical  moment  for  both  armies.  General 
Sumner  was  the  only  barrier  between  the  advancing  Confed- 
erates and  the  vast  trains  of  the  Federals.  If  the  former 
could  be  held  in  check  until  dark,  all  would  be  well,  but  if 
Sumner  was  crushed  it  would  be  a fearful  disaster  for  the 
Federals.  Magruder  made  an  attack  upon  Sumner  with  his 
usual  impetuosity,  and  Sumner  stood  it  in  that  stubborn  man- 
ner for  which  he  was  distinguished.  The  Confederates  made 


86 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


several  desperate  assaults,  and  were  each  time  repulsed,  but 
the  Confederate  leader  continued  the  conflict,  expecting  each 
moment  that  the  troops  of  Jackson  would  arrive  and  strike 
the  rear  of  Sumner.  Jackson  was  delayed  in  building  a 
bridge  over  the  Chickahominy,  however,  and  notwithstanding 
his  impatience  at  the  delay,  nearly  the  whole  of  the  day  was 
thus  consumed.  Sumner  stood  firmly  against  Magruder  until 
dark  ; the  Federal  trains  were  then  safe,  and  General  Sumner, 
obeying  the  commands  of  General  McClellan,  fell  back  across 
the  White  Oak  Swamp,  leaving  a hospital  containing  over  two 
thousand  sick  and  wounded  men,  in  the  hands  of  the  Confed- 
erates. On  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth,  the  whole  army  had 
crossed  White  Oak  Swamp.  The  artillery  had  reached  Mal- 
vern Hill,  and  the  advance  of  the  army  had  also  reached 
James  river.  The  Confederates  were  pursuing  in  two  col- 
umns, and  with  the  desperate  determination  to  crush  the  Fed- 
erals  before  they  reached  the  James  river.  Longstreet's  com- 
mand was  rushing  over  the  roads  along  the  north  bank  of  the 
James  river,  while  Jackson  who  was  to  follow  in  the  rear  of 
McClellan,  was  to  cross  the  White  Oak  Swamp  and  unite  his 
command  with  that  of  Longstreet.  The  Confederate  army 
thus  united,  could  sweep  with  irresistible  power  upon  the 
trains  of  McClellan.  To  prevent  this  junction  of  the  Confed- 
erates, until  his  trains  were  secure,  now  became  the  principal 
thought  of  the  Federal  commander. 

At  noon  of  the  thirtieth,  Jackson  reached  the  White  Oak 
Swamp,  and  found  that  the  bridge  which  spanned  the  small 
stream  at  that  place  had  been  destroyed,  and  he  was  at  the 
same  time  saluted  with  a heavy  fire  from  Federal  artillery, 
posted  on  the  other  side  of  the  swamp.  Jackson  was  deter- 
mined not  to  be  delayed  when  time  was  of  such  value,  and 
with  much  vigor  undertook  to  force  a passage  of  the  swamp, 
but  the  Federals  poured  such  a terrible  fire  upon  the  Confed- 
erates, that  any  attempt  at  crossing  was  defeated. 

While  Jackson’s  advance  was  thus  arrested  at  White  Oak 
Swamp,  Longstreet  was  pressing  vigorously  forward  along  the 
New  Market  road,  which  ran  almost  at  right  angles  with  the 


BATTLE  OF  SAVAGE  STATION. 


87 


road  along  which  the  Federals  were  retreating,  and  had  actu- 
ally reach  a point  within  a mile  of  where  these  roads  inter- 
sected with  each  other.  If  he  could  seize  that  point  of  inter- 
section, the  Federal  army  would  be  cut  in  twain,  and  that 
portion  in  the  rear  could  be  easily  crushed  between  the  forces 
of  Longstreet  and  Ja'ckson.  He  determined  to  grasp  the 
prize,  if  possible,  and  this  design  caused  the  battle  of  Glen- 
dale to  be  fought.  The  Federals  well  understood  the  value 
of  the  position  which  Longstreet  was  so  anxious  to  gain,  and 
made  dispositions  to  retain  its  possession. 

McCall's  division  of  Pennsylvania  reserves  held  the  position 
of  honor  and  danger,  at  the  crossing  of  the  roads.  Sumner 
was  on  the  left  of  McCall,  Hooker  on  the  left  of  Sumner, 
somewhat  in  advance,  and  Kearney  was  on  the  right  of  Mc- 
Call. The  Confederate  line  was  formed  with  Longstreet  on 
the  right  and  A.  P.  Hill  on  the  left.  The  Confederates  opened 
the  battle  at  three  p.m.  This  blow  was  well  delivered  and  fell 
upon  the  left  of  McCall,  where  the  battle  raged  desperately 
for  two  hours,  but  each  assault  of  the  Confederates  was  re- 
pulsed. 

The  troops  of  both  armies  showed  great  daring.  The  Con- 
federates made  desperate  attempts  to  seize  the  Federal  batteries 
in  the  center  of  this  line.  Two  regiments  of  Confederates, 
the  Fifty-fifth  and  Sixtieth  Virginia,  made  a desperate  charge 
upon  Randall's  battery  with  trailed  arms  ; charged  up  to  the 
cannon's  mouth,  struck  down  the  cannoneers,  and  forced  a 
portion  of  the  infantry  support  to  fall  back.  A few  Federals 
had  a brief  hand  to  hand  struggle  with  the  Confederates  over 
the  guns,  but  the  latter  were  the  victors.  The  battle  raged 
along  the  line  at  different  points  from  the  center  to  the  Fed- 
eral left,  until  dark.  The  Federals  had  succeeded  in  holding 
the  position. 

Jackson  on  the  other  side  of  the  White  Oak  Swamp,  could 
hear  the  roar  of  battle,  but,  to  his  chagrin,  could  not  advance 
to  assist  Longstreet.  The  point  which  McClellan  sought  had 
now  been  gained,  and,  during  the  night,  the  forces  which  had 
held  Jackson  in  check,  and  those  who  had  fought  Longstreet, 


88 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


were  withdrawn  to  Malvern  Hill.  The  Confederate  army  was 
united  and  moved  rapidly  on  in  pursuit,  but  their  chances 
of  success  had  been  much  reduced  by  the  events  of  the  last 
few  days. 


BATTLE  OF  MALVERN  HILL. 

Upon  the  crest  of  Malvern  Hill  was  a plateau,  a mile  and 
a half  long  by  three-fourths  of  that  distance  in  width.  Upon 
this  plateau  McClellan  had  posted  the  left  and  center  of  his 
army;  his  right  wing  being  refused  and  curved  backward 
over  a country  which  was  covered  with  wood,  to  a point 
known  as  Idaxall’s  Landing  on  the  James  river.  General 
McClellan,  supposing  that  the  attack  would  be  made  upon  his 
left  and  center,  had  there  massed  heavy  columns  of  infantry 
and  artillery.  -General  Porter’s  corps  composed  the  left  of 
the  line,  and  he  had  with  his  infantry  over  sixty  pieces  of 
artillery,  in  position.  Couch  was  on  Porter’s  right,  and  next 
to  him  was  Kearney,  Hooker,  Sedgwick,  Richardson,  Smith, 
Slocum  and  Keyes,  extending  almost  to  the  James  river. 
The  gun-boats  could  protect  Porter’s  left  flank. 

General  Lee  immediately  formed  his  lines  for  the  assault. 
The  gallant  Confederate  troops  were  elated  with  victory,  and 
possessing  a supreme  confidence  in  the  ability  of  their  com- 
manders, were  prepared  to  make  a most  desperate  fight.  Mc- 
Clellan’s position  was  a very  strong  one,  and  his  soldiers  felt 
confident  that  they  should  be  able  to  repulse  the  Confederate 
attack.  The  Confederate  line  was  formed,  with  Jackson’s 
command  on  the  left,  Magruder  and  Huger  on  the  right, 
Longstreet  and  Hill  being  held  in  reserve.  It  was  nearly 
night  before  the  plans  of  the  Confederate  chieftain  were  per- 
fected. He  determined  to  assault  the  plateau,  his  lines  mak- 
ing several  attempts  to  carry  the  position,  but  all  in  vain. 

The  crest  of  Malvern  Hill  was  a solid  sheet  of  flame,  while 
a terrible  storm  of  iron  hail  poured  from  that  girdle  of  fire 
upon  the  brave  men  who  were  so  gallantly  striving  to  carry 
out  the  plans  of  General  Lee.  Night  came  with  its  friendly 
mantle  of  darkness,  but  the  fight  was  continued  until  nine 


BATTLE  OF  MALVEKX  HILL. 


89 


o’clock  in  the  evening.  It  was  one  of  the  most  bloody  de- 
feats suffered  by  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  during  the 
war.  If  General  Lee  can  be  justly  accused  of  making  a blun- 
der in  thus  sacrificing  his  men,  it  can  be  said  to  his  praise 
that  he  profited  by  his  experience  and  never  repeated  it. 
The  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  victorious,  but  during  the 
night  it  was  withdrawn  to  Harrison’s  Landing,  while  Lee 
soon  withdrew  his  army  to  the  vicinity  of  Richmond. 

Thus  ended  the  famous  Peninsula  campaign.  Each  army 
had  sustained  a loss  of  many  thousands  of  men.  The  South 
was  wild  with  excitement  and  joy,  over  the  result  of  the 
campaign.  The  North  was  overwhelmed  with  grief  at  the 
continual  defeats  sustained  by  its  favorite  army.  When  Gen- 
eral McClellan  reached  Harrison’s  Landing,  he  had  an  army 
of  eighty  thousand  men,  and  he  conceived  the  plan  of  throw- 
ing this  to  the  south  bank  of  the  James  river,  and  moving 
upon  Petersburg,  but  the  administration  at  Washington 
were  anxious  for  the  safety  of  that  city,  favoring  the  with- 
drawal of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  from  the  peninsula  to 
the  neighborhood  of  Washington. 

General  Halleck,  who  was  about  this  time  appointed  to  the 
position  of  commander  of  the  armies,  also  gave  his  opinion 
in  favor  of  such  a movement,  and  it  was  soon  decided  that  it 
must  be  made.  As  soon  as  General  Lee  -surmised  the  plans 
of  the  Federal  commander,  he  put  his  columns  in  motion  to 
crush  General  Pope,  who  was  in  command  of  the  Army  of 
Virginia. 


90 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  A. 


TROOPS  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC  SENT  TO 
THE  PENINSULA  IN  MARCH  AND  APRIL,  1862. 

I 

CAYALRY  RESERVE.  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  P.  ST.  G.  COOKE. 

Emory's  Brigade.  Blake's  Brigade. 

5th  United  States  Cavalry.  1st  United  States  Cavalry. 

6th  “ “ 8th  Pennsylvania  “ 

6th  Pennsylvania  “ Barker’s  Squadron  Illinois  Cavalry. 


II 


ARTILLERY  RESERVE.  COLONEL  HENRY  J.  HUNT. 


Graham's  Battery 

K & 

G 

1st  U.S., 

Randol’s  “ 

E 

1st  “ 

Carlisle’s  “ 

E 

2d  “ 

Robertson’s  “ 

2d  “ 

Benson’s  “ 

M 

2d  “ 

Tidball’s 

A 

2d  “ 

Edwards’  “ 

L & 

M 

3d  “ 

Gibson’s  “ 

C & 

G 

3d  “ 

Livingston’s  “ 

F & 

K 

3d  “ 

Howe’s  “ 

G 

4th  “ 

De  Russy’s  “ 
Weed’s 

IC 

4th  “ 

I 

5th  “ 

Smead’s  “ 

K 

5th  “ 

Ames’  “ 

A 

5th  “ 

Diederick’s  “ 

A N.  Y 

. Art.  Batt’n 

Voegelie’s  “ 

B “ 

“ 

Knieriem’s  “ 

C “ 

Grimm’s  “ 

D “ 

«« 

6 Napoleon  guns. 

6 “ 

G 20-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

6 3-inch  ordnance  “ 

6 “ 

6 “ “ 

6 10-pds.  Parrott 
6 3-iuch  ordnance 
4 10-pds.  Parrott 
6 Napoleon 
G “ 

, 6 3-inch  ordnance 
4 Napoleon 

( 4 10-pds.  Parrott  1 

6 j 2 Napoleon  j gnm' 

6 20-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

4 “ 

4 “ “ “ • 

6 32-pds.  howitzers. 

100  guns. 


Ill 


VOLUNTEER  ENGINEER  TROOPS.  GENERAL  WOODBURY. 


15th  New  York  Volunteers. 
50th  “ “ 


REGULAR  ENGINEER  TROOPS.  CAPTAIN  DUANE. 

Companies  A,  B,  and  C,  U.  S.  Engineers. 


ARTILLERY  TROOPS  WITH  SIEGE  TRAIN. 

1st  Connecticut  Heavy  Artillery.  Colonel  Tyler. 


TROOPS  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC.  91 


INFANTRY  RESERVE  (REGULAR  BRIGADE).  GENERAL  SYKES. 

United  States  Infantry. 


Nine  Companies 
Seven 
Ten 
Ten 
Eight 
Six 
Eight 
Nine 


2d 
3d 
4th 
6th 

10th  & 17th 
11th 
12th 
14th 


6th  New  York  Volunteers.  Colonel  lYarren. 


SECOND  CORPS.  GENERAL  SUMNER. 

Cavalry. 

8th  Illinois  Cavalry.  Colonel  Farnsworth. 

One  Squadron  6th  New  York  Cavalry. 


RICHARDSON’S  DIVISION. 


Artillery. 


Clark's  Battery  A & C 4th  U.S., 

Frank’s  “ G 1st  N.Y., 

Pettit’s  “ B 1st  “ 

Hogan’s  “ A 2d  “ 


6 Napoleon  guns. 

6 10-pds.  Parrott  guns. 


6 “ ■ “ 
6 “ “ 


Howard's  Brigade. 
5th  N.  H.  Volunteers. 
81st  Penn.  “ 

61st  N.  Y. 

64th  “ “ 


Infantry. 
Meagher’s  Brigade. 
69th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
63d 

8Sth  “ 


French's  Brigade. 
52d  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
57th  “ “ 

66th  “ “ 

53d  Penn.  “ 


SEDGWICK’S  DIVISION. 


Kirby’s  Battery, 
Tompkins’  “ 
Bartlett’3  “ 
Owen’s  “ 


Artillery. 


I 1st  U.  S., 
A 1st  R.  I., 

B 1st  “ 

G — — 


6 Napoleon  guns. 

R | 4 10-pds.  Parrott  1 
0 ( 2 12-pds.  H owitzers  | 
P ( 4 10-pds.  Parrott  ) 
0 | 2 12-pds.  Howitzers  ) 
6 3-inch  ordnance  guns. 


guns. 


Gorman’s  Brigade. 
2d  N.  Y.  S.  M. 

15th  Mass.  Volunteers. 
34th  N.  Y. 

1st  Minn.  “ 


Infantry. 
Bums'  Brigade. 

69th  Penn.  Volunteers. 
71st  “ “ 

72d  “ “ 

106th  “ “ 


Dana's  Brigade. 
19th  Mass.  Volunteers. 
7th  Mich.  “ 

42d  N.  Y.  “ 

20th  Mass.  “ 


Note.  — Blenker’s  Division  detached  and  assigned  to  the  Mountain  Department. 


THIRD  CORPS.  GENERAL  HEINTZELMAN. 

Cavalry. 

3d  Pennsylvania  Cavalry.  Colonel  Averill. 


PORTER’S  DIVISION. 


Artillery. 


Griffin’s  Battery  K 5th  U.  S., 

Weeden’s  “ C R.  I , 

Martin’s  “ C Mass. 

Allen’s  “ E “ 


6 10-pds.  Parrott  gnus. 

6 Napoleon  guns. 

6 3-inch  ordnance  guns. 


Marlindale’s  Brigade. 
2d  Maine  Volunteers. 
18th  Mass.  “ 

22d  “ 

25th  N.  Y.  “ 

13th  “ “ 

1st  Berdan  Sharpshooters. 


Infantry. 
Morell’s  Brigade. 
14th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
4th  Mich.  “ 

9th  Mass.  “ 

62d  Penn.  “ 


Butterfield’ s Brigade. 
17th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
83d  Penn.  “ 

44th  N.  Y.  “ 

Stockton’s  Michigan. 
12th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 


92 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


HOOKER’S  DIVISION. 


Hall’s  Battery  H 1st  U.  S. 

Smith's 
Bramhall’s 
Osborn’s 


Artillery. 

g f 4 10-pds.  Parrott 


4th  N.  Y.  Battery, 
6th  “ 

D 1st  N.  Y.  Art. 


, 2 12-pds.  Howitzers  f &un9' 
6 10-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

6 3-inch  ordnance  “ 

± >>  n u 


Sickles’  Brigade. 
1st  Excelsior  (N.  Y.) 
2d  “ “ 

3d  “ “ 

4th  “ “ 

6th  “ “ 


Infantry. 
Nagle's  Brigade. 

1st  Mass.  Volunteers, 
lltli  “ “ 

26th  Penn.  “ 

2d  N.  H.  “ 


Colonel  Starr’s  Brigade. 
6th  N.  J.  Volunteers. 

6th  “ “ 

7th  “ “ 

8th  “ “ 


HAMILTON’S  DIVISION.* 


Thompson’s  Battery 
Beam’s  “ 


Randolph’s 


Jameson's  Brigade. 
105th  Penn.  Volunteers. 
63d  “ “ 

67th  “ “ 

87th  N.  Y. 


Artillery. 

G 2d  U.  S.,  6 Napoleon  guns. 

) 4 10-pds.  Parrott ) „ 

D ( 2 Napoleon  J 


N.  J. 
R.  I. 


Infantry. 
Birney’s  Brigade. 
38th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
40th  “ “ 

3d  Maine  “ 

4th  “ “ 


Berry's  Brigade. 

2d  Mich.  Volunteers. 
3d 

6th  “ “ 

37th  N.  Y.  “ 


FOURTH  CORPS.  GENERAL  KEYES. 

Cavalry. 


COUCH’S  DIVISION. 


Artillery’. 

McCarty’s  Battery  C 1st  Penn.,  4 10-pds.  Parrott  gnus. 

Flood’s  “ D 1st  “ 6 “ “ “ 

Miller’s  “ E 1st  “ 4 Napoleon  “ 

Brady's  “ H 1st  “ 4 10-pds.  Parrott  “ 


Infantry. 

Graham's  Brigade.  reek's  Brigade. 

67th  N.  Y.  Vols.  (1st  L.  I.)  98th  Penn.  Volunteers. 
65th  “ “ (1st  U.S.  Chas.)  102d  “ “ 

23d  Penn.  “ 93d  “ “ 

31st  “ “ 62d  N.  Y.  “ 

61st  “ “ 65th  “ “ 


Devin's  Brigade .t 
2d  R.  I.  Volunteers. 
7th  Mass.  “ 

10th  “ “ 

36th  N.  Y.  “ 


SMITH’S  DIVISION. 


Artillery*. 


Ayres’  Battery  F 5th  U.  S., 


Mott's  “ 
Wheeler’s  “ 
Kennedy’s  “ 


3d  N.  Y.  Battery, 

E 1st  N.  Y., 

1st  N.  Y.  Battery, 


„ ( 4 10-pds.  Parrott  1 
6 | 2 Napoleon  / Sun8’ 

j 4 10-pds.  Parrott  1 „ 

° ( 2 Napoleon  ) 

4 3-incli  ordnance  guns. 

6 “ 


Infantry. 

Hancock’s  Brigade. 

Brooks’  Brigade. 

Davidson’s  Brigade, 

6th  Wis.  Volunteers. 

2d  Vermont  Volunteers. 

33d  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 

49th  Penn.  “ 

3d 

77th  “ 

43d  N.  Y. 

4th  “ “ 

49th  “ “ 

6th  Maine  “ 

6th 

6th  “ “ 

7th  Maine  “ 

♦Afterward  Kearny’s  Division, 
t Afterward  Palmer’s. 

TROOPS  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


93 


CASEY’S  DIVISION. 

Artillery. 

Regan’s  Battery  7th  N.  Y.  Battery,  6 3-inch  ordnance  guns. 

Fitch’s  “ 8th  “ “ 6 “ “ “ 

Bates’  “ A 1st  N.  Y.  Art'y,  6 Napoleon  “ 

Spratt’s  “ H 1st  “ “ 4 3-inch  ordnance  “ 


Keim's  Brigade. 

85th  Penn.  Volunteers. 
101st  “ 

103d  “ “ 

96th  N.  Y.  “ 


Infantry. 
Palmer's  Brigade. 
85th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
93th  “ “ 

92d  “ “ 

81st  “ “ 

93d  “ “ 


Naglee’s  Brigade. 
104th  Penn.  Volunteers. 
52d  “ 

56th  N.  Y.  “ 

100th  “ “ 

11th  Maine  “ 


Y 

PROYOST  GUARD. 

2d  U.  S.  Cavalry. 

Battalion  8th  and  17th  U.  S.  Infantry. 


AT  GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS. 

2 Cos.  4th  U.  S.  Cavalry.  1 Co.  Oneida  Cav.  (N.  Y.  Vols.). 
1 Co.  Sturgis  Rifles  (111.  Vols.). 


FIRST  CORPS.  GENERAL  McDOWELL. 

Cavalry. 

1st  New  York  Cavalry.  4th  New  York  Cavalry. 

2d  “ “ “ 1st  Pennsylvania  “ 

Sharpshooters. 

2d  Regiment  Berdan’s  Sharpshooters. 

FRANKLIN’S  DIVISION. 

Artillery. 

Platt’s  Battery  D 2d  U.  S.,  6 Napoleon  guns. 

' 4 10-pds.  Parrott 
2 12-pds.  Howitzers 
4 10-pds.  Parrott 
2 12-pds.  Howitzers 
1-in  ordnance 


Porter’s  “ 

Hexamer’s  “ 
Wilsons  “ 


A Mass.,  6 j 

AN.  j„  ej 

F 1st  N.  Y.  Art’y  4 ; 


Kearney's  Brigade. 
1st  N.  J.  Volunteers. 
2d  “ 

3d  “ “ 

4th  “ “ 


Infantry. 
Slocum’s  Brigade. 
16th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
27th  “ 

5th  Maine  “ 

96th  Penn.  “ 


Newton's  Brigade. 
18th  N.  Y.  Volunteers. 
31st  “ “ 

32d  “ “ 

95th  Penn.  “ 


MCCALL’S  DIVISION. 
Artillery. 


Seymour’s  Battery  C 5th  U.  S., 

Easton’s  “ A 1st  Penn., 

Cooper's  “ B 1st  “ 

Kern’s  “ C 1st  “ 


6 Napoleon  guns. 

4 “ “ 

6 10-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

R ( 2 10-pds.  Parrott  ) 
° ( 4 12-pds.  Howitzers  } 


guns. 


Reynold’s  Brigade. 
1st  Penn.  Res.  Reg’t. 
2d  “ 

5th  “ “ 

8th  “ “ “ 


Infantry. 
Meade's  Brigade. 

3d  Penn.  Res.  Reg’t. 
4th  “ 

7th  “ “ “ 

11th  “ “ “ 

1 Penn.  Reserve  Rifles. 


Ord’s  Brigade. 

6th  Penn.  Res.  Eeg’t. 
9th  “ 

10th  “ “ “ 

12th 


94 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


KING’S  DIVISION. 


Gibbon’s  Battery 
Monroe’s  “ 
Gerrisb’s  “ 
Durrell’s  “ 


Artillery. 

B 4th  U.  S.,  6 Napoleon  guns. 

D 1st  R.  I.  6 10-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

A N.  H.,  6 Napoleon  “ 

Penn.  6 10-pds.  Parrott  “ 


Brigade. 

2d  Wi3.  Volunteers. 
6th  “ “ 

7th  “ “ 

19th  Ind.  “ 


Infantry. 
Patrick’s  Brigade. 
20th  N.  Y.  S.  M. 

21st  “ Vols. 

23d  “ “ 

25th  “ “ 


Augur's  Brigade. 
14th  N.  Y.  S.  M. 
22d  “ Vols. 

24th  “ 

30th  “ “ 


FIFTH  CORPS.  GENERAL  BANKS. 

Cavalry. 

5th  New  York  Cavalry. 

8th  “ “ 

Keyes’  Battalion  Penn.  Cavalry. 

18  Cos.  Maryland  “ 

1 Squadron  Virginia  “ 

Unattached. 

28th  Penn.  Volunteers.  4th  Regiment  Potomac  Home  Guard  (Maryland  Vols.). 


1st  Maine  Cavalry. 
1st  Vermont  “ 

1st  Michigan  “ 

1st  R.  I.  “ 


WILLIAMS’  DIVISION. 


Artillery. 


Best’s  Battery 
Hampton’s  “ 
Thompson’s  “ 
Mathews’  “ 


Knapp’s 

McMahon’s 


F 4th  U.  S., 
Maryland, 

F Penn. 

M 1st  N.  Y. 
Penn. 

N.  Y. 


6 3-in.  ordnance  “ 
C 10-pds.  Parrott  “ 
6 .. 

0 3-in.  ordnance  “ 


Abercrombie' s Brigade. 

12th  Mass.  Volunteers. 

2d 

16th  Ind.  “ 

1st  Potomac  Home  Brigade 
(Md.  Vols.). 

1 Co.  Zouaves  d’Afrique  (Penn.  Vols.). 


Infantry. 

Brigade. 

9th  N.  Y.  S.  M. 

29th  Penn.  Vols. 

27th  Ind.  “ 

3d  Wis.  “ 


Brigade. 

28th  N.  Y.'  Volunteers. 
5th  Conn.  “ 

46th  Penn.  “ 

1st  Maryland  “ 

12th  Ind.  “ 

13th  Mass.  “ 


SHIELD’S  DIVISION. 


Artillery. 


Clark’s  Battery 

E 

4th  U.  S. 

Jenks’  “ 

A 

1st  Va., 

Davy’s  “ 

B 

1st  “ 

Huntington’s  “ 

A 

1st  Ohio, 

Robinson’s  “ 

L 

1st  “ 

4th  Ohio  Infantry, 


C 10-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

6 I 4 10-pds.  Parrott  1 
0 ( 2 6-pds.  ( guna’ 

2 10-pds.  Parrott  guns. 

6 13-pds.  James  “ 

( 2 12-pds.  Howitzers  ' 

0 1 4 fi-pds 

1 6-pds.  gun. 


guns. 


Brigade. 

14th  Ind.  Volunteers. 

4th  Ohio 

8th  “ “ 

7th  Virginia  “ 

67th  Ohio  “ 

84th  Penn.  “ 


Infantry. 

Brigade. 

5th  Ohio  Volunteers. 
C2d  “ “ 

C6th  “ “ 

13th  Ind.  “ 

39th  111.  “ 


Brigade. 

7th  Ohio  Volunteers. 
29th  “ “ 

7th  “ “ 

1st  Va.  “ 

11th  Penn.  “ 

Andrew  Sharpshooters. 


GENERAL  WADSWORTH’S  COMMAND. 
Cavalry. 

1st  New  Jersey  Cavalry,  at  Alexandria. 

4th  Pennsylvania  “ " east  of  the  capital. 


TROOPS  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


95 


Artillery  and  Infantry. 

10th  New  Jersey  Volunteers, 

104  New  York  “ 

1st  Wis.  Heavy  Artillery. 

3 Batteries  N.  Y.  “ 

Depot  of  N.  Y.  Light  Art’y. 

2d  D.  C.  Yols. 

26th  Penn.  “ 

26th  N.  Y.  “ 

95th  “ “ 

94th  “ “ 

8Sth  Penn.  “ (Detachment). 

91st  “ “ 

4th  N.  Y.  Art’y. 

112th  Penn.  Vols. 

76th  N.  Y.  “ 

59th  “ “ 

88th  Penn.  “ (Detachment). 

99th  “ 11 

2d  N.  Y.  Light  Art’y. 

107th  Penn.  Yols. 

54th  “ “ 

Dickerson’s  Light  Art’y. 

86th  N.  Y.  Yols. 

98th  Penn.  “ (Detachment). 

14th  Mass.  “ (Heavy  Art’y). 

56th  Penn.  “ 

4th  17.  S.  Artillery  (Detachment). 

37th  N.  Y.  Yols.  (Detachment). 

97th  “ 

101st  “ « 

12th  Va.  “ 

91st  N.  Y.  “ 


THE  PEXIXSULA. 

IN  CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON. 

Cth  New  York  Cavalry,  Dismounted. 

10th  “ “ “ 

Swaim’s“  “ “ 

2d  Pennsylvania  “ “ 

(These  troops,  3,359  men,  were  ordered  to  report  to  Colonel  Miles,  commanding  Railroad 
Guard,  to  relieve  3,306  older  troops,  ordered  to  be  sent  to  Manassas  to  report  to  General 
Abercrombie.) 


Bladensburg  Road. 

Kalorama  Heights. 

Fort  “ Cass,”  Va. 

Forts  “ Ethan  Allen  ” and  “ Marcy.” 

Camp  “ Berry.” 

Washington  City. 

G St.  Wharf. 

Fort  “ Lyon.” 

Camp  “ Thomas.” 

Alexandria. 

Franklin  Square  Barracks. 

Forts  Carroll  and  “Greble.” 

Fort  Saratoga. 

“ Massachusetts. 

“ Pennsylvania. 

“ Good  Hope. 

“ Mahan. 

Forts  “Ward,”  “Worth,”  and  “ Blenker.” 
Kendall  Green. 

East  of  the  capital. 

U li  (I 

! Forts  Albany,  Tellinghast. 

“ Richardson.  Runyon,  Jackson,  Bar- 
nard. Craig,  Scott. 

| Fort  Washington. 

Fort  Corcoran. 


GENERAL  DIN’S  COMMAND.  (BALTIMORE.) 
Cavalry. 

1st  Maryland  Cavalry.  Detachment  of  Cav.  Purnell  Legion. 
Artillery. 

Battery  I 2d  17.  S.  Artillery'. 

“ — Maryland  Artillery. 

“ L 1st  New  York  Artillery. 

2d  Independent  Batteries,  Pennsylvania  Artillery. 

Infantry. 

3d  New  York  Volunteers. 

4th  “ “ 

11th  Pennsylvania  “ 

87th  “ “ 

111th  “ “ 

21st  Massachusetts  “ (Detachment). 

2d  Delaware  “ 

2d  Maryland  “ 

1st  Eastern  Shore  Home  Guards  (Maryland  Volunteers). 
2d  “ “ “ “ •' 

Purnell  Legion  (Maryland  Volunteers). 

2 Battalions . 


96 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  B. 


CONFEDERATE  NAMES  OF  THE  SKIRMISHES  AND 
BATTLES  AROUND  RICHMOND. 

EVENTS. 

May  31st,  Battle  of  Seven  Pines,  Va. 

June  1st,  Battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  Va. 

June  13th  to  15th,  Pamuuky  Expedition,  Va. 

June  15th,  Skirmish  at  Seven  Pines,  Va. 

June  18th,  Skirmish  at  Nine  Mile  Road,  Va. 

June  20th,  Affair  at  Gill’s  Bluff,  James  River,  Va. 

June  25th,  Battle  of  King’s  School-house  (French  Field,  Oak  Grove, 
or  the  Orchard  ',  Va. 

June  25th,  26th,  Artillery  Engagement  on  Garnett’s  Farm,  Va. 

June  2Gth,  Engagement  at  Point  of  Rocks,  Appomattox  River,  Va. 

June  26th,  Skirmish  at  Atlee’s  Station,  Va. 

June  26th,  27th,  Skirmishes  at  Hundley’s  Corner,  Va. 

June  2Gth,  27th,  Battle  of  Meclianicsville  or  Ellison’s  Mills,  Va. 

June  27th,  Battle  of  Cold  Harbor  or  Gaines  Farm,  Va. 

June  27th,  Engagement  at  Garnett’s  Hill,  Va. 

June  2Sth,  Affair  near  Garnett’s  House,  Va. 

June  29th,  Battle  of  Savage  Station,  Va. 

June  29th,  Battle  of  Garnett’s  Farm,  Va. 

June  30th,  Battle  of  Frazier’s  Farm,  Va. 

June  30th,  Battle  of  White  Oak  Swamp,  Va. 

June  30th,  Affair  at  Willis  Church,  near  Malvern  Hill,  Va. 

June  30th,  Engagement  at  Turkey  Bridge  or  Malvern  Cliff,  Va. 

July  1st,  Battle  of  Malvern  Hill  or  Crew’s  Farm,  Va. 

July  2d,  Affair  near  Haxall’s  Landing,  Va. 

July  4th,  Skirmish  at  Westover,  Va. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIR- 
GINIA DURING  ENGAGEMENTS  AROUND  RICH- 
MOND, VA. 

JACKSON’S  CORPS. 

Major-General  T.  J.  JACKSON,  Commanding. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  W.  H.  C.  WHITING. 

First  Brigade.  Third  Brigade.  Fourth  Brigade.* 

Brig.-Gen.  J.  B Hood.  ’ (1)  Brig.-Gen.  Whiting,  Brig.-Gen.  A.  R.  Lawton. 

18th  Georgia.  (2)  Col.  Law,  Commanding.  Reilly’s  Battery. 

1st  Texas.  2d  Mississippi.  Balthis’  “ 

4th  “ lltli  “ 

5th  “ 4th  Alabama. 

Hampton  Legion.  6th  North  Carolina. 

Staunton  Artillery. 

* Transferred  to  Jackson’s  Division. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


97 


SECOND  DIVISION. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  T.  J.  JACKSON. 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  C.  S.  Winder. 

2d  Virginia. 

4th  “ 

5th  “ 

27th  « 

33d  •< 

Irish  Battalion  (Capt.  Lee). 
Rockbridge  Artillery. 
Carpenter’s  Battery. 


Third  Brigade. 

(1)  Col.  J.  V.  Fulkerson, 

(2)  Col.  E.  T H.  Warren,  Coui’d’g. 

10th  Virginia. 

23d 

37th  “ 

Wooding's  Battery. 

Danville  Artillery. 


Second  Brigade. 

(1)  Jones. 

(2)  Col.  Cunningham,  Com’d’g. 

21  at  Virginia. 

42d 

48th  “ 

1st  “ Battalion. 
Hampden  Artillery. 
Jackson's  “ 


Fourth  Brigade. 

Brig  -Gen.  A.  R.  Lawton. 

13th  Georgia. 

26th  “ 

31st  “ 

38th  “ 

COtli  “ or  4th  Battalion. 
61st  “ 


THIRD  DIVISION. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  R.  S.  EWELL. 


Fourth  Brigade. 


Seventh  Brigade. 


(1)  Brig-.Gen.  A.  Elzey,  and 

(2)  Brig.-Gen.  J.  A.  Early,  Com’d’g. 

13th  Virginia. 

25th  “ 

31st  “ 

44th  “ 

5 2d  “ 

58  th  “ 

12th  Georgia. 


Brig.-Gen.  I.  R.  Trimble. 
15th  Alabama. 

21st  Georgia 
16th  Mississippi. 

21st  North  Carolina. 
Wharton’s  Battalion. 


Eighth  Brigade. 

(1)  Col.  Seymour,  and 

(2)  Col.  L.  A.  Stafford,  Com’d’g. 

6th  Louisiana. 

7th  “ 

8th  “ 

9th  «« 


Maryland  Line. 

Col.  B.  T.  Johnson. 

Broekenbrougli’s  Battery. 
Courtenay’s  “ 

Carrington's  “ 

Munford’s  Cavalry. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  D.  H.  HILL’S  DIVISION.' 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  R.  E.  RODES. 
3d  Alabama. 

5th  “ 

6th  “ 

12th  “ 

26th  “ 

Carter’s  Battery. 


Second  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  G.  B.  Anderson. 
2d  North  Carolina. 

4th  “ 

14th  “ “ 

30th  “ “ 

Hardaway’s  Battery. 


Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  S.  Garland. 
5th  North  Carolina. 
12th  “ “ 

13th  “ “ 

20th  “ “ 

23d  “ “ 

Bondurant’s  Battery. 


Fourth  Brigade. 

Col.  A.  H.  Colquitt. 
6th  Georgia . 

23d 

27th  “ 

28th 


Fifth  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  R.  S.  Ripley. 
1st  North  Carolina. 

3d  “ “ 

44th  Georgia. 

48th 

Rhett’s  Battery. 
Jones’  Artillery. 
Nelson’s  Artillery. 


* This  was  not  a part  of  Jackson's  corps,  but  cc-operated  with  it. 


7 


98 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  J.  B.  MAGRUDER’S  COMMAND. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  D.  R.  JONES. 


First  Brigade. 

Brig. -Gen.  R.  Toombs. 
2d  Georgia. 

15th  “ 

17th  « 

20th  “ 


Third  Brigade. 

Col.  G.  T.  Anderson. 

1st  Georgia  (Regulars). 
7th  “ 

8th  “ 

9th  “ 

11th  “ 

Garnett’s  Battery. 
Brown’s  “ 

Lane’s  “ 


McLAVS’  DIVISION. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  L.  Me  LAV'S. 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  P.  J.  Semmes. 
10th  Georgia. 

53d  “ 

15th  Virginia. 

32d 


Fourth  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  J.  R.  Kershaw. 
2d  South  Carolina. 

3d  “ 

7th  “ “ 

8th  « 

Alexander’s  Artillery. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  J. 

Second  Brigade. 

Brig-General  Howell  Cobb. 

2d  Louisiana. 

15th  North  Carolina. 

16th  Georgia. 

24th  “ 

Cobb’s  Georgia  Legion. 

Colonel  S.  D.  Lee, 


;.  MAGRUDER’S  DIVISION. 

Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  Wit  Barksdale. 
13th  Mississippi. 

17th  “ 

18th  “ 

21st  “ 

f of  Artillery  (temporarily). 


LONGSTREET’S  DIVISION.* 

Note. — At  battles  of  Seven  Pines  and  Fair  Oaks,  Va.,  Longstreet  commanded  the  right 
wing  and  G.  W.  Smith  the  left  wing,  subsequent  to  which  Smith’s  command  appears  to 
have  been  scattered  among  others 


First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  J.  L.  Kemper.  Brig.-Gen  R H.  Anderson.  (1)  Brig.-General  Pickett. 
1st  Virginia.  2d  South  Carolina.  (2)  Colonel  J.  B.  Strange, 

7th  “ 4th  “ “ Commanding. 

11th  “ 5th  “ “ 8th  Virginia. 

17th  “ 6th  “ “ 18th 

24th  “ Palmetto  Sharpshooters.  19th  “ 

Rogers’  Battery  28th  “ 

56th  “ 


Fourth  Brigade. 


Fifth  Brigade. 


Sixth  Brigade. 


I’.rig.-General  C.  M.  Wilcox.  Brig  -General  R.  A.  Pryor. 
8th  Alabama.  3d  Virginia. 

9th  “ 2d  Florida. 

10th  “ 14th  Alabama. 

11th  “ 14th  Louisiana. 

Thomas’  Artillery  (Capt.  Louisiana  Zouaves. 
Anderson). 


Brig.-Gen  W.G.Fetherston. 
12th  Mississippi. 

19th  “ 

2d  Mississippi  Battalion. 


Note.— First  Company  Washington  Artillery  temporarily  attached  to  S.  D.  Lee’s  Artille- 
ry in  engagements  of  July  5th,  6th,  7th,  aud  8th— Col.  S.  D.  Lee,  commanding  artillery. 


* Called  right  wing  at  Seven  Pines. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 


99 


HUGER’S  DIVISION.* * * § 


Major-General  B. 
Second  Brigade .f 
Brig.-General  R.  Ransom,  Jr. 

19th  North  Carolina. 

24th  “ “ 

25th  “ “ 

26th  “ “ 

35th  « “ 

48th  “ 

49th  “ “ 

Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  A.  R.  Wright. 

1st  Louisiana. 

3d  Georgia. 

4 th  “ 

22d  “ 

44tli  Alabama. 

Huger’s  Battery. 


HUGER,  Commanding. 

Second  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  William  Mahone. 
6th  Virginia. 

12th 

16th  “ 

41st  “ 

49  th 

Grimes’  Battery. 


Fourth  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  L.  A.  Armistead. 
9th  Virginia. 

14th  “ 

38th  “ 

63d  “ 

57tli  “ 

5th  “ Battalion. 

Turner’s  Battery. 

Stribling’s  Battery. 


WALKER’S  BRIGADE. 

Attached  June  26th;  detached  June  27th.  (See  Holmes’  command.) 


LIGHT  DIVISION. 

Major-General  A.  P.  HILL,  Commanding. 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Chas.  W.  Field. 
40th  Virginia. 

47th  “ 

55th  “ 

60th  “ 

Pegram’s  Battery. 


Fourth  Brigade. 
Brig.-Gen.  L.  O’B.  Branch. 
7th  North  Carolina. 
18th  “ 

28th  “ 

33d  “ “ 

37th  “ “ 

Johnson’s  Battery. 


Second  Brigade. 
Brig.-General  M.  Gregg. 

1st  South  Carolina. 

12th  “ “ 

13th  “ “ 

14th  “ 

1st  “ “ Rifles. 

Pee  Dee  Artillery  (McIn- 
tosh’s). 

Fifth  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  J.  J.  Archer. 

1st  Tennessee. 

7th  “ 

14th  “ 

2d  Arkansas. 

19th  Georgia. 

5th  Alabama  Battalion. 


Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  J.  R.  Anderson. 
14th  Georgia. 

35th 

45th  “ 

3d  Louisiana  Battalion. 
Davidson’s  Battery. 
Letcher  Art’y(Greenlee). 

Sixth  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  W.  D.  Pender. 
16th  North  Carolina. 

22d 

34th  “ “ 

38th  “ 

2d  Arkansas  Battalion. 
Andrews'  Battery, 

2d  Virginia  Artillery. 
Crenshaw’s  Battery. 
Masters’  Battery.! 

— Virginia  Battalion. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 


Major-General  T.  H.  HOLMES,  Commanding. 


Hansom's  Brigade. 
Temporarily  attached  to 
Huger’s  Division.  (See  Hu- 
ger's  Division.) 


Third  Brigade. 
Brig.-General  J.  Daniel. 
43d  North  Carolina. 
45th  “ “ 

50th  “ “ 

Brem’s  Battery. 
Graham’s  Battery. 
Burrough's  Cavalry 
Battalion. 


Fourth  Brigade. 

(1)  Col.  J.  A.  Walker. 

(2)  Col.  Manning,  Com’d’g. 
30th  Virginia. 

3d  Arkansas. 

27th  North  Carolina, 

46th  “ “ 

48tht  “ 

57th  Virginia. § 

2d  Georgia  Battalion 
French’s  Battery. 
Branch’s  Battery. 
Goodwin’s  Cavalry. 


* This  corresponds  with  return  on  file  in  Archive  Office. 

t Belongs  to  Department  of  North  Carolina,  temporarily  attached  to  this  Division. 

+ Temporarily  serving  with  the  reserve  artillery  during  this  campaign. 

§ While  this  brigade  was  serving  with  General  Huger  the  48th  North  Carolina  was  sub- 
stituted for  the  67th  Virginia. 


100 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


WISE’S  COMMAND.* 

Brigadier-General  H.  A.  WISE,  Commanding. 
26th  Virginia.  10th  Virginia  Cavalry. t 

46th  Virginia.  Andrews’  Battery. 

Rive's  Battery. 


RESERVE  ARTILLERY. 


Colonel  JAMES  DESHLER,  Chief  of  Artillery. 


Brigadier-General  W.  L.  PENDLETON,  Commanding. 


Second  Battalion. 

Major  Richardson. 

Ancell’s  and  Milledge  Batteries. 
Woolfolk’s  Battery. 

Davidson’s  and  Masters!  Batteries 
(temporarily). 


Sumter  Battalion. 
Lieut.-Col.  Cutts. 

Lane’s  Battery. 

Ross’  “ 

Price’s  “ 
Blackshear’s  Battery. 


Third  Battalion. 
Major  William  Nelson. 
Huckstep’s  Battery. 
Kirkpatrick’s 
R.  C.  M.  Page’s  Battery. 


Jones’  Battalion .§ 
Major  H P.  Jones. 
Clark’s  Battery. 
Peyton’s  “ 

Rhett’s  “ 


FIRST  REGIMENT.  ’ 

Colonel  J.  T.  BROWN. 

Virginia  Artillery.  Richmond  Fayette  Artillery  (Lieut.  Clopton’s) 

3d  Howitzers  (Smith’s).  Williamsburg  Artillery  (Captain  Coke’s). 


CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Hampton’s  Brigade. 

1st  North  Carolina,  Baker's. 

10th  Virginia,  Magruder  (belonged  to  Wise’s  command). 

Georgia  Legion,  Young. 

Jeff.  Davis  Legion  (Cavalry)  and  4th  Virginia,  under  Martin. 

1st  Virginia,  Fitz  Lee. 

3d  “ Goode. 

5th  “ Rosser. 

Cobb’3  Georgia  Legion. 

Note.  — From  Confederate  Military  Reports,  Vol.  iv.,  War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C. 

* This  corresponds  with  return  on  file  in  Archive  Office, 
t Temporarily  detached  and  serving  with  Stuart. 
t Masters'  Battery  belonged  to  A.  P.  Hill’s  Division. 

§ Temporarily  attached  to  D.  H.  Hill's  Division. 


POPE’S  CAMPAIGN. 


101 


CHAPTER  V. 

Campaign  of  general  pope.  Halleck  appointed  commander  in 
chief.  Pope’s  celebrated  order.  Battle  of  cedar  mountain. 
Death  of  general  winder.  Garnett  wounded.  Confeder- 
ates reinforced.  Pope  retreats  across  Rappahannock.  Bat- 
tle OF  GAINSVILLE.  GENERAL  EWELL  LOSES  A LEG.  SECOND 
BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN.  COLONEL  BAYLOR  KILLED.  GENERALS 
HATCH,  SCHENCK,  AND  TOWER  WOUNDED.  BATTLE  OF  CHANTILLY. 
FEDERALS  WITHDRAW  TO  WASHINGTON  DEFENCES.  DEATH  OF  GEN- 
ERALS STEVENS  AND  KEARNEY.  ROSTER. 

pope’s  campaign. 

On  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  June,  1862,  the  Washington 
cabinet  appointed  Major-General  John  Pope  to  the  command 
of  the  Army  of  Virginia,  through  dissatisfaction  at  the  capi- 
tal over  the  slow  progress  of  McClellan,  and  the  lack  of  con- 
fidence felt  toward  him  by  the  authorities. 

On  assuming  the  command  of  the  national  forces,  General 
Pope  found  himself  in  charge  of  fifty  thousand  men,  consist- 
ing of  all  arms  of  the  service.  The  First  corps,  under  Gen- 
eral Sigel,  numbering  eleven  thousand  five  hundred  men  ; the 
Second  corps,  under  General  Banks,  consisting  of  fourteen 
thousand  five  hundred  men.;  and  the  Third  corps,  under  Gen- 
eral McDowell,  consisting  of  eighteen  thousand  five  hundred 
men ; beside  Bayard’s  and  Buford's  cavalry  commands, 
amounting  to  five  thousand  troopers.  This  army  was  widety 
scattered  over  various  sections  of  Virginia  at  the  time  this 
officer  took  command,  and  his  first  movement  was  to  concen- 
trate the  various  divisions  near  Fredericksburg. 

At  this  time  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  under  General 
McClellan,  on  the  peninsula,  had  been  badly  defeated  in  the 
battle  of  Gaines  Mill  by  the  forces  of  General  Robert  E. 
Lee,  and  were  hopelessly  separated,  and  prevented  from  com- 
municating with  Pope  by  the  Confederates  who  occupied  the 
ground  between  the  two. 


102 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


McClellan  had  been  forced  by  Lee  to  change  his  position, 
and  give  up  his  base  on  the  Pamunky,  and  establish  another, 
of  supplies,  on  the  James  river.  The  public  property  at 
Fredericksburg  and  Aquia  Creek  were  of  secondary  consid- 
eration, and  General  Pope’s  first  measure  was  in  reorganiz- 
ing his  army,  some  portions  of  which  needed  very  serious 
attention,  especially  the  corps  of  General  Sigel  and  the  cav- 
alry branch. 

HALLECK  APPOINTED  TO  COMMAND. 

About  this  time,  July  eleventh,  Henry  W.  Halleck  was 
appointed  commander  in  chief  of  all  the  armies  of  the  United 
States.  At  the  time  of  this  appointment,  General  Pope  was 
in  Washington  and  from  thence  issued  his  orders  to  his  sub- 
ordinates in  the  field,  there  remaining  until  the  twenty-ninth 
of  July. 

His  forces,  however,  were  being  pushed  nearer  those  of  the 
enemy,  and  an  effort  was  being  made  to  destroy  their  railroad 
communications ; General  King,  with  the  first  division  of  the 
Third  corps,  successfully  breaking  the  Virginia  Central  rail- 
road. General  Banks  of  the  Second  corps  was  ordered  to 
occupy  Culpepper  court-house  with  one  brigade,  and  to  seize 
Gordonsville  with  the  cavalry  under  Hatch  of  his  corps,  and 
tear  up  the  railroad  in  the  direction  of  Charlottesville.  Hatch 
failed  to  carry  out  his  instructions  however,  although  no 
good  reason  has  ever  been  assigned  for  his  failure.  Instead 
of  using  only  his  cavalry,  he  made  a slow  march,  while  en- 
cumbered with  both  artillery  and  infantry,  and  before  he 
reached  the  vicinity  of  Gordonsville  it  was  occupied  by  the 
Confederates.  A second  attempt  proved  as  equal  a failure. 

Gordonsville  was  of  great  importance  to  the  army  of  Lee, 
and  he  made  sure  of  its  defence,  as  through  this  town  ran 
the  railroad  connecting  Richmond  with  the’Shenandoah  Valley. 
When  Pope  sent  the  troops  of  General  King  to  occupy  this 
point,  General  Lee  sent,  July  thirteenth,  General  Jackson 
with  fourteen  hundred  men  to  oppose  him,  although  the 
whole  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  within  twenty-five  miles  of 


HALLECK  APPOINTED  TO  COMMAND.  103 

the  Confederate  capital.  This  force  forestalled  General 
Hatch.  The  next  day  General  A.  P.  Hill  joined  General 
Jackson,  raising  his  forces  to  between  twenty  thousand  and 
twenty-five  thousand  men. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  General  Pope  issued  to  his  army 
the  proclamation  which  received  such  just  criticism  from  both 
friend  and  foe.  Also  his  orders,  which  have  been  construed 
to  indicate  that  the  army  should  indulge  in  an  indiscriminate 
plunder  and  pillage.  By  some  this  construction  has  been  de- 
nied, however,  and  he  is  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  the  doubt. 
There  is  one  fact,  however,  that  no  one  can  deny  and  that  is, 
that  General  Pope  assumed  an  egotistical  spirit  of  vindictive- 
ness, which  even  his  own  government  could  not  tolerate. 
General  Halleck  was  now  called  to  decide  upon  the  advisabil- 
ity of  removing  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  from  the  peninsula. 
There  were  many  nice  questions  to  be  here  considered,  which 
were  not  purely  from  a military  point  of  view.  The  chief  dif- 
ficulty which  he  had  to  surmount  was,  as  to  the  capacity  of 
certain  officers  to  carry  out  certain  tasks.  Had  the  Govern- 
ment had  the  same  confidence  in  McClellan  which  they  after- 
ward had  in  General  Grant,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  would 
very  likely  have  remained  at  Harrison's  Landing,  from  which 
point  it  would  have  been  reinforced,  and  allowed  to  operate 
from  both  sides  of  the  James  river,  on  the  offensive.  But  the 
distrust  manifested  toward  General  McClellan  prevented  this, 
and  the  Government  did  not  feel  that  in  this  officer,  in  whom 
there  were  some  evidences  of  ability  and  character,  the  coun- 
try had  a really  able  servant. 

General  Pope  knew  that  the  Arm}'-  of  the  Potomac  was  to 
be  withdrawn  from  the  James  river  before  July  twenty-ninth, 
General  Halleck's  visit  to  Harrison's  Landing  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  having  decided  that  move.  The  sick  of  McClellan  were 
ordered  to  be  removed  on  the  thirtieth  and  on  the  third  of 
August  he  was  told  that  his  army  would  follow,  and  be  sent 
to  Aquia  Creek.  To  this  removal  McClellan  objected,  but 
to  no  purpose.  Knowing  what  disposition  had  been  decided 
on  respecting  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  General  Pope’s  aim 


104 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


was  to  prevent  Lee  from  concentrating  his  forces  upon  those 
of  the  Union,  on  the  peninsula,  during  their  removal. 

He  therefore  threatened  Gordonsville  again  with  thirty  thou- 
sand men.  On  August  seventh  he  ordered  Rickett’s  division 
to  join  Crawford's  brigade  of  Williams’  division  of  Banks’ 
corps  at  Culpepper  court-house.  The  remainder  of  Banks’ 
corps  he  pushed  south  to  the  junction  of  the  turnpikes  where 
they  cross  Hazel  river.  Buford’s  cavalry,  supported  by  a 
brigade  of  Sigel’s  corps,  had  its  headquarters  at  Madison 
court-house.  Bayard,  with  headquarters  at  Rapidan  Station, 
watched  the  right  with  four  regiments.  Cavalry  pickets  were 
stationed  along  the  Rapidan  to  its  junction  with  the  Rappa- 
hannock, near  Fredericksburg.  On  Thoroughfare  Mountain 
there  was  also  a signal  station. 

General  Buford  had  already  reported  the  Confederates  as 
crossing  the  Rapidan  westward  of  the  railroad,  and  in  heavy 
force  marching  upon  Madison  court-house.  On  the  eighth  he 
ordered  Generals  Banks  and  Sigel  to  move  to  Culpepper  court- 
house, in  anticipation  of  an  attempt  being  made  to  turn  his 
left  by  way  of  Raccoon  Ford  and  Stevensburg  as  also  an  in- 
terference with  his  communications  with  General  King  at 
Fredericksburg.  General  Banks’  corps  promptly  arrived  at 
the  designated  point,  while  that  of  Sigel  came  up  the  next 
afternoon.  On  the  same  day,  General  Pope  ordered  Craw- 
ford’s brigade  to  the  neighborhood  of  Cedar  Mountain,  as  a 
support  to  Buford’s  cavalry,  Rickett’s  division  being  ordered 
to  Culpepper  court-house  at  the  same  time.  The  next  morn- 
ing, the  ninth,  the  remainder  of  Banks’  corps  was  ordered  to 
march  for  Cedar  Mountain. 

Information  having  reached  General  Jackson  of  the  disposi- 
tion of  the  Federal  troops,  he  moved  from  Gordonsville  the 
divisions  of  Ewell,  Jackson  and  Hill,  on  the  seventh,  in  the 
direction  the  enemy  had  taken.  On  the  ninth  these  divisions 
arrived  within  eight  miles  of  Culpepper  court-house,  where 
they  found  the  enemy  in  their  front  near  Cedar  Run,  west 
and  north  of  Cedar  Mountain. 


BATTLE  OF  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN. 


105 


BATTLE  OF  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN. 

General  Banks'  corps  consisted  of  eight  thousand  available 
men  of  all  arms  who  were  present  for  duty. 

General  Jackson’s  three  divisions  were  all  present  except- 
ing two  brigades,  Lawton’s  and  Gregg’s.  It  is  believed  that 
Jackson  expected  to  defeat  the  Union  army  in  detail ; while 
it  was  the  intention  of  Pope  to  offer  battle  so  soon  as  his 
army  had  been  concentrated.  The  mistake  made  by  Sigel, 
in  being  twenty-four  hours  behind  time,  had  caused  delay. 
It  was  important  that  his  communications  with  Sigel  should 
not  be  disturbed  and  this  caused  Pope  to  keep  a considerable 
force  near  Culpepper  court-house.  Therefore  General  Pope, 
in  anticipation  of  an  effort  on  the  part  of  Jackson  to  cut  off 
his  .communications  with  Sigel,  sent  a verbal  order  to  Gen- 
eral Banks,  which  read  as  follows  when  reduced  to  writing : 
“ Culpepper,  August  9th,  1862.  General  Banks  to  move  to 
the  front  immediately,  assume  command  of  all  forces  in  the 
front,  deploy  his  skirmishers  if  the  enemy  advances,  and  at- 
tack him  immediately  as  he  approaches,  and  be  reinforced 
from  here.” 

General  Roberts,  who  was  acquainted  with  the  country, 
was  sent  by  Pope  to  show  Banks  the  ground  he  was  to  hold. 
His  corps  marched  down  the  road  passing  to  the  westward  of 
Cedar  Mountain,  and  leading  to  Robertson’s  ford  on  the  Rap- 
idan.  South  of  Culpepper  court-house  this  road  crosses  Cedar 
Run ; General  Roberts  ordered  all  the  troops  to  cross  Ce- 
dar Run,  except  Gordon’s  brigade,  and  take  up  a position  on 
a plateau  just  beyond  it.  Thus  an  army  of  seventy-five  hun- 
dred men  of  all  arms  were  arranged  in  order  of  battle.  The 
infantry  consisting  of  two  divisions,  being  under  Williams 
and  Augur,  a cavalry  brigade,  under  Bayard,  and  a full  com- 
plement of  artillery.  Gordon’s  brigade  was  placed  in  a strong 
position  behind  the  creek,  on  the  extreme  right.  Crawford’s 
brigade  was  the  extreme  right  of  the  line  of  battle.  Of  this 
force  there  were  no  troops  kept  in  reserve.  The  artillery 
was  ranged  in  front  on  a small  hill. 


106 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Jackson's  army  consisted  of  three  divisions;  Winder’s, 
Ewell's  and  Hill's,  and  amounted  in  the  aggregate  to  twenty- 
five  thousand  men.  Ewell  was  pushed  forward  on  his  right, 
along  the  northerly  slope  of  Cedar  Mountain,  two  of  his 
brigades  being  in  advance;  Jackson’s  division,  commanded  by 
Winder,  was  ordered  to  advance  along  the  road;  the  old 
Stonewall  brigade  only,  being  kept  in  reserve.  Behind  all  of 
these  came  the  division  of  A.  P.  Hill,  composed  of  six  bri- 
gades, under  Thomas,  Branch,  Archer,  Pender,  Stafford,  and 
Field. 

During  the  first  three  hours  of  the  afternoon  there  had  been 
a constant  duel  between  the  artillery  commands,  at  which 
time  General  Winder  had  been  killed  and  his  divisional  com- 
mand devolved  upon  General  Taliaferro,  his  brigade  being 
taken  by  his  brother,  Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro.  The  Confed- 
erates moved  cautiously  along,  and  pushed  back  the  Federal 
cavalry.  The  Federal  infantry  at  this  time  were  supporting 
their  artillery.  Had  Banks  have  notified  Pope  of  the  state  of 
affairs  at  this  moment,  he  might  have  been  reinforced  by  Gen- 
eral Rickett’s  division  of  eight  thousand  men  and  been  enabled 
to  hold  his  own.  Underestimating  the  strength  of  the  Con- 
federates, he  decided  upon  a different  course  and  attacked 
them  with  his  whole  corps,  advancing  at  four  o’clock  and  giv- 
ing the  signal  of  attack  at  half-past  five. 

The  Confederates  did  not  suspect  this  and  had  not  fairly 
formed  their  lines  preparatory  to  making  an  attack  them- 
selves. There  was  a gap  yet  open  in  the  Confederate  right, 
between  Early  and  the  troops  of  Trimble  and  Hayes,  and  be- 
fore this  could  be  filled,  the  Federals  under  Geary  and  Prince 
assaulted  the  troops  under  Early  and  Taliaferro.  General 
Garnett  now  hurried  to  the  spot  from  the  right  of  the  Con- 
federate line,  and  found  the  Federal  infantry  advancing  upon 
him  not  fifty  yards  distant,  in  his  front  and  on  his  left,  and 
pouring  in  a most  galling  fire.  Two  Virginia  regiments,  be- 
ing thus  taken  unawares,  broke  in  confusion,  and  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  Forty-second  Virginia,  Major  Layne, 
was  mortally  wounded.  The  Federals  still  advancing  swept 


BATTLE  OF  CEDAR  MOUNTAIN. 


107 


everything  before  them,  despite  the  gallant  and  heroic  efforts 
of  the  Confederate  officers  and  men.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Cummings  of  the  Twenty-first  Virginia  had  been  killed,  Gen- 
eral Garnett  had  been  wounded,  and  his  entire  brigade,  thus 
taken  unawares,  had  been  driven  back  in  confusion. 

Meantime  the  victorious  troops  of  Crawford  pressed  on  and 
struck  the  left  of  Taliaferro’s  brigade.  Here  they  met  with 
equal  success  and  drove,  by  their  front  and  flank  fire,  this 
brigade  before  them  with  great  slaughter,  until  the  left  of 
Early's  division  was  exposed.  Early,  meantime,  seeing  that  he 
was  likely  to  be  outflanked  on  his  right,  by  Prince  and  Green, 
had  gotten  Thomas’  brigade  of  Hill’s  division  to  a position  on 
his  right.  Now  the  brigade  of  Taliaferro  gave  way  on  his 
left,  however,  and  carried  with  it  the  left  regiments  of  his 
command.  The  position  of  General  Early  was  now  critical, 
but  he  held  his  ground  with  two  Virginia  and  one  Georgia 
regiment.  Had  they  given  way  the  day  would  have  been 
lost,  but  they  stood  their  ground  with  great  firmness. 

Meanwhile,  the  troops  of  General  Ronald  came  up,  and 
poured  a most  deadly  fire  into  the  wearied  troops  of  Craw- 
ford. These  were  met  with  great  gallantry  by  the  Federals, 
but  at  this  hour,  three  more  brigades,  those  of  Branch, 
Archer  and  Pender,  of  Hill’s  division,  arrived  on  the  ground. 
The  broken  regiments  of  Garnett  and  Taliaferro  were  again 
rallied  and  came  up  on  the  left  of  the  road  at  the  same  time, 
under  the  immediate  command  of  Jackson,  in  line  of  battle, 
and  encountered  the  Federals  in  the  woods  beyond  the  field 
of  wheat,  through  which  they  had  charged.  The  Federals 
were  in  no  condition  to  face  the  fresh  onslaught,  and  though 
they  were  assisted  by  the  cavalry,  which  had  made  a brilliant 
charge,  they  began  to  fall  back  in  disorder. 

Augur  had  been  wounded ; Prince  had  been  captured ; 
Geary  had  also  been  wounded.  The  remnants  of  Crawford’s 
brigade  were  now  reinforced  by  the  Tenth  Maine  regiment 
which  fought  gallantly  for  half  an  hour,  and  not  retiring  un- 
til they  had  lost  one  hundred  and  seventy-three  killed  and 
wounded,  out  of  four  hundred  and  sixty-one  officers  and 
men  who  participated  in  the  engagement. 


108 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Banks  now  sent  Gordon's  brigade  on  his  right,  although 
the  Confederates  had  been  largely  reinforced.  The  Maine 
regiment  was  again  ordered  to  sally  forth  across  the  open 
field  from  which  they  had  been  driven,  while  Gordon  was  to 
resume  the  offensive.  The  Second  Massachusetts,  Third 
Wisconsin  and  Twenty-Seventh  Indiana,  comprising  his 
command,  were  taken  across  the  creek,  to  the  edge  of  the 
field  upon  the  double-quick.  At  this  time  the  ground  was 
only  occupied  by  the  dead  and  wounded  of  Crawford’s 
brigade.  The  Tenth  Maine,  failing  to  sally,  had  left  the 
field.  The  Confederates  had  massed  their  forces.  In  front 
were  Archer  and  Branch,  to  the  right  of  Gordon  were  Ronald 
and  Pender.  Then  ensued  an  action  which  was  brief  but 
terrible.  Pender  gained  the  right  of  Gordon’s  line  as  also 
his  rear,  and  the  day  was  won.  Twelve  officers  and  one 
hundred  and  forty-seven  men  were  lost  by  the  Second  Massa- 
chusetts, in  killed  and  wounded,  beside  fifteen  prisoners. 
The  other  regiments  of  Gordon’s  brigade  lost  very  heavily. 
The  Federals  fell  back  across  the  creek  and  were  reinforced 
by  Pickett.’ s division  and  Sigel’s  corps.  Jackson  undertook  to 
shell  them  out  of  their  position,  but  desisted,  having  aroused 
so  many  heretofore  silent  batteries. 

Thus  ended  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain.  Not  being  a 
part  of  Pope’s  plan,  it  is  safe  to  say  that  it  was  a needless 
sacrifice  of  life  and  a defeat  to  the  Union  arms.  Jackson 
now  fell  back  to  the  Rapidan.  The  Federals  lost  one  gun, 
mired  in  the  creek.  Jackson  captured  four  hundred  prison- 
ers, three  colors  and  over  five  thousand  small  arms.  Craw- 
ford’s brigade  of  less  than  two  thousand  men,  lost  ninety-six 
killed,  three  hundred  and  ninety-seven  wounded,  and  three 
hundred  and  seventy-four  missing  — in  all  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-seven  — nearly  fifty  per  cent  of  his  command.  Gordon’s 
brigade  lost  four  hundred  and  sixty-six.  The  entire  Federal 
loss  was  two  thousand  three  hundred  and  ninety-three.  The 
Confederate  total  loss  was  one  thousand  three  hundred  and 
fourteen.  Both  sides  lost  heavily  in  officers.  Long  will  be  re- 
membered this  fierce,  short  and  sanguinary  conflict  by  those 
who  survived  the  day. 


POPE’S  EETEEAT  ACEOSS  THE  EAPPAHANNOCK.  109 

Pope  now  had  twenty-five  thousand  men,  yet  sent  to  Fred- 
ericksburg for  King’s  division  of  McDowell's  corps,  which 
joined  him  on  the  eleventh,  together  with  his  cavalry.  On 
that  day,  the  eleventh,  a truce  was  obtained  from  Jack- 
son  to  bury  the  Federal  dead  and  the  day  was  occupied 
in  this  sad  duty.  It  was  upon  this  night  that  Jackson  fell 
back  to  the  Kapidan,  fearing  he  would  be  outnumbered,  and 
was  followed  by  the  Federal  pickets  on  the  twelfth,  who 
watched  the  Rapidan  from  Raccoon  Ford  to  the  foot  of  the 
Blue  Ridge.  On  the  fourteenth  the  Federals  were  reinforced 
by  two  divisions  of  Burnside’s  corps,  under  Reno  and  Stevens, 
from  North  Carolina;  these  numbered  eight  thousand  men. 

On  August  thirteenth,  three  days  before  McClellan  left  the 
peninsula,  General  Longstreet  was  ordered,  by  General  Lee, 
to  move  with  his  powerful  corps  to  the  Rapidan.  General 
Stuart  was  also  directed  to  move  upon  Gordonsville.  The 
assembled  Confederate  forces  numbered  fifty  thousand  men. 
Lee's  plan  was  to  send  the  cavalry,  under  Stuart,  to  seize 
Rappahannock  Station,  while  the  infantry,  under  Longstreet 
and  Jackson,  were  to  turn  Pope's  left.  This  plan  was  dis- 
covered by  Pope,  Stuart’s  adjutant-general  being  captured, 
and  the  move,  fixed  for  the  eighteenth,  was  frustrated.  For- 
tunately for  the  Federals  there  was  now  a delay  in  the  move- 
ments of  Lee. 

POPE’S  EETEEAT  ACEOSS  THE  EAPPAHAHNOCK. 

On  the  eighteenth  and  nineteenth  Pope’s  army  retreated 
behind  the  Rappahannock  without  loss  of  men  or  material. 
Reno  fell  back  by  way  of  Stevensburg,  Banks  by  the  railroad. 
McDowell  followed  Banks,  and  Sigel  crossed  at  Sulphur 
Springs.  This  retreat  was  masked  by  cavalry.  Thus  the 
morning  of  the  twentieth  saw  the  Federal  army.  From  this 
position  Halleck  ordered  Pope  to  maintain  his  communica- 
tions with  Falmouth.  The  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  mo- 
mentarily expected  now  from  the  peninsula,  and  Pope  was 
ordered  to  hold  the  line  on  the  Rappahannock. 

Lee,  on  the  morning  of  the  twentieth  and  twenty-first, 


110 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


came  up  with  the  main  body  of  his  army,  Jackson  on  the 
left,  Longstreet  on  the  right.  Longstreet  struck  the  Rappa- 
hannock at  Kelly’s  Ford,  at  a station  which  bore  the  river’s 
name;  Jackson  arrived  at  Beverly’s  Ford,  a few  miles  above 
the  station,  on  the  twenty-first. 

Stuart  threw  his  cavalry  across  the  river  but  was  driven 
back.  At  this  time  there  was  still  a portion  of  the  Federal 
army  at  Rappahannock  Station  on  the  western  side  of  the 
river.  Much  artillery  firing  was  kept  up  across  the  river. 
Not  being  able  to  cross,  Lee  moved  a portion  of  his  army 
higher  up  the  stream.  Jackson  moved  to  Sulphur  Springs, 
ten  miles  above,  in  hopes  of  crossing  there.  Sigel  keeping 
time  with  him  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  made  a 
spirited  attack  on  the  rear  columns  of  Jackson,  on  the  twen- 
ty-second, but  was  at  length  driven  off  with  great  loss  of 
men  and  one  very  valuable  officer,  Brigadier-General  Bohlen. 
That  evening  Jackson  pushed  over  the  river  Early’s  brigade 
of  Ewell’s  division,  when  a storm  of  rain  set  in  and  rose  the 
river  so  greatly  as  to  cut  off  all  communication  between  that 
command  and  the  rest  of  the  army.  Longstreet  moved,  and 
occupied  the  right  bank  of  the  river  beyond  Beverly  Ford. 
At  this  time  Stuart  with  fifteen  hundred  cavalry  struck  the* 
Federal  rear  at  Catlett’s  Station,  capturing  many  prisoners 
and  much  baggage.  On  the  twenty-fourth  Early  succeeded 
in  rejoining  his  corps.  On  this  day  Jackson  moved  to  Jeffer- 
son four  miles  west  of  Sulphur  Springs ; Longtreet  taking 
his  place. 

Pope’s  headquarters  were  now  at  Warrenton;  Sigel  was 
on  the  river  from  Waterloo  to  the  Springs,  Banks  was  on  the 
river  below,  Reno  was  a short  distance  from  the  Springs, 
Rickett  was  between  Warrenton  and  Waterloo,  and  King's 
division  was  between  Warrenton  and  the  Springs.  Reynolds 
was  near  Warrenton.  Buford's  cavalry  observed  the  extreme 
right  beyond  Waterloo.  Everything  was  in  readiness  on  the 
part  of  the  Federals  to  repel  an  attempt  to  cross  the  river. 

General  Jackson  at  this  time  made  a flank  movement, 
which  caused  the  position  of  Pope’s  army  to  be  changed  and 


BATTLE  OF  GAINESVILLE. 


Ill 


when  lie  formed  his  new  lines  he  was  reinforced  by  twenty- 
three  thousand  new  troops  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
Jackson  with  his  usual  skill  now  performed  one  of  his  daring 
acts.  This  was  his  raid  in  the  rear  of  Pope’s  army.  By  this 
he  captured  the  forces  at  Bristoe  Station  and  an  immense 
quantity  of  supplies.  Eight  guns,  with  horses,  equipments 
and  ammunition,  immense  supplies  of  commissary  and  quar- 
termaster's stores,  two  hundred  new  tents,  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  .horses,  three  hundred  prisoners,  and  two  hundred 
negroes,  fifty  thousand  pounds  of  bacon,  one  thousand  bar- 
rels of  corned  beef,  two  thousand  barrels  of  salt  pork,  two 
thousand  barrels  of  flour,  and  other  things  in  proportion. 

On  the  twenty-seventh  an  attempt  was  made  to  recap- 
ture the  station  by  the  Federals  under  General  Taylor, 
which,  however,  was  unsuccessful,  and  Taylor  was  mortally 
wounded.  This  feat  of  Jackson’s  being  accomplished,  he  re- 
joined the  army  of  Lee,  his  troops  being  greatly  elated  over 
their  successful  expedition,  and  full  of  confidence  in  their 
leader. 


BATTLE  OP  GAINESVILLE. 

Both  armies  were  now  put  in  motion,  although  the  move- 
ments of  the  Federals  completely  puzzled  the  Confederates. 
Information  having  reached  Jackson  that  the  Federals 
were  marching  in  force  toward  Manassas,  down  the  Gaines- 
ville pike,  he  made  a disposition  to  attack  them.  He  there- 
fore, with  his  usual  impetuosity,  advanced  the  divisions  of 
Ewell  and  Taliaferro  to  the  attack.  The  Federals  turned 
savagely  upon  him,  and  a terrible  battle  ensued,  which  lasted 
over  two  hours.  The  lines  of  both  sides  stood  firmly,  how- 
ever, and  Jackson  only  withdrew  about  nine  o'clock  at  night. 
This  was  a drawn  battle.  The  loss  on  both  sides  was  very 
severe.  The  Confederates  lost  heavily,  Generals  Ewell  and 
Taliaferro  being  wounded,  the  former  losing  a leg;  beside, 
three  colonels,  one  lieutenant-colonel,  and  four  majors, 
killed  and  wounded.  The  Federal  loss  was  still  greater,  it 
being  stated  that  at  least  one-third  of  all  engaged  were  left 


112 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


dead  or  wounded  on  the  field.  Both  sides  were  mistaken, 
each  commander  thinking  his  antagonist  was  on  the  retreat. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-ninth  we  find  two  divisions 
of  the  Federal  army,  under  command  of  Sigel  and  Rey- 
nolds, in  immediate  proximity  to  Jackson’s  corps,  Reynolds 
being  near  Grovetown  and  Sigel  near  the  crossing  at  Sudley 
Springs.  At  daylight  the  Federals  were  put  in  motion  to 
fight  Jackson,  who  had  taken  a position  on  the  heights  near 

GrovetoAvn.  His  main  line  rested  on  an  unfinished  railroad 

*» 

line,  which  Avas  skirted  Avith  a thick  growth  of  Avoods,  and  oc- 
cupied by  a line  of  skirmishers. 

Much  artillery  firing  Avas  indulged  in  during  the  forenoon, 
and  some  feAV  and  slight  advantages  gained  by  the  Federals, 
who  drove  the  skirmish  line  of  Jackson  back  on  his  main 
line.  Up  to  four  P.M.  the  Federals  had  aAvaited  the  coming 
up  of  reinforcements,  nor  had  they  any  knowledge  as  to  the 
whereabouts  of  Longstreet,  yet  believing  that  his  troops  were 
not  in  call  of  Jackson. 

BATTLE  OF  GROVETOAVN. 

At  the  hour  just  named,  a severe  and  brilliant  attack  was 
made  on  Jackson’s  lines  by  the  divisions  of  Hooker  and 
Kearney.  The  charge  Avas  one  of  the  most  gallant  and  de- 
termined of  the  Avar.  The  embankment  was  carried,  in 
which  assault  bayonets  and  club  muskets  were  freely  used. 
Being  overpoAverecl,  however,  the  line  fell  back  before  the 
Confederates,  Avho  Avere  heavily  reinforced,  losing  five  hun- 
dred men  in  twenty  minutes.  Kearney’s  attack  had  nearly 
turned  Hill's  lines,  and  as  Hill  says,  “ the  chances  of  victory 
trembled  in  the  balance.”  The  Confederate  division,  under 
General  Gregg,  lost  most  heavily,  six  hundred  and  thirteen 
officers  and  men  being  killed  and  wounded. 

The  Federals  being  reinforced  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
afternoon,  made  another  attack  upon  this  presumedly,  weak- 
ened line,  but  Longstreet  had  come  up.  It  Avas  believed  that 
the  Confederates  Avere  preparing  to  retreat,  Avhen  in  reality 
they  were  advancing  to  meet  the  Federal  forces  then  ad- 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  BUN.  115 

vancmg  under  Hatch.  General  Hood  commanded  the  Con- 
federates. 

The  action  was  sharp  and  very  bloody.  It  lasted  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour,  when  the  Federals  were  repulsed,  and 
retired  in  good  order,  leaving  one  gun  in  the  hands  of  their 
enemy.  Thus  ended  the  battle  of  Grovetown.  The  Confed- 
erate loss  in  officers  had  been  very  severe,  among  these  being 
General  Field  and  Colonel  Forno,  as  also  General  Trimble, 
wounded.  No  general  officer  of  the  Federal  side  was  hit. 
In  this  engagement,  which  resulted  in  a heavy  loss  of  killed 
and  wounded  on  both  sides,  the  determination  of  the  two 
armies  was  desperate,  and  the  troops  on  both  sides  displayed 
a spirit  of  gallantry,  which  was  a pride  to  the  nation.  The 
boast  of  Pope,  however,  that  he  had  beaten  the  Confederates, 
was  entirely  untrue,  and  plainly  shows  that  he  was  either 
ignorant  of  the  state  of  affairs,  or  purposely  misrepresented 
them  to  General  Halleck. 

Longstreet  was  now  put  in  command  of  the  First  corps  of 
the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  consisting  of  twenty  thou- 
sand men,  in  divisions  under  Hood,  Kemper,  Jones  and  Wil- 
cox, also  the  brigade  of  Evans. 

SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN. 

Upon  the  morning  of  August  twenty-ninth  we  find  again 
the  two  armies  facing  each  other  near  the  old  battlefield  of 
Manassas. 

It  was  the  thirtieth  day  of  August,  and  General  Pope  be- 
lieved that  the  Confederates  were  about  to  retreat,  when  in 
reality  they  were  preparing  to  fight  the  battle  of  Manassas. 
He  believed  they  had  been  defeated  the  day  before.  The  fol- 
lowing special  order  will  show  what  disposition  was  made  of 
the  Federal  troops  who  took  part  in  the  imminent  battle. 

Headquarters  rear  Grovetown,  ) 
August  30th,  ’62, 12  m.  > 

The  following  forces  will  be  immediately  thrown  forward  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy,  and  press  him  vigorously  the  whole  day.  Major-General  Mc- 
Dowell is  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  pursuit.  Major-General  Porter's 
corps  will  push  forward  on  the  Warrenton  turnpike,  followed  by  the  divis- 


116 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


ions  of  Brigadier-Generals  King  and  Reynolds.  The  division  of  Briga- 
dier-General Rickett  will  pursue  the  Haymarket  road,  followed  by  the 
corps  of  Major-General  Heintzelman  ; the  necessary  cavalry  will  be  as- 
signed to  these  columns  by  Major-General  McDowell,  to  whom  regular  and 
frequent  reports  will  be  made.  The  general  headquarters  will  be  some- 
where in  the  Warrenton  turnpike. 

Geo.  D.  Ruggles. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Pope,  Colonel  and  Chief  of  Staff. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  neither  Sigel  or  Reno  are  mentioned 
in  this  order.  These  corps  were  kept  in  reserve. 

The  Federal  reconnaissances  which  were  made  during  the 
forenoon  of  the  day,  satisfied  Lee  that  an  attack  would  soon 
be  made  by  them,  from  the  north  side  of  the  turnpike.  The 
Confederates  had  been  reinforced  during  the  night  by  the 
division  of  R.  H.  Anderson. 

Pope  ordered  Porter  to  move  his  corps  forward,  their  left 
on  the  turnpike,  supported  by  King’s  division,  under  General 
Hatch,  General  Reynolds  to  look  out  for  the  left  flank.  On 
the  right  of  Porter  were  two  divisions  of  Heintzelman’s,  two 
divisions  under  Hooker,  and  Kearney,  supported  by  Rickett. 

On  the  south  of  the  pike,  concealed  in  the  woods,  were  the 
Confederates,  in  heavy  force,  prepared  to  attack  the  Federal 
flank,  which  fact  was  discovered  by  Reynolds  shortly  before 
the  attack  was  made.  Reynolds’  division  was  placed  in  posi- 
tion to  resist  this  attack. 

Morell's  division  brought  on  the  attack  at  four  P.  M., 
driving  the  Confederates  back  upon  the  old  railroad  in- 
trenchment. 

The  attack  was  made  with  great  fury,  and  resisted  by  J ack- 
son  with  equal  courage.  The  Federals  being  reinforced  by 
this  division,  Jackson  sent  for  more  troops,  saying  he  was 
severely  pressed.  Lee  ordered  Longstreet  to  support  him 
with  his  unemployed  troops.  Instead  of  so  doing,  this  officer 
placed  his  guns  in  position,  and  opened  a most  terrible  enfi- 
lading fire  on  the  Federal  lines  in  front  of  Jackson's  position. 
In  ten  minutes  the  guns  had  done  their  work;  the  Federals 
began  to  fall  back,  and  soon  were  put  to  flight  on  that  part 
of  the  line. 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN. 


117 


The  attack  made  on  other  parts  of  the  line  by  the  Federals 
was  equally  as  unsuccessful.  All  saw  that  Pope  had  made  a 
great  mistake.  Instead  of  following  up  the  pursuit  of  a flee- 
ing enemy,  McDowell  devoted  himself  entirely  to  defending 
himself  south  and  southwest  of  the  turnpike,  where  the  great 
battle  was  to  be  fought.  The  Confederates  brought  on  this 
attack  with  great  violence,  led  by  Hood’s  brigade,  closely  fol- 
lowed by  Evans  ; these  were  reinforced  by  Anderson’s  divis- 
ion, Kemper’s  three  brigades,  D.  It.  Jones’  division,  and  Wil- 
cox's brigade. 

In  this  struggle,  which  was  quick,  impetuous  and  full  of 
deeds  of  daring,  a larger  portion  of  both  armies  took  part. 
The  tide  of  battle  rolled  steadily  on,  first  giving  to  one  side 
and  then  to  the  other,  a hope  of  victory.  Hundreds  of  brave 
men  were  falling  like  autumn  leaves  when  shaken  by  the 
blast.  The  thunder  of  cannon  and  din  of  musketry  filled 
the  air  with  the  terrific  crash  of  battle.  On,  on,  moves  to 
the  attack  of  the  Federal  stronghold  the  daring  Confeder- 
ates, while  the  Federal  troops,  as  equally  determined,  hold  on 
to  their  position.  The  Confederates  stagger  before  the  fear- 
ful fire  of  leaden  hail,  yet  undaunted,  and  being  heavily  rein- 
forced, they  press  on,  and  the  Federals  are  stubbornly  driven 
from  their  stronghold.  From  one  hill  to  another  they  retire, 
until  the  field  is  won,  and  their  antagonist’s  banners  wave  in 
triumph  over  a field  made  red  with  the  life-blood  of  thou- 
sands who  were  worthy  of  a better  fate. 

This  was  a terrible  defeat  to  General  Pope,  but  not  a rout. 
His  army  fell  back  to  Centerville  during  the  evening  of  that 
day.  Among  the  casualties  of  the  Federals  were  Generals 
Hatch,  Schenck,  and  Tower  wounded.  Of  the  Confederates, 
Colonel  Baylor,  of  the  Stonewall  brigade,  was  killed.  General 
Lee  captured  thirty  pieces  of  artillery,  and  seven  thousand 
unwounded  prisoners.  The  mortality  in  this  engagement 
was  very  great  on  both  sides,  while  a very  large  number  were 
wounded. 

The  day  after  the  battle  of  Manassas  was  rainy  and  the 
fords  were  thus  rendered  impassable.  General  Lee  felt  the 


118 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


necessity  of  following  up  his  victory  ; he  therefore  pressed  his 
troops  on,  Stonewall  Jackson  leading.  Hoping  to  strike  the 
line  of  communication  of  the  Federal  army,  the  Confederates 
crossed  the  ford  at  Bull  Bun,  higher  up,  and  pushed  on,  by 
way  of  Little  River  turnpike,  which  leads  to  Alexandria,  from 
whence  they  marched  for  Fairfax  court-house,  hoping  to  bring 
about  a hasty  retreat  of  the  Federal  army.  General  Jackson's 
march  had  been  perceived  by  the  Federals  under  Sumner. 
The  Confederate  lines  facing  east  were  under  the  command 
of  A.  P.  Hill,  near  the  Warrenton  turnpike,  with  Jackson's 
old  division  on  the  Little  River  pike,  and  Ewell's  division 
under  General  Early  in  the  center. 

Had  the  Federals  brought  on  an  immediate  attack  success 
would  have  been  with  them,  as  Jackson  had  placed  himself  in 
a dangerous  position,  almost  surrounded  and  with  no  support 
in  immediate  call.  Luckily  for  Jackson  night  came  on  and 
his  position  was  not  discovered  by  his  antagonist.  The  Fed- 
erals who  opposed  this  line  were  those  who  had  been  in  the 
severe  conflict  at  Manassas  the  day  before.  LRU's  division 
which  brought  on  the  attack  was  thrown  into  great  disorder 
by  the  flanking  fire  poured  in  upon  them  by  the  Federals. 

General  Lane  considers  this  the  severest  engagement  his 
brigade  ever  experienced.  It  was  plain  there  was  no  success 
for  Jackson  on  this  field  ; all  of  his  brigades  which  took  part 
in  the  conflict  lost  heavily  and  were  only  enabled  by  much 
fortitude  to  hold  their  own  against  the  gallant  attacks  of  the 
Federals.  All  Jackson  ever  claimed  was  that  he  held  his 
position,  and  this  he  certainly  did.  The  battle  was  fought  by 
Reno’s  division  and  Kearney’s  division  of  Lleintzelman’s 
corps.  It  was  very  short  and  severe ; the  Federals  were 
driven  back,  although  the  loss  on  both  sides  was  severe,  and 
the  battle  indecisive  and  of  such  a nature  that  the  viorale  of 
the  Federal  army  could  not  be  restored.  The  Washington 
government  ordered  Pope  to  withdraw  his  troops  within  the 
lines  of  the  Washington  defences  which  he  did  September  2d. 

In  the  severe  charge  which  was  made  in  this,  the  battle  of 
Chantilly,  General  Stevens  was  killed;  also  the  Federals  were 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN. 


119 


called  upon  to  mourn  tlie  loss  of  one  of  the  finest  officers  ever 
enlisted  in  their  service  : the  gallant  Kearney  here  fell,  while 
reconnoiteving  his  lines,  running  directly  upon  the  Confeder- 
ates. This  officer  who  was  the  pride  of  his  command,  was 
highly  respected  by  the  foe  who  opposed  him,  and  many  re- 
grets were  expressed  over  his  fall  by  the  Confederates.  True 
courage  is  always  admired  and  in  this  man  the  Federal  army 
could  boast  of  as  gallant  an  officer  as  ever  buckled  on  his 
armor.  He  fell  in  the  Confederate  lines,  and  his  body  was 
treated  with  the  greatest  respect  by  General  Lee,  who  sent  it 
back  to  the  Federal  lines  under  the  escort  of  an  officer  of 
equal  rank  as  the  dead  hero. 

Thus  ended  the  inglorious  campaign  of  Major-General  John 
Pope.  If  we  take  into  consideration  the  many  mistakes,  the 
flagrantly  deceitful  dispatches  sent  by  him  to  General  Hal- 
leck,  and  his  boastful  orders  which  were  issued  after  each 
engagement,  we  must  declare  that  for  tact  in  making  the  best 
of  defeat,  under  false  color  of  victory,  that  Pope  was  a suc- 
cess, or  otherwise  he  was  certainly  the  greatest  moral  failure 
the  Union  army  had  ever  produced.  We  leave  him,  however, 
to  be  dealt  with  by  those  who  knew  him  best. 


120 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  A. 


ROSTER  OF  THE  FEDERAL  AND  CONFEDERATE  AR- 
MIES AT  THE  BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS,  OTHER- 
WISE CALLED  THE  SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL 
RUN,  FOUGHT  ON  SATURDAY,  AUGUST  30,  1862. 


FEDERAL  ARMY. 


Major-General  JOHN  POPE,  U.  S.  V.,  Commanding. 


FIRST  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  VIRGINIA. 
Major-General  FRANZ  SIGEL,  U.  S.  Y. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 


Major-General  ROBERT  C.  SCHENCK,*  LT.  S.  V. 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  Julius  H.  Stahel,  IT.  s.  V. 
27th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Bushbeck. 
8th  New  York,  Colonel  Hedterich. 
41st  “ Lieut.-Ool.  Holmstedt. 

45th  “ Lieut.-Col.  Tkatislaw. 


Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  N.  C.  McLean,  75th  Ohio. 
25th  Ohio,  Colonel  Richardson. 
55th  “ Colonel  J.  C.  Lee. 

73d  “ Colonel  O.  Smith. 

75th  “ Major  Reilly. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 
Merged  in  the  others. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  CARL  SCHURZ,  U.  S.  U. 


First  Brigade .t 

Colonel  A.  Schimmelpfennig. 

61st  Ohio,  Lieut. -Colonel  McGroarty. 
74th  Pennsylvania,  Major  Blessing. 

8th  Virginia. 

Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  John  A.  Koltes.§ 

29th  New  York, ||  Major  Hartman. 

68th  " Lieut.-Col.  Kleefisch.lF 

73d  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Col.  Muhleck. 


Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  W.  Kryzanowski. 

54th  New  York,  Lieut.-Col.  Ashby. 

58th  “ Major  Henkel.t 
75th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Col.  Mahler. t 

Independent  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  Robert  H.  Milroy,  U.  S.  V. 
2d  Virginia. 

3d 

5th  “ Colonel  Zeigler. 

8 th  “ 

82d  Ohio.** 


* Wounded  on  August  30th;  appointed  Major-General  of  Volunteers  on  the  same  day. 
t Brigadier-General  Henry  Bohlen  had  been  killed  at  Freeman's  Ford  on  August  22d. 
j Wounded  on  August  30th. 

§ Killed  on  August  3 th. 

||  Colonel  Soest  had  been  wounded  on  August  29th. 

If  Wounded  on  August  30th. 

**  Colonel  Cantwell  had  been  killed  on  August  29th. 


ARMIES  AT  BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 


121 


ARTILLERY  OF  THE  FIRST  CORPS,  A.  V. 
Battery  I,  1st  Ohio  Artillery,  Captain  H.  Dilger. 

Battery  K,  “ “ ' Lieutenant  George  B.  Haskins. 

Schirmer’s  Battery,  Lieutenant  Blurne. 

Dickman’s  “ 

Johnson’s  “ 

De  Beck’s  “ 

Romer’s* * * § **  “ 

Hampton’s*  “ 

Battery  I,  1st  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  M.  Weidrick. 
Buell’s  Battery,  Captain  Frank  Buell. t 


SECOND  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  VIRGINIA. 


Major-General  NATHANIEL  P.  BANKS,  U.  S.  V. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ALPHEUS  S.  "WILLIAMS,  U.  S.  V. 
First  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  Samuel  W.  Crawford,  U.  S.  V. 

10th  Maine,  Colonel  George  L.  Beal. 

46th  Pennsylvania. 

28th  New  York. 

5th  Connecticut. 

Second  Brigade. 

Merged  in  the  others. 

Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  George  H.  Gordon,  IT.  S.  V. 

2d  Massachusetts,  Colonel  George  L.  Andrews. 

29th  Pennsylvania. 

3d  Wisconsin,  Colonel  Thomas  H.  Ruger. 

27th  Indiana,  Colonel  Colgrove. 


SECOND  DIVISION.* 


Brigadier-General  GEORGE  S.  GREENE,  U.  S.  V. 


First  Brigade .§ 
6th  Ohio. 

7th  “ 

66th  “ 

29th  “ 

28th  Pennsylvania. 


Second  Brigade.W 
111th  Pennsylvania. 
109th  Maryland. 

3d 

102d  New  York. 

8th  U.  S.  Infantry. 
12th  “ 

4th  Maine  Infantry. 


Third  Brigade .H 
1st  District  of  Columbia. 
78th  New  York. 

60th 

Purnell  Legion,  Maryland. 


ARTILLERY  OF  THR  SECOND  CORPS,  A.  V. 
McGilvery’s  Battery.  Best’s  Battery. 

Robinson’s  “ Knapp’s  “ 

Geary’s  “ Muhlenberg’s  Battery. 

Cothran’s  Battery. 


THIRD  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  VIRGINIA. 
Major-General  IRVING  McDOWELL,  U.  S.  V. 

FIRST  DIVISION.  •* 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  P.  HATCH, ft  U.  S.  V. 

First  Brigade.ti  Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  Sullivan.  Brig.-General  Abner  Doubleday,  U.  S.  V. 

2d  New  York  Sharpshooters,  Col.  Post.  56th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Col.  Hoffmann. 
30th  “ Colonel  Frisby.f  76th  New  York,  Colonel  Wainwright. 

14th  “ Lieut.-ColonelFowler.fi  95th 

* Belonging  to  the  Second  Corps,  A.  V.,  but  attached  temporarily  to  the  First  Corps,  A.V. 

t Killed  on  August  30th . 

+ Brigadier-General  C.  C.  Augur  had  been  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain. 

§ Brigadier-General  John  W.  Geary  had  been  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain. 
II  Brig.-General  Henry  Prince  had  been  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain. 

*1  Brig.-General  George  S.  Greene  had  been  promoted  to  the  command  of  the  division, 
riee'Augur,  wounded. 

**Brig.-General  Rufus  King  had  been  relieved  on  the  29th,  on  account  of  illness, 
ft  Wounded  on  August  30th. 

7$  Formerly  Hatch’s. 


122 


BLUE  AOTD  GEAT. 


Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  M.  R.  Patrick,  U.  S.  V. 
20th  New  York,  Colonel  Pratt.* 

21st  “ 

23d  “ 

25th  « 


Fourth  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  John  Gibbon,  U.  S.  V. 
2d  Wisconsin.! 

19th  Indiana,  Colonel  S.  Meredith. 
6th  Wisconsin.! 

7th  Wisconsin.! 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  B.  RICKETTS,  U.  S.  V. 


First  Brigade. 

General  A.  Duryee,  U.  S.  Y.|J 

Third  Brigade .H 
Colonel  Styles. 

11th  Penn.,  Colonel  Coulter. 
83d  New  York. 

12th  Massachusetts. 

13th  “ 


Second  Brigade. 

Brig. -Gen.  L.  B.  Tower,||  U.  S.  V. 
94th  New  York,  Colonel  Root-U 

Fourth  Brigade. 

1st  Virginia,  Colonel  Thorhurn.il 


PENNSYLVANIA  RESERVES. 


Brigadier-General  JOHN  F.  PLYNOLDS.  ** 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  George  G.  Meade,  U.  S.  V. 
1st  Rifles,  Colonel  McNeil. 

3d  Infantry,  Colonel  Sickles. 

4th  “ Colonel  Magillon. 

7th  “ Lieut -Colonel  Henderson. 

8th  “ Captain  Lemon. 


Second  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Truman  Seymour,  U.  S.  V. 
1st  Infantry,  Colonel  Roberts. 

2d  “ ColonelMcCandless.il 

5th  “ Major  Fentmyet. 

6th  “ Colonel  Sinclair. 


Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  C.  F.  Jackson,  ft  U.  S.  V. 

9th  Infantry,  Colonel  Anderson. 

10th  “ Colonel  Kirk. 

11th  “ Lieut.-Colonel  Jackson. 

12th  “ Coloi.el  Hardin. u 


ARTILLERY  OF  THU  THIRD  CORPS,  A.  V. 
Major  TELLSON,  Chief  of  Artillery. 


Battery  4th  New  York  Artillery. 

“ Rhode  Island  “ Munroe’s. 

“ A,  1st  Pennsylvania  Artillery. 

“ B,  1st  “ “ 

“ G,  1st  “ “ 

“ C,  5th  Artillery.  Ransom’s. 

“ — 1st  Maine  Artillery,  Hall's. 

“ — 2d  Maryland  “ Thompson’s. 


Campbell's  Battery. 
Leppier’s  “ 

Mathews’  “ 

Shippen’s  “ 

Reynolds’  “ 

Cooper’s  “ 

Naylor's  “ 

Gerrish’s  “ 


of  Howitzers. 


CAVALRY  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  VIRGINIA. 


CAVALRY  OF  THE  FIRST  CORPS. 

Buford’s  Brigade. 

Brig  -Gen.  John  Buford,  ft  U.  S.  V. 

9th  New  York,  Colonel  J.  Beardsley. 

4th  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  F.  Nazet. 

6th  Ohio,  Colonel  W.  R.  Lloyd. 

1st  Maryland,  Lieut.-Colonel  Wetschky. 


CAVALRY  OF  THE  THIRD  CORPS. 

Bayard's  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  George  D.  Ba\'ard,§§  U.  S.  V. 
1st  New  Jersey,  Lieut.-Colonel  Karge. 

1st  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Owen  Jones. 
1st  Rhode  Island,  Colonel  Duffle. 

1st  Maine,  Colonel  Allen. 


* Killed  on  August  30tli. 

t Colonel  O’Connor  had  been  killed  in  the  action  near  Gainesville  on  August  28th. 
t Colonel  Cather  had  been  severely  wouuded  on  the  28th. 

§Col.  Robertson,  Lieut. -Col.  Hamilton,  and  Major  Bells  had  been  wounded  on  the  28th. 
||  Wounded  on  August  30th. 

II  Brigadier-General  George  L.  Hartsuff  had  been  relieved  on  account  of  illness. 

**  Killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  1 , 1863. 
ft  Killed  at  Fredericksburg,  Dec.  13,  1862. 
ti  Died  of  disease,  December  16,  1863. 

§§Died  of  wounds  received  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  December  14,  1862. 


ARMIES  AT  BATTLE  OF  MANASSAS. 


123 


THIRD  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 
Major-General  SAMUEL  P.  HEINTZELMAN,  U.  S.  Y. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Major-General  PHILIP  KEARNY,  * * * § U.  S.  Y. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  John  C.  Robinson,  U.  S.  Y.  Brig.-Gen.  David  B.  Bieney,  U.  S.  V. 
20th  Indiana,  Colonel  ffm.  L.  Brown. t 38tli  New  York. 

63d  Pennsylvania,  Col  Alexander  Hays.J  40th  “ “ Colonel  Egan. 

105th  “ Capt.  Craig.§  101st  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  Gesner. 

bOth  Ohio  (5  companies).  57th  Pennsylvania. 

3d  Maine,  Colonel  Champlin. 

4th  “ Colonel  Walker. 

Third  Brigade. 

Col.  O.  M.  Roe,  2d  Michigan  Volunteers.  * 

37th  New  York. 

2d  Michigan. 

3d 

5th  “ 

99th  Pennsylvania. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 


Major-General  JOSEPH  HOOKER,  U.  S.  V. 


First  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Cuvier  Grover,  U.  S.  V. 

1st  Massachusetts,  Colonel  R.  Cowdin. 

2d  New  Hampshire,  Colonel  G.  Marston. 
11th  Massachusetts,  Col.  W.  Blaisdell.il 
16th  “ Major  G.  Banks. 

26th  Pennsylvania,  Major  R.  L.  Bodine. 


Second  (or  Excelsior)  Brigade. 
Colonel  Tavlor,  72d  New  York. 
7'ith  New  York. 

71st  “ 

72d  “ “ 

73d  “ “ 

74th  “ “ 

75th  “ “ 


Third  BrWade. 

Colonel  Joseph  B.  Carr,  2d  New  York. 

2d  New  York,  Captain  Park. 

5th  New  Jersey,  Lieut.-Colonel  W.  J.  Sewell. 

6th  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  G.  C.  Burling.1T 

7th  “ “ Colonel  Joseph  AY.  Revere. 

8th  “ “ Captain  D.  Blauvelt  jr.** 

115th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Col.  Robert  Thompson. 


ARTILLERY  OF  THE  THIRD  CORPS,  A.  P. 
Graham’s  Battery. 

Randolph’s  “ E,  1st  Rhode  Island  Artillery. 


FIFTH  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 

Major-General  FITZ  JOHN  PORTER,  U.  S.  Y. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Major-General  GEORGE  W.  MORELL,  U.  S.  Ar. 

First  Brigade. 

Colonel  James  Barnes,  IS  Massachusetts. 

2d  Maine,  Colonel  Charles  Roberts. 

18  Alassachusetts,  Capt.  Stephen  Thomas. 

22d  “ Major  Mason  WT.  Burt. 

13th  New  York. 

1st  Michigan,  Colonel  H.  S.  Roberts.! 

* Killed  at  Chantilly  or  Ox  Hill,  September  1,  1862. 

t Killed  on  August  30th. 

X AVounded  on  August  30th.  Killed  as  Brigadier-General  of  Volunteers  at  the  battle  of 
the  AAMderness,  May  5,  1864. 

§ Wounded  on  August  30th. 

]|  Killed  at  Petersburg,  June  23, 1864. 

IT  Colonel  G.  Mott  bad  been  wounded  on  August  29th. 

**  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  AYard  had  been  wounded,  and  Acting-Major  Fuite  had 
been  killed  on  August  29th. 


124 


BLUE  AND  GKAY. 


Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  Charles  Griffin,  U.  S.  V.  Brig.-General  Dan  Butterfield,  U.  S.  V. 
Not  in  action.  17th  New  York,  Colonel  Lansing. 

44tk  “ 

12tk  “ 

16tk  Michigan. 

83d  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Col.  Campbell.* * * § 
1st  U.  S.  Sharpshooters,  Col.  Berdan.* 


SECOND  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  GEORGE  SYKES,  U.  S.  V. 


First  Brigade. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  R.  C.  Buchanan,  4th  Infantry. 

3d  Infantry,  Captain  John  D.  Wilkins. 

4th  “ ' Captains  J.  B.  Collinsf  and  H.  Dryer. 

12th  “ 1st  battalion,  Captain  Blunt. 

,14th  “ 1st  “ Captain  J.  D.  O’Connell.* 

14tli  “ 2d  “ Captain  D.  B.  McKibben.* 


Second  Brigade. 

Lieut.-Colonel  Wm.  Chapman,  3d  Infantry. 
2^'^}  Major  C.S.  Lovell. 

6th  “ Captain  L.  C.  Bootes. 

11th  “ Major  D.  L.  Floyd-Jones. 

17th  “ Major  G.  L.  Audrews. 


Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  Gouverneur  K.  Warren,  5th  N.Y. 
5th  New  York,  Captain  C.  Winslow. 

10th  “ Colonel  Bendix. 


Piatt's  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  A.  Sanders  Piatt. 
56th  New  York,  Colonel  Bailey. 

63d  Indiana,  Captain  Bruce. 


ARTILLERY  OF  THE  FIFTH  CORPS,  A.  P. 

Smead’s  t Battery,  5th  U.  S.  Artillery.  Randol’s  Battery,  1st  U.  S.  Artillery. 

Weed’s  “ “ Martin’s  Massachusetts  Artillery. 

Van  Reed’s  “ “ Battery  C,  Rhode  Island  Artillery. 

Hazlett’s  “ 


NINTH  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 
Brigadier-General  J.  L.  RENO,§  U.  S.  Y. 
FIRST  DIVISION. 


Brigadier^General  ISAAC  I.  STEVENS.  |) 


First  Brigade. 

Colonel  Christ,  50th  Penn. 
8th  Michigan. 

50th  Pennsylvania. 

46th  “ 


Second  Brigade. 
Colonel  Leasure. 

100th  Pennsylvania. 
45th  New  Yrork. 


Third  Brigade . 

Col.  Farnsworth,  79th  N.  Y. 
79th  New  York. 

28th  Massachusetts. 


SECOND  DIVISION. Ti 


First  Brigade. 

Colonel  Nagle,  48th  Pennsylvania. 
48th  Pennsylvania. 

2d  Maryland. 

9th  New  Hampshire. 

6 th  “ 


Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  Ferrero,  51st  New  York. 
51st  New  York. 

51st  Pennsylvania. 

21st  Massachusetts. 

35th  “ 


ARTILLERY  OF  THE  NINTH  CORPS,  A.  P. 

Battery  E,  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  Benjamin,  and  doubtless  other  batteries. 
There  was  no  cavalry  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

* Wounded  on  August  30th. 

t Killed  on  August  3 )th. 

+ Captain  Smead  was  killed  on  August  30th. 

§ Killed  at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 1862.  . 

||  Killed  at  Chantilly,  or  Ox  Hill,  September  1,  1862. 

II  Under  the  special  command  of  Brigadier-General  Reno. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


125 


ROSTER  B. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


General  ROBERT  E.  LEE,  Commanding. 
RIGHT  WING.  # 

Lieutenant-General  JAMES  LONGSTREET. 


INFANTRY. 


EVANS’  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  N.  GEORGE  EVANS. 

(Comprising  "Whiting’s  (or  Hood’s)  Division.  Brigadier-General  John  B.  Hood.) 


Hood’s  Brigade. 

1st  Texas,  Lieut. -Colonel  P.  A.  Work. 

4th  “ Lieut.-Colonel  B.  F.  Carter. 

5th  “ Colonel  J.  B.  Robertson.* 
l«th  Georgia,  Colonel  W.  T.  Wofford. 
Hampton  Legion,  Lieut.-Colonel  M.  W.  Gary. 


Whiting’s  (or  Law’s)  Brigade. 

Colonel  E.  M.  Law,  4th  Alabama. 

4th  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col.  McLemore. 
6th  North  Carolina,  Major  R.  F.  Webb. 
2d  Mississippi,  Colonel  J.  M.  Stone. 
11th  “ Colonel  P.  F.  Liddell. 


Evans ’ Brigade. 

Colonel  P.  F.  Stevens,  Holcombe  Legion. 

17th  South  Carolina,  Colonel  J.  H.  Means. t 
18th  “ “ Colonel  J.  M.  Gadberry.J 

22d  “ 

23d  “ “ Colonel  H.  L.  Benbow.* 

Holcombe  Legion,  Major  F.  G.  Palmer.* 


WILCOX  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  CADMUS  M.  WILCOX. 

Wilcox’s  Brigade .§  Pryor’s  Brigade.  Featherston’ s Brigade. 

8th  Alabama,  Maj.  Herbert.  Brig.-Gen.  Roger  A.  Pryor.  Brig.-Gen.W.  S.  Featherston 
9th  “ Maj.  Williams.  5th  Florida.  12th  Mississippi. 

10th  “ Maj.  Cauldwell.  8th  “ 16th  " “ 

11th  “ Capt.  Saunders.t  3d  Virginia.  19th  “ 

14th  Alabama.  2d  “ 


KEMPER'S  DIVISION. 


Brigadier- General  JAMES  L.  KEMPER. 


Kemper's  Brigade. 

Colonel  M.  D.  Corse,  17th  Virginia. 

1st  Virginia,  Lieut.-Colonel  Skinner. 
7th  “ Colonel  W.  T.  Patton. 

11th  “ Major  Clements. 

17th  “ Lieut-Colonel  Marye.* 

24th  “ Colonel  W.  R Terry. 


Jenkins'  Brigade. 
Brig.-Gen.  M.  Jenkins. 

1st  South  Carolina. 

5th  “ “ 

6th  “ “ 

2d  “ “ Rifles. 

Palmetto  Sharpshooters. 

4th  South  Carolina  Battalion. 


* Wounded  on  August  30th. 
t Mortally  wounded  on  August  30th. 

+ Killed  on  August  30th. 

§ Commanded  by  General  Wilcox  in  person. 

11  Killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  May  6,  1864. 


126 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Pickett's  (or  Garnett's)  Brigade. 

Colonel  Eppa  H unton,  8th  Virginia. 
8th  Virginia. 

ISth 

19th  “ 

28th  « 

56th  “ 


D R.  JONES’  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  DAVID  R.  JONES. 


Anderson's  (or  D.  It.  Jones' * * * §)  Brigade.  Toombs'  Brigade. 


Colonel  G.  T.  Anderson,  11th  Georgia. 

1st  Georgia,  Major  Walker. 

7tli  “ Colonel  W.  T.  Wilson  t 

8th  “ Lieut -Colonel  J.  R.  Towers. 

9th  “ Colonel  Beck. 

llth  “ Lieut.-Colonel  Luffman. 


Colonel  Henry  L.  Benning,  17th  Georgia. 
2d  Georgia,  Lieut.-Colonel  Holmes. 
15th  “ Colonel  Willican. 

17th  “ Major  Pickett. t 

20th  “ Major  Waddell. 


Drayton's  Brigade. 

Brig  -Gen.  Thomas  F.  Drayton. 
15th  South  Carolina. 

60th  Georgia. 

61st  “ 


R.  H ANDERSON’S  DIVISION. 
Major-General  R.  H.  ANDERSON. 


Mahone's  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen  Wm.  Mahone. 
6th  Virginia. 

12th  “ 

16th  “ 

41st  “ 

4'Jth  “ 


JF right's  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  A.  R.  Wright. 
3d  Georgia. 

22d 

4sth  “ 

44th  Alabama. 


Armistead’s  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  L A Armistead.§ 
9th  Virginia, 
llth  “ 

2«th  “ 

53d 

57th  “ 


ARTILLERY. 

BATTALION  OF  LIGHT  ARTILLERY. 

Colonel  STEPHEN  D.  LEE. 

Eubank’s  Battery.  Taylor’s  Battery.  Rhett’s- Battery. 

Parker's  “ Jordan’s  “ 


BATTALION  OF  WASHINGTON  ARTILLERY. 
Colonel  J.  B.  WALTON. 


Squiers’  Battery. 

'Richardson’s  “ 
Miller’s  “ 

Eshleman’s  “ 


Frobel’s  Battalion,  Major  B.  W.  Frobel. 
Reilly’s  Battery. 

B chman’s  “ 

Garden’s  “ 


Dixie  Artillery. 
Stribling’s  Battery. 
Maurin’s  “ 

Leake’s  “ 


OTHER  COMMANDS. 

Rodger’s  Battery. 
Brown’s  “ 
Grimes’  “ 
Anderson’s  “ 


* A.  N V.,  Longstreet’s  Rep.,  Vol.  ii.,  pp.  80, 81. 

t Killed  August  30th. 

t Wounded  August  30th. 

§ Killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  1863. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


127 


LEFT  WING. 

Major-General  THOMAS  J.  JACKSON.* 
EWELL'S  DIVISION. 
Rrigadier-Gexeral  A'.  R.  LAWTON. t 


Early’s  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  J.  A.  Early. 

13tli  Virginia,  Colonel  J.  E.  B.  Terrill. 
25th 

31st  “ Colonel  Hoffmann. 

44tli  “ Colonel  William  Smith. 

49th  “ 

52d  “ 

58th  “ 

Hays'  Brigade .§ 

Colonel  Stroxg,  6th  Louisiana. 

5th  Louisiana,  Major  Menger. 

6th  “ 

7th  “ 

8th  “ Major  Lewis. 

9th  “ 


Lawton's  Brigade. 

Colonel  51  Douglass,!  13th  Georgia. 

13th  Georgia. 

20th  “ 

3tst  “ 

38th  « 

60th  « 

61st  “ 


Trimble’s  Brigade  || 

Captain  Brown, IT  12th  Georgia. 

21st  Georgia,  Major  Glover. 

21st  North  Carolina,  Lieut.-Col.  Fulton. 
15th  Alabama,  Major  Luther. 

12th  Georgia. 


LIGHT  DIVISION. 

Major-General  AMBROSE  P|  HILL.** 


Branch's  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  Lons  O'B.  BRAXOH.tt 
33(1  North  Carolina. 

7th  “ <• 

28th  « “ 

37th  “ “ 

18th  “ “ 


Gregg’s  ( afterward  McGowan’s)  Brigade. 
Brig  -General  Maxcy  Gregg. 

Orr’s  Rifles.!! 

1st  South  Carolina. §§ 

12th  HU  “ 

13thf1i  “ “ 

14th***  “ « 


Field’s  Brigade. ttt  Pender's  Brigade. 

Colonel  ,T.  M.  Brockexbrough,  40th  Va.  Brig.-General  William  D.  Pender.!!! 

55th  Virginia.  22d  North  Carolina,  Major  Cole. 

47th  ••  16th  “ “ Captain  Stone. §§§ 

2d  “ Battalion.  38th  “ “ Captain  Ashford.llllll 

34th  “ “ Colonel  Riddiek.TFillT 

Archer’s  Brigade.  Thomas'  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  J.  L.  Archer.  Colonel  Edward  L.  Thomas.  35th  Georgia. 

1st  Tennessee,  Colonel  P.  Turney.  14th  Georgia,  Colonel  R.  W.  Folsom. 

7th  “ Major  Sheppard.  35th  “ 

14th  “ Colonel  W.  A.  Forbes.****  45th  “ Major  W.  L.  Grice. 

19th  Georgia,  Captain  L.  Johnson.  49th  “ Lieut  -Col.  J.  R.  Manning. 

5th  Alabama, tttt  Battalion,  Lieut.  Hooper. 

♦Died  of  wounds  received  at  Chancellors ville,  May  10,  1863. 

t Maj  -Gen.  Richard  S.  Ewell  had  been  wounded  in  the  action  near  Gainesville,  Aug.  28th. 
t Killed  at  Sharpsburg,  September  17.  1862. 

§ Colonel  H Forno,  5th  Louisiana,  who  commanded  the  brigade  August  29th,  had  been 
wounded  on  that  day. 

II  Brigadier  J.  R.  Trimble  had  been  wounded  August  29th. 

®I  Killed  at  Chantilly,  September  1st. 

**  Killed  before  Petersburg,  April  2,  1835. 
tt  Killed  at  sharpsburg,  September  17.  1862. 

t! Col.  J.  Foster  Marshall  and  Lieut.-Col.  D.  A.  Ledbetter  had  been  killed  on  Aug.  29th. 
§§  Lieut. -Colonel  McCready,  commanding  this  regiment,  had  been  wounded  on  Aug.  29th. 
fill  Colonel  Dixon  Barnes  and  Lieut  -Colonel  MeCorkle  had  been  wounded  on  August  29th. 
Colonel  Barnes  was  killed  at  Sharpsburg,  September  17th. 

1111  Colonel  O.  E.  Edwards  and  Lieut.-Col.  T.  S.  Farron  had  been  wounded  on  Aug.  29th. 

***  Colonel  S.  McGowan  had  been  wounded  on  August  29th. 

ttt  Brigadier-General  Charles  W.  Fieid  had  been  wounded  August  29th. 

!!!  Died,  July  18.  1863,  of  wounds  received  at  Gettysburg. 

§§§  Wounded  at  Ox  Hill,  or  Chantilly,  September  1,  1862. 

Illlll  Wounded  on  August  30th. 

■m  .Mortally  wounded  at  Ox  Hill,  or  Chantilly,  September  1,  1862. 

****  Mortally  wounded  on  August  30th. 

Htt  Captain  Bush,  commanding  this  battalion,  had  been  killed  on  August  29th. 


128 


BLUE  AjSD  GRAY. 


JACKSON’S  DIVISION.* 
Brigadier-General  WILLIAM  E.  STARKE.t 


“Stonetcall”  Brigade. 

Colonel  W.  S.  H.  Baylor,!  5th  Virginia. 
2d  Virginia.§ 

4th  “ 

6th  “ 

27th1T  “ 

33d  ||  “ 

Taliaferro's  Brigade. 

Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro,  23d  Virginia. 
10th  Virginia. 

23d  “ 

37th  “ 

47th  Alabama. 

48th 


Campbell's  {or  J.  R.  Jones')  Brigade. 
Colonel  Bradley  T.  Johnson. 

1st  Virginia  Battalion,  Capt.  Henderson. 
21st  “ Captain  Witcher. 

arh.  <«  I Lieutenant  V.  Dabney.* * * § ** 

*Bcn  | Captain  Goldsborough.** 

42d  “ Captain  Penn. 

Stafford’s  {or  Starke's)  Brigade. 

Colonel  L.  A.  Stafford,  9th  Louisiana. 

1st  Louisiana,  Lieut.-C  lonel  Nolan. 

2d  “ Colonel  J.  M.  Williams. 

9th  “ 

10th  “ 

15th  “ Colonel  Edmond  Pendleton. 

Coppen’s  Battalion. 


ARTILLERY  OF  THE  LEFT  WING. 


Colonel  STAPLETON  CRUTCHFIELD,  Chief  of  Artillery. 


Lieutenant-Colonel  R.  L.  Walker. 


Balthis’ 

Brown’s 
D’Aquin’s 
Dement’s 
Latimer’s 
f Braxton’s 
I Crenshaw’s 
j Davidson’s 
] Latham's 
McIntosh’s 
( Pegram’s 
Brockenbrough’s 
Carpenter’s 
Caskie’s 
Poague’s 
Raines’ 
Wooding’s 
Cutchaw’s 
Garber’s 
Johnson’s 
Rice’s 


Battery  with  Ewell’s  Div 


Hill’s 

ii 

M 

(( 

u 

Jackson’s 

<< 


((  << 

U tt 

Unattached. 


CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Major-General  J.  E.  B.  STUART.tt 
Fitz  Hugh  Lee's  Brigade.  Robertson's  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Fitz  Hugh  Lee.  Brig.-Gen.  B.  H.  Robertson. 

1st  Virginia,  Colonel  Brien.  2d  Virginia,  Colonel  T.  T.  Munford. 

3d  “ 6th 

4th  “ Colonel  Wickham.  7th  “ 

5th  “ Colonel  T.  M.  Rosser.  11th  “ 

9th  “ Pith  “ Colonel  A.  W.  Harman. 

16th  “ Battalion,  Colonel  Funsten. 

Note.  — The  Roster  above  given  is  necessarily  imperfect  in  some  of  its  details;  still,  it  is 
in  the  main  correct.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  it  will  interest  the  survivors  of  that  hard-fought 
day. 

* Brig.-Gen.  Wm.  B.  Taliaferro  had  been  wounded  in  the  action  near  Gainesville,  Aug.  28. 

t Killed  at  Sharpsburg,  September  17,  1862. 

i Killed  on  August  30th. 

§ Colonel  Botts  had  been  mortally  wounded  on  August  28th. 

||  Colonel  Neff  had  been  killed  on  August  28th. 

IT  Colonel  Grigsby  had  been  wounded  on  August  28th. 

**  Wounded  on  August  .30th. 

tt  Died  of  wounds  received  at  Yellow  Tavern,  Virginia,  May  12,  1864. 


THE  DIFFICULTY. 


129 


CHAPTER  VI. 

% 

REMINISCENCES  AND  ANECDOTES. 

HELLED  IFT  BATTLE. 

The  conscript  law  provided  that  drafted  men  might  put  in 
a substitute.  A wealthy  young  Virginian,  being  delicately 
constituted,  when  drafted  put  in  a substitute,  a man  over  the 
age  of  conscription,  that  is  over  forty-five.  Soon,  however, 
every  one  not  over  fifty  were  liable,  and  this  included  the  sub- 
stitute above  mentioned,  and  again  the  gentleman  was  liable. 
He  promptly  procured  another,  who,  during  an  engagement, 
was  killed. 

Before  the  war  ended,  however,  every  man  in  the  South 
was  pressed  into  the  service,  no  matter  what  his  excuse. 
Thus  again  he  was  arrested  and  taken  to  the  camp  of  con- 
scription. Upon  enlisting  the  services  of  some  of  his  friends, 
who  interceded  in  his  behalf,  it  was  decided  that  he  was  no 
longer  liable  to  service  as  the  records  showed  that  he  was 
“ killed  in  battle,”  more  than  a year  before.  This  ended  the 
controversy,  and  he  went  back  to  his  home  happy  and  exempt. 

THE  DIFFICULTY. 

Anything  having  a tendency  to  divert  or  amuse  was  in- 
dulged in  during  the  war,  and  many  were  the  puns  and  co- 
nundrums that  were  introduced. 

After  the  battle  of  Bull  Run  had  been  fought  and  lost  by 
the  National  forces,  somebody  predicted  that  the  troops  of 
the  United  States  would  have  a more  serious  time  in  subdu- 
ing the  South  than  was  at  first  anticipated,  as  they  would  be 
compelled  to  march  over  terrible  Rhodes,  then  traverse  long 
Fields,  climb  up  two  steep  Hills,  when  they  would  be  met 
by  a Bee.  Then  they  must  go  down  a Longstreet,  guarded  by 
9 


130 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


a Pickett  and  high  Stonewall.  Then  they  must  face  Early, 
the  Archer  and  Walker,  who,  provided  with  a Pillow  and 
Hood,  would  be  also  supported  by  a Bushrod.  All  of  these, 
and  very  many  more,  obstacles,  are  not  a Hoke’s,  and  the 
Confederacy  has  a legitimate  right  to  Bragg. 

COMPANY  “<J.” 

Soldiers  on  the  sick  list  were  known  as  Company  Q,  and 
many  funny  things  used  to  take  place  among  them.  Like  the 
fellow  who  claimed  to  always  be  where  the  shot  and  shell 
were  thickest,  so  was  Q always  found  with  the  wagon  train, 
where  rations  were  handy. 

Between  Orange  court-house  and  Gordonsville,  the  Union 
cavalry  attacked  the  Confederate  wagon  train.  For  once  Q 
had  to  fight ; fight  for  its  own  safety  and  that  of  its  rations. 
In  justice  to  them  let  it  be  recorded  that  they  did  fight  man- 
fully, and  succeeded  in  checking  the  foe  and  saving  the  trains. 

Many  members  of  this  company  were  often  troubled  with 
that  loathsome  disease,  familiarly  known  to  soldiers  as  the 
itch.  One  fellow  who  had  always  been  in  the  habit  of  play- 
ing some  kind  of  trick  on  his  comrades,  was  thus  attacked. 
He  inquired  what  he  should  do  for  it,  and  was  told  to  wasli 
the  humor  with  vitriol.  This  was  prepared  by  one  of  the  boys 
and  given  him,  with  instructions  how  to  apply  it,  while  the 
others  awaited  results. 

Any  one  who  has  ever  had  the  itch,  knows  that  there  is 
nothing  that  can  come  nearer  setting  a fellow  crazy,  than  the 
application  of  vitriol  to  raw  flesh.  In  five  minutes  after  the 
application  had  been  made,  there  was  enough  noise  about  that 
camp  to  awaken  the  dead ; yells  and  whoops  followed  each 
other  in  quick  succession ; every  character  of  acrobatic  twist 
and  turn  was  indulged  in,  while  the  victim  of  misplaced  con- 
fidence vainly  strove  to  alleviate  his  suffering. 

When  the  burning  ceased  the  patient  was  perfectly  exhaust- 
ed, and  never  again  did  he  attempt  to  play  a trick  on  any  of 
the  boys.  In  a short  time  he  joined  his  regiment  at  the  front, 
claiming  that  he  had  rather  be  shot  by  the  Yankees,  than 
teased  to  death  by  his  friends. 


A PUT  UP  JOB. 


131 


STUART’S  CIRCUS. 

General  Stuart  was  a dashing  soldier  and  a very  handsome 
man.  It  is  not  with  any  lack  of  respect  for  his  memory,  that 
we  say  he  was  both  reckless  and  vain.  Reckless  of  his  own 
and  the  lives  of  his  man,  and  vain  of  his  brilliant  record  as  a 
soldier  and  his  personal  good  looks.  He  Avas  a superb  horse- 
man, and  ahvaj^s  made  a fine  display  of  his  splendid  physique. 

Many  a man  is  living  to-day  who  once  dreaded  the  hour 
when  a cavalry  review  Avas  ordered,  and  many  of  his  command 
haA'e  suffered,  simply  through  the  love  of  display  on  the  part 
of  this  great  leader.  Whenever  an  opportunity  offered,  he 
would  reATiew  his  Avhole  command.  Invariably  Avould  many 
important  personages  be  invited  to  witness  the  maneuvres ; 
especially  ladies.  There  never  was  one  of  these  occasions 
without  several  accidents  occurring;  many  an  old  veteran 
caAralryman  has  been  heard  to  say,  he  had  rather  run  the  risk 
of  his  life  being  lost  in  battle  than  take  the  chance  of  being 
crushed  to  death  on  a general  review. 

A PUT  UP  JOB. 

When  the  armies  were  encamped  near  Centerville,  a good 
joke  was  played  upon  the  officers  of  a certain  regiment.  Near 
the  camp  li\*ed  a farmer  Avho  had  many  bee-hives,  and  being 
fearful  of  losing  them,  asked  for  special  protection  from  the 
commanding  officer.  This  was  promptly  given,  an  order  be- 
ing issued  to  that  effect. 

One  night  while  the  camp  was  wrapped  in  sweet  forgetful- 
ness, under  the  soft  influence  of  a summer’s  moon,  some  of 
the  boys  stole  the  bee-hives  and  carried  them  off.  Extracting 
the  honey  from  the  comb,  they  replaced  the  hives  in  their 
former  position,  taking  care  to  retain  some  of  the  comb  in 
which  there  were  bees.  This  they  stealthily  placed  under  the 
tent  of  their  colonel  while  he  lay  in  tranquil  slumber,  and 
withdrew  to  their  quarters. 

The  bees  soon  began  to  crawl  and  bite,  while  the  colonel, 
thus  annoyed,  began  to  uneasily  change  position.  In  this  Avay 
he  rolled  from  side  to  side,  until  the  comb  had  been  well  be- 


132 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


smeared  over  his  body,  and  the  bees  had  stung  him  many 
times.  Morning  came  and  he  was  covered  with  blotches, 
while  bees  were  crawling  hither  and  thither  about  the  tent. 
It  soon  became  known  throughout  the  regiment,  and  all  be- 
lieved that  the  colonel  had  robbed  the  bee-hives,  his  protest 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

THE  LAST  DRINK. 

At  Petersburg,  for  the  use  of  the  hospitals,  a large  quantity 
of  appie  brandy  and  whiskey  was  kept,  and  when  the  Confed- 
erates evacuated  the  city,  upon  the  memorable  morning  of 
April  3d,  orders  were  given  to  spill  the  liquor,  for  fear  it 
would  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Union  soldiers,  who  would  so 
soon  occupy  the  town.  The  ardent  was  spilled  as  directed, 
and  coursed  its  way  down  the  gutters  of  Sycamore  street 
toward  the  Appomattox  river. 

An  old  regiment  of  veterans  was  passing  along  the  street 
just  at  this  time,  and  upon  smelling  the  fumes  of  “ apple  jack  ” 
came  to  a halt ; laid  down  their  guns,  and  deliberately  kneel- 
ing on  all  fours,  drank  from  the  gutters  a long  draught  of  it, 
while  their  canteens  were  simultaneously  filled.  It  was,  in- 
deed, a ludicrous  sight,  and  we  may  say,  safely,  that  a more 
indifferent  set  of  fellows  did  not  leave  the  doomed  city,  upon 
that  ever  to  be  remembered  morning. 

WIDE-EYE. 

In  a regiment  of  Virginia  cavalry  was  a company  composed 
of  men  from  the  county  of  Sussex.  Among  these  was  one 
who  had  very  large  and  widely  set  eyes.  Although  a good 
soldier  and  highly  respected  man,  yet  this  peculiarity  of  na- 
ture gave  him  such  notoriety  that  everybody  in  the  regiment 
knew  him,  and  often  his  great  orbs  were  made  the  butt  of  an 
innocent  joke. 

Lieutenant  H.  of  Company  D was  on  picket,  in  command 
of  an  outpost,  and  among  others  of  his  squad  of  troopers 
was  this  man.  About  night-fall  a few  horsemen  of  a suspi- 
cious character  were  seen  scouting  near  by,  and  an  effort  was 


DISGUSTED. 


133 


made  by  the  Lieutenant  to  drive  them  off.  To  do  this  the 
picket  of  eight  men  started  on  a trot,  and  then  faster.  Soon 
the  officer  had  gotten  considerably  in  advance  of  all  of  his 
men  save  one,  and  not  observing  this  fact,  cried  out,  “Form 
fours  and  charge ! ” “But,  Lieutenant,  there  are  none  here 
but  me,”  said  this  man.  “ All  right,”  yelled  the  leader,  “you 
form  fours,  AVide-eye,  and  go  it  alone!” 

DISGUSTED. 

The  peculiar  sensation  which  creeps  over  every  man  when 
doing  lone  sentry  duty  in  the  night  time,  especially  if  the  near 
presence  of  the  enemy  is  known,  can  be  better  imagined  than 
described.  It  is  a kind  of  inward  inexpressibility  and  an  out- 
ward all-overishness ; a sensational  dread  which  is  unexplain- 
able. One's  hat  persists  in  the  effort  to  rise  from  one’s  head, 
while  desperate  efforts  are  often  made  by  one’s  heart  to  jump 
out  of  the  mouth. 

All  of  these  little  freaks  of  nature  are  indulged  in  as  you 
stand  in  momentary  expectancy  of  being  shot  by  some  lurking 
foe,  who  even  then  may  have  gotten  range  of  you  in  the  dark- 
ness, and  is  in  the  act  of  raising  his  gun.  At  this  time  it  is  as 
dark  as  Erebus,  and  not  a sound  breaks  the  stillness  of  the 
midnight  gloom,  save  the  long  drawn  breath  of  the  faithful 
horse,  and  the  rapid  thumping  of  your  own  heart.  A twig 
snaps  in  the  distance,  and,  with  distended  ears,  your  horse  is 
on  the  alert,  while  an  extra  twinge  of  excitement  pervades 
your  entire  anatomy. 

The  trusty  rifle  is  clasped  more  tightly  and  you  strain  every 
nerve  to  catch  the  slightest  sound,  deeply  realizing  your  dan- 
ger, yet  unable  to  see  an  object  a rod  distant.  Now  flitters 
through  your  mind  your  home,  your  early  friends,  and  last, 
but  not  least,  every  deed  of  your  life,  good,  bad,  and  indiffer- 
ent, comes  up  before  you. 

J ust  then  another  snap  tells  you  that  your  stealthy  foe  is 
drawing  nearer,  and  your  eyes  are  strained  nigh  out  of  their 
sockets  in  the  vain  effort  to  catch  a glimpse  of  him.  On,  on 
he  comes ; nearer  and  nearer  the  sound  of  snapping  twigs  is 


134 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


heard;  your  horse  is  becoming  uneasy,  and  begins  to  prick 
his  ears  and  move  restlessly  about.  Now  the  fatal  distance 
line  has  been  approached,  and,  with  sensations  of  chilliness 
creeping  all  over  you,  you  give  the  stern  order  to  halt ! The 
sound  of  your  voice  has  aroused  your  approaching  enemy 
and  with  a frightful  “Whosh!”  an  old  sow  breaks  away 
through  the  darkness,  as  you  completely  collapse  in  your  sad- 
dle, thoroughly  disgusted  with  yourself  and  everything  else. 

A MUTUAL  PLEASURE. 

At  a little  farm-house  on  the  peninsula  lived  a family  of  five 
women,  the  father  of  this  family  being  absent  in  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia.  While  the  contending  forces  occupied 
that  region  in  the  latter  part  of  the  war,  at  one  time  this  dwell- 
ing was  not  in  the  lines  of  either  party,  properly  speaking, 
and  was  sometimes  visited  by  soldiers  from  both  armies. 
Three  of  the  women  were  grown-up  daughters,  the  fourth 
being  a bright-eyed  lass  of  fifteen.  The  fifth  was  the  mother 
of  the  quartette.  These  girls  were  very  respectable  ladies 
and  remarkably  attractive,  in  that  isolated  district,  where  the 
sight  of  a woman  was  such  a rarity. 

It  was  tacitly  understood  that  the  time  should  be  divided 
between  the  soldiers  visiting  that  house  between  the  lines. 
The  Yanks  to  be  undisturbed  one  day,  and  the  Rebs  the  next, 
and  so  on.  Many  a pleasant  hour  was  thus  spent  by  members 
of  the  picket  posts.  So  intimate  did  the  men  become  at  this 
house  that  a proposal  was  made  that  two  from  each  opposing 
post  should  meet  there,  some  night  to  be  named,  and  spend  a 
social  evening,  it  being  stipulated  that  neither  party  was  to 
be  armed  with  any  weapon  whatever,  or  indulge  in  any  con- 
troversy respecting  the  war.  To  this  proposition  both  sides 
agreed,  and  the  evening  was  named. 

At  the  proper  hour  four  men  met  at  the  cottage,  two  being 
Yanks  and  two  Reb  pickets.  The  girls  were  expecting  them, 
and  a real  social  interview  followed,  the  evening  being  spent 
by  the  fellows  as  pleasantly  as  if  they  had  been  acquainted 
for  years  on  the  most  friendly  terms.  Cards  and  music  were 


OPEN  YOUR  RANKS,  VIRGINIANS. 


135 


in  order,  and  the  social  interview  was  kept  up  until  after  mid- 
night's hour,  when  the  four  took  their  leave  and  returned 
to  their  respective  posts,  none  the  worse  for  their  social 
meeting.  Both  sides  had  determined  to  show  proper  respect 
and  protection  to  the  hospitable  members  of  that  family,  and 
they  did  it  to  the  letter. 

OPEN  YOUR  RANKS,  VIRGINIANS. 

Every  community  holds  in  high  esteem  the  honor  of  its  cit- 
izens, and  is  proud  of  them,  of  their  high  principles  of  right, 
education,  wealth  and  refinement;  and  yet,  no  section  of  this 
time-honored  republic,  basing  its  great  success  and  perpetuity 
upon  its  equality  declaration  of  right,  has  any  claim  to  dis- 
tinction, more  than  another. 

Self-aggrandizement  and  arrogance,  when  trumpeted 
through  the  realm,  falls  harmlessly  upon  the  ear  of  merit, 
and  only  does  injury  to  those  who  instigate  such  hollow 
measures  as  a means  of  notoriety. 

A certain  New  England  city  has  been  denominated  the 
“ Hub  of  the  universe,”  or  at  least  so  in  the  estimation  of  its 
especial  admirers,  and  just  what  that  city  is  to  its  citizens,  so 
was  a certain  southern  state  to  its  inhabitants,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  hostilities.  They  boasted  of  its  claims  to  su- 
premacy, and  considered  themselves  the  dwellers  in  the  land 
of  accepted  chivalry.  Deeds  of  daring  were  not  worthy  of 
notice  unless  they  emanated  from  this  section,  and  the  arro- 
gant motto  of  that  commonwealth  is  only  in  keeping  with  the 
haughty  spirit  which  she  assumed  at  the  beginning  of  hostil- 
ities. 

Naturally  the  troops  from  the  sister  states  forming  the  con- 
federacy, felt  a little  indignant  over  the  exalted  position  which 
this  sister  assumed,  and  entertained  for  her  feelings  of  disgust 
akin  to  pity. 

Upon  the  first  great  battlefield  of  the  war,  when  the  sol- 
diers, under  as  gallant  an  officer  as  any  who  died  on  the  field 
that  day,  were  hotly  engaged  in  the  contest,  the  Virginia 
troops,  under  the  lamented  Jackson,  were  acting  as  a support, 


136 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


and  this  solid  line  of  brave  men  were  standing  as  firmly  as  a 
great  rock  while  the  missiles  of  death  from  the  ranks  of  the  foe 
were  bursting  in  their  midst.  The  line  engaged  were  so  heav- 
ily pressed  that  they  broke  in  dismay  and  fell  back  upon  the 
sturdy  line  of  General  Jackson  in  frightful  disorder.  Their 
brave  commander  had  lost  his  life  in  the  vain  effort  to  check 
their  repulse  and  disgrace.  All  of  this  being  witnessed  by 
the  Virginia  line. 

The  boasts  of  these  self-important  troops  were  fresh  in  the 
mind  of  the  great  leader  and  of  his  men,  and  as  they  reached 
his  line  he  exclaimed : “ Open  your  ranks,  Virginians,  and  let 
the  chivalry  of  the  South  pass  to  the  rear.”  This  command 
was  promptly  obeyed  and  again  their  ranks  were  closed  and 
faced  the  foe  which  had  so  ingloriously  driven  the  retreating 
forces  from  the  field ; these  choicest  flowers  of  chivalry. 

In  giving  this  incident,  it  is  with  no  intention  whatever  to 
detract  from  the  personal  valor  of  any  citizen  of  this  state, 
but  simply  as  a fair  exponent  of  every  case  in  which  egotisti- 
cal boasting  reaps  a just  reward. 

“ O why  should  the  spirit  of  mortal  be  proud.” 

THE  CHAPLAIN’S  CONSCIENCE. 

Few  troops  having  occupied  that  section  of  Virginia,  the 
Union  army  on  the  march  thither,  found  a rich  field  from 
which  to  pilfer,  near  Piedmont.  Fowls,  pigs,  and.  lambs  were 
in  abundance  and  most  ruthlessly  slaughtered. 

A number  of  soldiers  of  the  Ninety-seventh  New  York,  had 
returned  from  a foraging  expedition,  and  brought  into  their 
camp  a number  of  fat  turkeys,  one  of  which  being  dressed, 
was  soon  prepared  and  they  were  in  the  act  of  eating  their 
supper,  when  the  chaplain  of  the  regiment  came  along,  and  was 
invited  by  the  men  to  join  them  in  the  meal.  This  he  hesi- 
tated to  do,  while  a fight  was  raging  between  his  conscience 
and  his  tempted  appetite.  The  latter  gained  the  victory,  how- 
ever, and  he  “ got  away  ” with  a full  share  of  that  stolen  tur- 
key. Moral,  pertaining  to  small  matters  leave  your  conscience 
at  home. 


THE  HOMELIEST  MAH. 


137 


THE  HOMELIEST  MAN. 

Dear  to  the  hearts  of  all  who  took  part  in  the  war,  are  the 
memories  of  camp  life,  and  any  reference  to  it  will  cause  to 
spring  up  in  the  minds  of  thousands  throughout  the  land, 
many  pleasant  reminiscences.  The  kindly  regard  for  comrades 
who  are  gone,  fills  the  soul  to  overflowing,  and  often  the  sad 
surroundings  of  their  departure  hang  heavily  on  the  mind. 
Such  is  life,  however,  that  its  burdens  are  changed  to  air, 
while  nature  has  kindly  decreed  that  our  sorrows  shall  be  al- 
leviated through  the  influences  of  forgetfulness. 

Thousands  of  our  fellow  soldiers  who  left  their  homes  in 
the  buoyancy  of  manhood,  men  just  blooming  into  magnifi- 
cent maturity,  sleep  in  earthly  precincts,  made  hallowed  by 
their  fall,  yet  long  will  they  be  cherished  and  their  names  kept 
in  fond  remembrance  by  their  more  fortunate  comrades. 
Many  little  incidents  transpired  in  the  circle  of  individual 
acquaintance  which  bring  vividly  to  mind  the  camp  and  its 
surroundings. 

The  regimental  camp  of  the Virginia  cavalry  was  once 

made  the  theater  of  a lively  scene.  The  men  had  been  in  the 
service  but  a few  months,  and  were  all  well  and  comparatively 
free  from  care ; in  fact,  there  was  no  enemy  nigh  to  disturb 
them,  while  the  camp  was  blessed  with  peace  and  plenty. 

Company  G claimed  to  have  in  its  ranks  the  homeliest  man 
in  the  regiment,  which  claim  was  disputed  by  H,  and  it  was 
decided  to  settle  the  matter  by  ballot,  the  winner  to  receive 
an  emblematical  medal. 

This  proposition  was  received  with  full  and  hearty  approval, 
pregnant  with  the  exciting  amusements,  which  it  bade  fair  to 
arouse.  Three  officers  of  the  regiment  were  chosen  to  act  as 
keepers  of  the  polls,  every  man  being  allowed  to  vote  for  his 
favorite  candidate  as  often  as  he  pleased.  The  whole  camp 
was  enlivened  by  this  streak  of  coming  fun  for  several  days 
before  the  hour  for  balloting  arrived,  and  was  well  canvassed 
by  the  friends  of  the  aspirants  during  that  time.  All  manner 
of  levity  was  indulged  in  at  the  expense  of  the  two  fellows 
who  were  opposing  each  other  in  this  amusing  contest,  and 


138 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


thus  the  monotony  of  camp  was  broken  and  liveliness  made 
the  order  of  the  day.  Captain  F.,  of  Company  B,  was  chosen 
orator,  whose  duty  it  would  also  be  to  crown  the  successful 
candidate,  and  great  fun  was  anticipated  from  the  words  of 
this  facetious  and  good-natured  officer. 

For  two  hours  the  men  worked  among  their  comrades  as 
earnestly  as  did  ever  politicians  labor  for  some  post  of  emolu- 
ment and  trust,  and  very  reluctantly  acquiesced  when  the 
hour  for  closing  the  polls  arrived.  On  the  ballots  being 
counted,  it  was  found  that  Company  G had  won  the  fight  by 
a majority  of  one  vote,  and  the  aspirant  from  this  company 
was  declared  the  fortunate  candidate,  amid  the  cheers  of  the 
regiment,  who  moved  that  the  election  be  made  unanimous. 

A temporary  platform,  composed  of  cracker  boxes,  had  been 
erected,  and  this  was  covered  over  by  an  awning  of  tent  flies. 
Under  this  canopy  was  placed  a seat  for  the  candidate  for  reg- 
imental honors. 

The  soldier  who  was  to  be  the  recipient  of  the  regiment’s 
good  will,  was  as  brave  a fellow  as  any  in  it,  but,  in  truth,  a 
homelier  man  could  not  be  found  in  the  Southern  Confederacy. 
His  natural  inclinations  all  tended  toward  kindness,  which 
made  him  very  popular.  A wreath  of  straw,  in  which  had 
been  entwined  cedar  boughs  and  dogwood  blossoms,  had  been 
prepared  for  the  occasion,  and  with  this  in  hand  the  genial 
orator  mounted  the  platform  surrounded  by  the  regiment ; the 
lucky  man  having  been  seated  in  the  chair  of  state,  before 
mentioned. 

Addressing  the  companions  of  his  dangers,  the  Captain  said: 
“Comrades,  you  have  assembled  this  day  to  do  honor  to  one 
of  our  number,  and  I know  of  none  other  among  you  more 
deserving  of  your  favor  in  this  especial  line.  He  has  met  the 
enemy,  and  after  an  arduous  fight  for  two  hours,  has  Avon  the 
prize  for  which  he  contended,  and  all  of  you  should  Avillingly 
acquiesce  in  his  Avearing  the  honors  thus  attained.  The  per- 
sonal marks  of  his  Creator’s  handiwork  most  eminently  befit 
him  to  wear  this  Avreath,  Avhile  his  natural  beauty  is  in  happy 
accord  with  the  lovely  crown  Avhicli  I hold  in  my  hand.  The 


THE  HOMELIEST  MAN. 


139 


precious  locks  of  auburn  which  flow  in  such  luxuriant  abun- 
dance over  his  cranium  [he  had  very  red  hair,  but  very  little 
of  it,  the  top  of  his  head  being  quite  bald],  add  greatly  to 
his  remarkable  features ; the  gazelle-like  gaze  of  his  penetrat- 
ing orbs  tells  plainly  enough  of  what  stuff  the  character  of 
the  man  is  made. 

“We  congratulate  the  wife  of  his  bosom  on  her  choice  in 
selecting  him  as  a partner  for  life,  and  greatly  admire  his  style 
of  man.  Who  can  look  upon  that  mighty  proboscis,  so  pecu- 
liarly curved  on  its  ridge,  without  appreciating  the  stupen- 
dousness of  its  outline  ? Or  gaze  upon  that  chin  without  being 
convinced  that  at  some  near  future  day  it,  and  his  nose,  will 
be  drawn  in  closer  communion  ? ” 

Then,  turning  to  the  candidate,  he  continued:  “I  crown 
you  king  of  manly  magnificence ; as  an  example  we  all  will 
strive  to  emulate.  May  you  ever  improve  in  good  looks  in 
the  future,  and  should  you  ever  be  so  unfortunate  as  to  meet 
the  enemy  of  your  country,  may  he  be  palsied  with  affright 
upon  beholding  so  splendid  an  exponent  of  the  devil  himself.” 

This  speech  was  followed  by  three  rousing  cheers,  and  the 
medal  was  then  presented.  This  was  composed  of  slate, 
upon  which  had  been  impressed  the  roughest  image  of  an 
orang-outang,  beneath  which  image  was  inscribed  these 
words,  “ God’s  noblest  work.”  Then  the  candidate  arose 
and  said,  “ I thank  you,  fellow  soldiers,  for  this  mark  of  your 
esteem,  and  heartily  agree  with  you  in  your  selection.  I feel 
that  you  have  shown  your  good  taste  in  the  choice  between 
my  opponent  and  myself.  I will  ever  guard,  in  sacred  re- 
membrance of  your  friendship,  this  highly  prized  and  beauti- 
ful token,  and  pledge  a soldier’s  word  to  bequeath  it  to  the 
first  young  monkey  that  arrives  in  my  family.”  And  he  kept 
his  word. 


140 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Antietam.  Lee's  invasion  of  Maryland.  His  reason  for  so  do- 
ing. Descriptive  letter  of  the  invasion  by  “ a high  pri- 
vate.” Mcclellan  takes  command  of  federals.  Advances 
TO  FREDERICK  CITY.  Lee’s  PLAN  OF  CAMPAIGN  DISCOVERED  BY 
MCCLELLAN.  CONFEDERATES  CAPTURE  HARPERS  FERRY.  DEATH 
OF  COLONEL  MILES.  BATTLE  OF  SOUTH  MOUNTAIN.  DEATH  OF 
GENERAL  RENO.  BATTLE  OF  ANTIETAM.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  MANS- 
FIELD. General  hooker  wounded.  Frightful  slaughter  on 
both  sides.  General  lee  recrosses  the  potomac.  Eoster. 

ANTIETAM. — LEE  INVADES  MARYLAND. 

The  motives  which  induced  General  Lee  to  undertake  the 
invasion  of  Maryland  are  thus  given  in  his  own  words,  as 
taken  from  his  Official  Report,  dated  March,  1863. 

“ The  armies  of  General  McClellan  and  Pope  had  now 
been  brought  back  to  the  point  from  which  they  set  out  on 
the  campaigns  of  the  spring  and  summer.  The  objects  of 
those  campaigns  had  been  frustrated,  and  the  designs  of  the 
enemy  on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina  and  in  Western  Vir- 
ginia thwarted  by  the  withdrawal  of  the  main  body  of  his 
forces  from  those  regions.  Northeastern  Virginia  was  freed 
from  the  presence  of  Federal  soldiers  up  to  the  intrenchments 
of  Washington,  and  soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  army  at 
Leesburg,  information  was  received  that  the  troops  which 
had  occupied  Winchester  had  retired  to  Harpers  Ferry  and 
Martinsburg. 

“ The  war  was  thus  transferred  from  the  interior  to  the 
frontier,  and  the  supplies  of  rich  and  productive  districts 
made  accessible  to  our  army.  To  prolong  a state  of  affairs 
in  every  way  desirable,  and  not  to  permit  the  season  for  ac- 
tive operations  to  pass  without  endeavoring  to  inflict  further 
injury  upon  the  enemy,  the  best  course  appeared  to  be  the 
transfer  of  the  army  into  Maryland.  Although  not  properly 


LEE  INVADES  MARYLAND. 


141 


equipped  for  invasion,  lacking  much  of  the  material  of  war, 
and  feeble  in  transportation,  the  troops  poorly  provided  with 
clothing,  and  thousands  of  them  destitute  of  shoes,  it  was 
yet  believed  to  be  strong  enough  to  detain  the  enemy  upon 
the  northern  frontier  until  the  approach  of  winter  should  ren- 
der his  advance  into  Virginia  difficult,  if  not  impracticable. 

“ The  condition  of  Maryland  encouraged  the  belief  that  the 
presence  of  our  army,  however  inferior  to  that  of  the  enemy, 
would  induce  the  Washington  Government  to  retain  all  of  its 
available  force  to  provide  against  contingencies  which  its 
course  toward  the  people  of  that  state  gave  it  reason  to  ap- 
prehend. At  the  same  time  it  was  hoped  that  military  suc- 
cess might  afford  us  an  opportunity  to  aid  the  citizens  of  Ma- 
ryland in  any  efforts  they  might  be  disposed  to  make  to  re- 
cover their  liberties.  The  difficulties  that  surrounded  them 
were  fully  appreciated,  and  we  expected  to  derive  more  as- 
sistance in  the  attainment  of  our  object  from  the  just  fears 
of  the  Washington  Government,  than  from  active  demonstra- 
tions on  the  part  of  the  people,  unless  success  should  enable 
us  to  give  them  assurance  of  continued  protection. 

“ Influenced  by  these  considerations,  the  army  was  put  in 
motion,  D.  H.  Hill’s  division,  which  had  joined  us  on  the  2d, 
being  in  advance,  and  between  September  4th  and  7th  crossed 
the  Potomac  at  the  fords  near  Leesburg  and  encamped  in  the 
vicinity  of  Fredericktown. 

“It  was  decided  to  cross  the  Potomac  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge 
in  order,  by  threatening  Washington  and  Baltimore,  to  cause 
the  enemy  to  withdraw  from  the  south  bank,  where  his  pres- 
ence endangered  our  communications  and  the  safety  of  those 
engaged  in  the  removal  of  our  wounded  and  the  captured 
property  from  the  late  battlefields.  Having  accomplished  this 
result,  it  was  proposed  to  move  the  army  into  western  Mary- 
land, establish  our  communications  with  Richmond  through 
the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  and  by  threatening  Pennsyl- 
vania induce  the  enemy  to  follow,  and  thus  draw  him  from  his 
base  of  supplies.” 

From  the  moment  of  Lee’s  invasion  of  the  North,  General 


142 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


D.  H.  Hill  led  the  advance.  The  Potomac  river  was  crossed 
near  Leesburg,  between  the  4th  and  7th  of  September,  and 
the  whole  Confederate  army  was  soon  encamped  near  Freder- 
ick, in  Maryland. 

Lee’s  army  at  that  time  was  composed  of  the  command  of 
General  Longstreet,  consisting  of  five  divisions  containing 
twenty  brigades ; Jackson's  command  of  three  divisions,  con- 
taining fourteen  brigades ; D.  H.  Hill’s  division  of  five  bri- 
gades ; the  brigade  of  General  Evans,  with  a considerable  force 
of  artillery  and  cavalry,  making  a total  of  about  sixty  thou- 
sand men.  Perhaps  in  the  whole  history  of  the  Army  of  North- 
ern Virginia,  until  the  spring  of  1865,  there  was  never  a time 
when  they  were  in  such  a wretched  condition  as  when  they 
invaded  Maryland,  in  1862.  Thousands  of  the  troops,  says 
General  Lee,  were  destitute  of  shoes.  Never,  said  General 
Jones,  who  commanded  Jackson’s  old  “Stonewall”  division, 
•had  the  army  been  so  dirty,  ragged,  and  ill  provided  for  as  on 
this  march.  The  following  description  is  graphically  interest- 
ing and  undoubtedly  true.  We  quote  the  full  text  of  a “Let- 
ter from  a High  Private”  in  “Southern  Historical  Papers,” 
volume  10,  page  504. 

“On  the  twentieth  day  of  August,  1862,  our  brigade  (Kem- 
per’s), left  Gordonsville  to  open  the  campaign  against  Pope. 
The  orders  were  to  leave  all  knapsacks  behind,  and  to  travel 
in  light  marching  order  with  three  days’  rations  in  our  haver- 
sacks, a blanket  on  our  shoulders,  and  eighty  rounds  of  car- 
tridges in  our  boxes  and  pockets. 

“ Little  we  knew  then  that  it  would  be  two  whole  months  to 
a day  before  we  beheld  our  scanty  wardrobe  again,  and  for 
more  than  eight  weeks  we  would  be  without  a single  change 
of  underclothing,  and  that  our  attire  on  the  return  would 
shame  the  famous  seven  beggars  of  Coventry,  and  cause  a de- 
cent scarecrow  to  look  like  a well-dressed  gentleman  beside 
us.  There  was  not  a single  article  of  either  kind  in  camp. 
The  regiment,  though  reduced  a hundred  or  so  by  the  battles 
around  Richmond,  had  yet  comparatively  full  ranks,  and  their 
esprit  de  corps  was  unimpaired.  Indeed,  they  had  gained  that 


LEE  INVADES  MARYLAND. 


143 


confidence  in  themselves  and  their  officers  that  goes  far  to 
make  a crack  soldier  and  steady  veteran ; and  veterans  they 
were  with  Blackburn's  Ford,  Bull  Run,  Yorktown,  Williams- 
burg, and  the  Seven  Days’  fight  emblazoned  on  their  banners. 

“ They  knew  what  a soldier's  life  was  by  this  time,  and  had 
got  trained  in  every  phase  of  it.  In  the  cantonments  at  Ma- 
nassas Junction,  drilling  six  times  a day ; in  the  picket  duty 
at  Falls  Church  and  Munson's  Hill;  in  the  bivouac  at  Fairfax 
court-house ; in  the  winter  quarters  at  Centerville,  in  the 
long  marches  from  Manassas  to  Richmond,  and  thence  to 
Johnson,  on  the  York  river;  trench  duty  at  Dam  No.  1,  at 
Yorktown  ; rear  guard  at  Williamsburg;  the  skirmish  line  on 
the  road,  holding  the  enemy  in  check ; the  builders  of  miles 
of  fortifications ; in  the  sudden  dash  and  desperate  battle  of 
Seven  Pines,  and  then  to  the  glorious  excitement  of  follow- 
ing up  the  retreating  army  of  McClellan  ; and  then  the  bat- 
tle of  Frazier's  farm,  had  taught  Kemper’s  men  what  war 
really  was,  and  changed  the  raw  levies  into  gladiators  who 
could  meet  death  with  a smile  on  their  lips. 

“And  so  in  the  bright  morning  sunshine  they  jested  as  they 
received  abundance  of  cartridges  and  limited  rations,  which 
was  in  the  same  proportion  as  Falstaff's  sack  to  his  bread. 
Down  the  road,  past  Orange  court-house,  from  there  to  the 
Rapidan,  where  we  camped,  thence  to  the  Rappahannock 
river,  where  we  remained  two  daj^s,  watching  the  enemy  on 
the  opposite  side.  Our  rations  now  gave  out,  and  how  to 
live  without  eating  became  the  problem  that  each  soldier  had 
to  solve  to  suit  himself. 

“ A long  week  of  marching  and  counter-marching  ensued,  in 
which  we  subsisted  on  green  corn  and  apples  ; then  a forced 
march  of  twenty-eight  miles  to  Thoroughfare  Gap,  on  the  hot- 
test day  I ever  remembered,  with  the  dull  booming  of  the 
cannon  on  the  other  side  of  the  ridge  to  quicken  our  wearied 
footsteps. 

“ The  next  day,  the  thirtieth  of  August,  we  fought  the  bat- 
tle of  Manassas,  and  lost  a fourth  of  our  brigade.  The  his- 
tory of  that  glorious  day  I will  skip. 


144 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“We  got  each  a Yankee  haver-sack  and  a full,  square  meal, 
and  I saw  scores  of  soldiers,  nearly  famished,  eating  while 
they  fought,  indeed,  it  used  to  be  a saying  of  our  foes,  that  a 
rebel  soldier  would  charge  through  hell  to  capture  a Yankee 
haversack. 

“ The  night  after  the  battle  we  drank  a gallon  of  real  coffee 
per  man,  and  filled  up  on  salt  pork,  boiled  beef  and  canned 
vegetables,  and  groups  of  soldiers  sat  by  the  campfires,  and 
boiled,  stewed  and  fried,  and  ate  off  and  on  all  night. 

“ Hunger  is  a fearful  thing,  and  we  forgot  for  a time  many  a 
loved  comrade  who  was  shot  in  the  battle. 

INTO  MARYLAND. 

“ On  Monday  the  march  was  continued  toward  Fairfax  court- 
house. The  rain  that  had  held  up  for  the  night  now  came 
down  in  streams.  We  ate  our  last  mouthful  this  morning; 
indeed,  but  for  the  contents  of  the  captured  haversacks  which 
the  men  shared  with  each  other,  there  would  not  have  been 
enough  to  pick  one’s  teeth  after.  Nearly  all  that  day  we 
tramped  through  the  muck  of  the  road,  that  was  ankle  deep. 
There  was  a constant  cannonading  in  our  front. 

“It  was  late  in  the  evening  when  we  arrived  at  Chantilly, 
that  stately  old  country  house  where  several  of  us  had  stood 
guard  in  the  lovely  autumn  nights  of  1861.  It  was  raining  in 
torrents,  which  fact  prevented  us  from  arriving  earlier,  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  sharp  action  that  our  van  had  with  Kearney’s 
division.  Indeed,  we  could  not  have  been  of  any  service  if 
we  had  been  present,  for  our  ammunition  was  soaking  wet, 
and  there  was  not  a gun  in  the  division  that  would  have  gone 
off.  Standing  there  in  the  drowning  summer’s  storm  we  be- 
held the  evidences  so  plain  before  our  eyes  of  the  sacked  and 
ruined  Chantilly,  that  sweet,  lovely  place,  which,  for  nearly  a 
century,  had  been  famous  for  all  that  makes  a home  prized 
and  loved,  and  an  estate  cared  for  and  valued. 

“ The  fences  were  all  levelled,  the  out-buildings  were  demol- 
ished, the  splendid  park  cut  down,  every  shade  tree  was  felled 
by  the  axe,  even  the  fruit  trees  were  hacked  down  out  of  mere 


INTO  MARYLAND. 


145 


wantonness.  As  for  the  house  it  was  hardly  habitable,  the 
furniture  was  smashed  to  kindling  wood,  the  windows  dashed 
to  pieces  with  the  butt-end  of  the  muskets,  the  plastering  from 
the  walls  knocked  off,  and  the  rooms  so  defaced  and  defiled 
that  it  discounted  a liog-pen  in  filth.  In  this  space  lay  many 
wounded  and  dead,  among  others  General  Phil.  Kearney,  the 
most  brilliant,  chivalrous,  dashing  officer  in  the  Yankee  army. 
His  body  was  sent  by  order  of  General  Lee  to  the  Yankee 
lines  under  a flag  of  truce.  He  was  killed  in  a charge,  and 
rode  in  the  advance  with  his  hat  in  the  air  and  the  bridle  held 
in  his  teeth,  for  he  had  but  one  arm,  the  other  he  lost  in  the 
Mexican  war.  He  was  a brave  ideal  of  a soldier.  Most  of 
our  soldiers  viewed  his  dead  body. 

“In  the  wet,  showery,  drowning  rain,  we  had  to  spend  the 
night. 

“ There  was  but  little  distance  between  the  two  armies  — one 
flushed  with  victory,  the  other  sullen  from  defeat  — but  both 
at  this  moment  equally  limp,  wet,  hungry  and  miserable.  But 
for  the  pouring  rain  drops,  the  sharp  halt ! and  challenge  of 
the  enemy’s  pickets  could  easily  have  been  heard. 

‘“From  camp  to  camp,  from  tlie  foul  womb  of  night, 

The  hum  of  either  army  stilly  sounds, 

That  the  fixed  sentinels  almost  receive 
The  secret  whispers  of  each  other’s  watch.’ 

“ It  is  said  by  those  fishermen  who  ought  to  know  what  they 
are  talking  about,  that  eels  at  length  learn  how  to  get  used  to 
being  skinned,  and  after  a while  rather  enjoy  the  operation. 
So  it  is  by  continuous  hardening  soldiers  learn  to  sleep  in  a 
drowning  storm,  in  a mud-puddle,  as  sweetly  as  a citizen  com- 
fortably tucked  away  in  his  bed  of  down.  They  sleep  in  a 
rain  that,  were  they  not  inured  and  seasoned,  would  make 
every  man  ill  from  the  exposure. 

“Next  morning  we  awoke  so  stiff  and  rigid  that  it  took  us 
some  time  to  straighten  our  limbs.  Our  bodies  were  chilled 
through,  but  to  our  great  delight  the  sun's  warm  beams  darted 
through  the  rift  in  the  clouds,  and  dried  the  wet  clothes,  but 
still  our  situation  was  deplorable.  Not  a mouthful  did  we 
10 


146 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


have ; some  few  had  a ration  left  which  they  would  swallow 
secretly ; the  haversacks  Avere  all  turned  wrongside  out,  and 
the  very  dust  of  the  crackers  was  scraped  out  and  devoured. 

“That  day  some  thieving  Reb  stole  my  oil  cloth  that  I left 
drying  on  the  bushes,  and  though  I hunted  clean  through  the 
brigade,  I could  not  find  it;  I had  no  blanket,  and  that  night  I 
was  in  a woful  fix,  for  the  ground  was  still  damp,  the  nights 
cool.  As  a makeshift,  I begged  a newspaper,  a copy  of  the  New 
York  World,  and  lay  on  that,  and  as  it  kept  the  moistened 
earth  from  my  person,  it  answered  quite  well,  and  for  two 
weeks  I had  nothing  to  lie  on  but  this  newspaper ; I would 
fold  it  up  with  great  care  every  morning,  but  one  night  it 
rained,  and  there  was  nothing  left  of  it.  Anyway,  I have 
always  had  a tender  feeling  for  the  New  York  World  ever 
since. 

“ On  the  morning  of  the  third  we  took  up  the  line  of  march, 
with  the  head  of  the  column  striking  northward,  passing  by 
Frying  Pan  church,  which  name  is  suggestive  of  some  hot 
gospels,  and  a place  where  doubtless  the  doctrine  of  total 
damnation  of  man  is  preached. 

“Still  no  signs  of  our  commissary  wagons,  and  not  a mouth- 
ful of  food  did  we  have  all  day. 

“The  fourth  found  our  column  halted,  and  green  corn 
served  out. 

“ The  fifth  and  sixth  we  marched  toward  Leesburg,  passing 
through  on  the  seventh,  and  crossed  the  Potomac,  near  Shep- 
herdstown. 

“On  the  eighth  we  struck  up  the  refrain  of  ‘Maryland,  my 
Maryland ! ’ and  camped  in  an  apple  orchard.  W e were 
hungry  ; for  six  days  not  a morsel  of  bread  or  meat  had  gone 
in  our  stomachs,  and  our  menu  consisted  of  apples  and  corn. 
We  toasted,  we  burned,  we  stewed,  we  boiled,  we  roasted, 
these  two,  together  and  singly,  until  there  was  not  a man 
whose  form  had  not  caved  in,  and  who  had  not  a bad  attack 
of  diarrhea.  Our  underclothes  were  foul,  and  hanging  in 
strips,  our  socks  worn  out,  and  half  of  the  men  were  bare- 
footed; many  were  lame,  and  were  sent  to  the  rear,  others  of 


INTO  MARYLAND. 


147 


sterner  stuff  hobbled  along,  and  managed  to  keep  up,  while 
gangs  from  every  company  went  off  in  the  surrounding  coun- 
try, looking  for  food,  and  did  not  rejoin  their  commands  until 
weeks  after.  Many  became  ill  from  exposure  and  starvation, 
and  were  left  in  the  road.  The  ambulances  were  full,  and 
the  whole  route  was  marked  with  a sick,  lame,  limping  lot, 
that  straggled  to  the  farmhouses  that  lined  the  way,  and  who, 
in  all  cases,  succored  and  cared  for  them.  But  we  fared  bet- 
ter in  the  rich  fields  of  Maryland. 

“In  an  hour  after  the  passage  of  the  Potomac,  the  command 
continued  the  march  through  the  rich  fields  of  Maryland.  The 
country  people  lined  the  roads,  gazing  in  open-eyed  wonder 
upon  the  long  lines  of  infantry  that  filled  the  roads  for  miles, 
and  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach  was  the  glitter  of  the  sway- 
ing points  of  the  bayonets.  These  were  the  first  Ragged 
Rebels  they  had  ever  seen,  and  though  they  did  not  act  either 
as  friends  or  foes,  still  they  gave  liberally,  and  every  haversack 
was  full  that  day  at  least.  No  houses  were  entered,  no  dam- 
age was  done,  and  the  farmers  in  the  vicinity  must  have  drawn 
a long  breath  as  they  saw  how  safe  their  property  was  in  the 
very  midst  of  the  army. 

“ On  the  tenth  the  Seventeenth  defiled  through  the  long  ave- 
nue of  Frederick  City,  and  we  were  rather  disappointed  at  our 
reception,  which  was  decidedly  cool.  This  wasn’t  what  we 
expected.  It  is  true  the  streets  were  generally  well  filled  with 
citizens,  and  the  balconies  and  porches  too,  but  there  was  pos- 
itively no  enthusiasm,  no  cheers,  no  waving  handkerchiefs 
and  flags ; instead,  a death-like  silence.  Some  houses  were 
closed  tight,  as  if  some  public  calamity  had  taken  place  ; there 
were  many  friendly  people  in  the  windows  and  doors,  but  they 
seemed  afraid  to  make  any  manifestations  of  their  feelings, 
only  smiling  covertly. 

“ The  marching  soldiery  did  not  imitate  the  cautious  silence 
of  the  Frederick  citizens;  they  had  full  haversacks,  and  there- 
fore light  hearts,  jokes,  witticisms,  and  badinage  flew  from  lip 
to  lip,  and  some  one  striking  up  a song,  it  was  chanted  by  the 
brigade,  and  in  that  way  we  went  through  the  most  loyal  city 
in  Maryland. 


148 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“ The  following  intercepted  letter,  from  a Union  lady  in  Fred- 
erick to  a friend  in  Baltimore,  thus  speaks  of  the  passage  of 
our  army: 


Frederick  City,  Md.,  Sept.  13,  1862. 

I ■wish,  my  dearest  Minnie,  you  could  have  witnessed  the  transit  of  the 
Rebel  army  through  our  streets  a day  or  two  ago.  Their  coming  was  un- 
heralded by  any  pomp  and  pageant  whatever.  No  burst  of  martial  music 
greeted  your  ear,  no  thundering  sound  of  cannon,  no  brilliant  staff,  no 
glittering  cortege  dashed  through  the  streets ; instead  came  three  long,  dirty 
columns  that  kept  on  in  an  unceasing  flow.  I could  scarcely  believe  my 
eyes;  was  this  body  of  men  moving  so  smoothly  along,  with  no  order, 
their  guns  carried  in  every  fashion,  no  two  dressed  alike,  their  officers 
hardly  distinguishable  from  the  privates,  were  these,  I asked  myself  in 
amazement,  were  these  dirty,  lank,  ugly  specimens  of  humanity,  with 
shocks  of  hair  sticking  through  the  holes  in  their  hats,  and  the  dust  thick 
on  their  dirty  faces,  the  men  that  had  coped  and  encountered  successfully, 
and  driven  back  again  and  again,  our  splended  legions  with  their  fine  dis- 
cipline, their  martial  show  and  color,  their  solid  battalions  keeping  such 
perfect  time  to  the  inspiring  bands  of  music  ? I must  confess,  Minnie, 
that  I felt  humiliated  at  the  thought  that  this  horde  of  ragamuffins  could 
set  our  grand  army  of  the  Union  at  defiance. 

Why,  it  seemed  as  if  a single  regiment  of  our  gallant  boys  in  blue  could 
drive  that  dirty  crew  into  the  river  without  any  trouble.  And  then,  too,  I 
wish  you  could  see  how  they  behaved,  — a crowd  of  boys  on  a holiday 
don’t  seem  happier.  They  are  on  the  broad  grin  all  the  time.  O,  they  are 
so  dirty ! I don't  think  the  Potomac  river  could  wash  them  clean ; and  rag- 
ged ! There  is  not  a scarecrow  in  the  cornfields  that  would  not  scorn  to 
exchange  clothes  with  them;  and  so  tattered!  There  isn’t  a decently 
dressed  soldier  in  the  whole  army. 

I saw  some  strikingly  handsome  faces  though,  or  rather  they  would 
have  been  so  if  they  could  have  had  a good  scrubbing.  They  were  very 
polite,  I must  confess,  and  always  asked  for  a drink  of  water,  or  anything 
else,  and  never  think  of  coming  inside  of  a door  without  an  invitation. 
Many  of  them  were  barefooted.  Indeed,  I felt  sorry  for  the  poor,  mis- 
guided wretches,  for  some  of  them  limped  along  so  painfully,  trying  hard 
to  keep  with  their  comrades.  But  I must  stop.  I send  this  by  Robert,  and 
hope  it  will  reach  you  safely.  Write  to  me  as  soon  as  the  route  is  open. 

Kate. 

“ Confederate  currency  now  suddenly  rose  in  value,  orders 
having  been  issued  that  the  storekeepers  in  the  town  should 
keep  open  their  stores,  and  sell  their  goods  for  the  ‘ damn 
Rebel  issue,’  as  one  of  them  called  our  Confederate  ‘ promise 
to  pay.’  In  an  hour  or  two  a store  would  be  completely 


INTO  MARYLAND. 


149 


cleaned  out ; not  a thing  was  left  behind,  a shopkeeper  hay- 
ing enough  of  the  notes  to  paper  his  walls.  Some  of  them, 
though,  put  the  money  carefully  by,  determining  if  it  should 
by  chance  turn  out  ever  to  be  of  any  value,  that  they  would 
have  a good  amount. 

“Another  day’s  march  brought  us  to  Hagerstown,  where  the 
cornfields  and  orchards  furnished  our  meals.  The  situation, 
in  a sanitary  point,  was  deplorable.  Hardly  a soldier  had  a 
whole  pair  of  shoes.  Many  were  absolutely  barefooted,  and 
refused  to  go  to  the  rear.  The  ambulances  were  filled  with 
the  footsore  and  sick.  Not  a man  among  all  the  troops  had 
had  a change  of  underclothing  since  the  army  left  Gordons- 
ville,  a month  ago,  and  the  consequence  was  that  they  were 
dirty,  battered,  and  infested  with  vermin ; and  now  I will  de- 
vote a great  many  lines  to  this  subject,  which  the  fastidious 
had  better  skip.  I am  writing  of  the  lights  and  shadows  of 
a soldier's  life,  and  the  two  twin  evils  of  vermin  and  the 
camp  itch  were  important  institutions. 

“ They  followed  Johnny  Reb  everywhere,  staid  by  him,  re- 
fused to  leave,  resisted  every  effort  of  force,  opposed  every 
attempt  at  compromises,  and  they  tarried  with  him  until  he 
doffed  the  gray  uniform  for  a citizen’s  suit.  Then  only  did 
both  disappear  and  vanish  out  of  sight  and  mind. 

“ These  insects,  which  in  camp  parlance  were  called  gray- 
backs,  first  made  their  appearance  in  the  winter  of  1861.  At 
first  the  soldier  was  mortified^  and  felt  almost  disgraced  at 
discovering  one  of  these  insects  on  his  person ; their  crawl- 
ing made  his  flesh  creep,  and  energetic  efforts  were  made  to 
hide  the  secret,  and  eliminate  the  cause.  At  first  the  soldiers 
used  to  steal  out  companionless  and  alone,  and  hide  in  the 
woods  and  bushes,  with  as  much  secretness  and  caution  as  if 
he  were  going  to  commit  some  fearful  crime.  Once  hid  from 
the  eyes  of  men,  he  would  pursue  and  murder  the  crawling 
insects  with  a vengeful  pleasure,  thinking  that  now  he  would 
have  peace  and  comfort  of  mind,  and  be  able  to  hold  up  his 
head  once  more  before  his  fellowmen. 

“ On  his  stealthy  way  back  he  would  be  sure  to  run  in  on  a 


150 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


dozen  solitary  individuals,  who’  tried  to  look  unconcerned,  as 
if  indeed  they  were  in  the  habit  of  retiring  in  the  dim  re- 
cesses of  the  forest  for  private  meditation. 

“The  satisfaction  he  felt  would  not  last  long ; in  a day  or 
two  his  bodjr  would  be  infested  again,  and  then,  desperate,  he 
would  try  every  expedient,  all  to  no  purpose ; it  was  simply 
impossible  to  exterminate  them.  The  men  would  boil  their 
clothes  for  hours,  in  a hissing,  bubbling  cauldron,  dry  and 
put  them  on,  and  next  day  these  confounded  things  would  be 
at  work  as  lively  as  ever.  Even  at  Fort  Warren,  where  un- 
derclothing was  so  plentiful  that  each  man  had  an  entire 
change  for  every  day  in  the  week,  it  was  found  that  these 
pests  skirmished  around  as  usual,  though  where  they  came 
from,  and  how  they  arrived,  were  mysteries  never  solved. 
The  salamander  gray-backs  had  more  lives  than  a cat,  and 
bred  and  propagated  faster  than  a roe-herring. 

“ Once  lodged  in  the  seams  of  the  clothing,  they  remained 
until  time  moldered  the  garments.  You  might  scald,  scour, 
scrub,  cleanse,  rub,  purify,  leave  them  in  seathing  liquid,  or 
bury  the  raiment  in  the  ground,  but  it  was  wasted  labor,  for 
the  insects  seemed  to  enjoy  the  process,  and  increased  and 
multiplied  under  it. 

“ On  this  march,  particularly,  when  the  troops  had  no  change 
of  clean  clothes  for  weeks,  the  soldiers  were  literally  infested 
with  them.  Many  used  to  place  their  under  raiment,  during 
the  night,  in  the  bottom  of  some  stream,  and  put  a large 
stone  to  keep  them  down.  In  the  morning  they  would 
hastily  dry  them,  and  get  a temporary  relief.  Every  evening 
in  Maryland,  when  the  army  halted  and  bivouacecl  for  the 
night,  hundreds  of  the  soldiers  could  be  seen  sitting  on  the 
roads  or  fields,  half  denuded,  with  their  clothes  in  their  laps, 
busily  cracking,  between  the  two  thumb-nails,  these  creeping- 
nuisances  ; a hundred  full-fledged  fathers  of  families  were  not 
considered  an  unusual  number  in  one  haul. 

“ To  have  a daily  examination  and  execution  was  a habit 
just  as  regularly  and  naturally  indulged  in  as  washing  our 
face  and  hands.  In  our  march  along  the  turnpike,  there  was 


INTO  MARYLAND. 


151 


not  left  an  ear  of  corn,  or  a green  apple,  in  the  bordering 
fields ; the  soldiery  made  a specialty  of  cooking  these  vegeta- 
bles, eating  them  raw,  roasted,  boiled,  and  all  mixed  in  a 
kind  of  soup,  filling  themselves  full,  but  still  longing  for  the 
meat  and  bread  diet.  The  actions  of  the  citizens  of  Hagers- 
town showed  in  vivid  contrast  to  Frederick  City,  for  not  only 
were  the  men  and  women  outspoken  in  their  sympathy  for 
the  southern  cause,  but  they  threw  wide  open  their  hospita- 
ble doors  and  filled  their  houses  with  the  soldiers,  feeding  the 
hungry  and  clothing  the  naked,  as  well  as  their  limited  means 
allowed.  I saw  a citizen  in  that  place  absolutely  take  the 
shoes  off  of  his  feet  in  the  streets,  and  give  them  to  a limp- 
ing barefooted  soldier. 

“ On  the  morrow,  instead  of  advancing  northward  the  order 
came  to  right  about  face,  and  march  back  on  the  same  road 
we  advanced  up  the  evening  before ; back  the  brigade  re- 
traced its  steps,  and  about  four  o’clock  that  evening,  on  the 
fourteenth,  took  position  in  a corn-field  on  a sloping  hill.  A 
savage  attack  came  from  the  enemy  on  our  left  to  break  the 
line,  but  was  repulsed  ; the  musketry  firing  and  cannonading 
was  for  a short  time  very  severe ; no  determined  infantry 
charge  was  made  upon  our  brigade,  though  several  Yankee 
batteries  shelled  the  line,  and  a feeble  attack  made,  whicli 
was  easily  checked,  for  the  regiment  was  in  place  behind 
a fence.  The  Seventeenth  only  lost  about  half  a dozen 
wounded. 

“That  night,  or  rather  at  early  dawn  of  the  fifteenth,  the 
brigade  marched  toward  Sharpsburg ; the  men  had  not  a mouth- 
ful to  eat,  and  squads  from  the  different  companies  obtained 
permission  to  forage  for  themselves  and  comrades.  I was  on 
one  of  these  details ; leaving  the  road  and  striking  across  the 
fields,  we  entered  into  a yard  in  the  center  of  which  stood  a 
fine  brick  mansion ; we  knocked  at  the  door,  there  was  no 
response,  and  then  after  waiting  awhile  we  entered  and  found 
to  our  astonishment  that  it  was  deserted.  The  inmates  had 
fled  in  anticipation  of  a battle,  the  fighting  at  Boonsborough 
a few  hours  before  had  evidently  frightened  them  away. 


152 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“Not  an  article  had  been  carried  off,  the  parlor  door  was 
open,  there  stood  the  piano,  the  pictures  depended  from  the 
wall,  the  curtains  hung  as  gracefully  as  if  some  hand  had  just 
arranged  their  folds ; we  entered  the  dining-room,  there 
rested  the  cat  on  the  window  sill,  everything  seemed  so  nat- 
ural, it  was  difficult  to  realize  that  the  hostess  would  not  en- 
ter and  welcome  us  in  a few  moments. 

“We  had  no  time  to  linger;  the  cannons  sounded  their 
warning  notes  ; beside,  we  had  come  to  get  something  to  eat, 
and  not  to  make  any  voyage  of  discovery.  So  finding  noth- 
ing in  the  pantry,  nor  in  the  kitchen,  we  went  to  the  spring 
and  filled  our  canteens  with  water,  then  to  the  dairy  at  the 
foot  of  the  hill,  and  discovered  several  buckets  and  cans  of 
milk,  which  had  been  placed  there  last  night  by  some  visible 
means.  We  filled  our  canteens  with  the  lacteal  fluid,  and  no- 
ticing the  loft,  a room  over  the  dairy,  we  climbed  up,  and 
found  it  a perfect  storeroom.  Several  barrels  were  on  stands, 
and  on  investigating  the  contents  of  one,  it  was  found  to  be 
cider,  and  then  the  canteens  were  emptied  of  milk,  and  filled 
with  the  juice  of  the  apple.  An  exclamation  from  one  of  the 
party  brought  us  over  to  him,  and  he  showed  us  a barrel  of 
apple  brandy.  That  cider  in  the  canteens  was  soon  poured 
on  the  floor,  and  the  apple  jack  took  its  place. 

“An  animated  discussion  took  place.  The  whole  squad, 
except  the  sergeant,  wanted  to  carry  the  barrel,  and  leave  ev- 
erything else  behind,  but  then  came  the  difficulty  about  obey- 
ing orders.  The  discussion  waxed  high,  and  to  end  the  mat- 
ter, the  sergeant  stove  in  the  head  of  the  barrel  with  the  butt 
of  his  musket,  and  the  precious  liquid,  that  would  have  made 
glad,  for  a time,  at  least,  the  whole  brigade,  poured  in  a use- 
less stream  upon  the  floor. 

“ In  the  room  were  half-a-dozen  tubs  of  apple  butter,  which 
we  confiscated  for  the  use  of  our  comrades,  and  carried  it  off 
with  us.  Starting  toward  the  reflected  steel,  that  flashed  in 
the  sunlight  like  a beacon  to  the  mariner,  showing  us  where 
our  troops  were  marching,  we  hurried  after,  and  soon 
caught  up  with  them.  I will  drop  for  a second  the  character 


INTO  MARYLAND. 


158 


of  a veracious  chronicler,  ancl  not  mention  how  many  lips 
were  glued  long  and  lovingly  to  the  mouths  of  those  can- 
teens. The  owner’s  health  was  honestly  drank,  however, 
none  asking  or  caring  whether  he  was  Yank  or  Reb.” 

It  was  a dark  period  for  the  Federal  cause,  in  the  history 
of  the  civil  war,  when  the  shattered  remains  of  Pope’s  army 
were  hurled  back,  broken  and  bleeding,  upon  Washington,  at 
the  close  of  his  inglorious  campaign.  In  that  moment  of  su- 
preme need,  the  country  involuntarily  turned  to  General  Mc- 
Clellan as  the  only  available  man  to  reorganize  the  demoral- 
ized hosts,  and  lead  them  forth  to  encounter  the  triumphant 
forces  of  General  Lee. 

General  McClellan  was  placed  in  immediate  command.  The 
work  of  reorganization  had  to  be  done  largely  on  the  march, 
as  there  was  no  time  to  lose,  and  soon  the  whole  army  moved 
in  the  direction  of  Frederick  City,  Maryland,  to  find  Lee’s 
invading  forces. 

General  Hooker  commanded  the  First  corps,  General  Sum- 
ner the  Second,  General  Porter  the  Fifth,  General  Franklin 
the  Sixth,  General  Reno  the  Ninth,  General  Mansfield  the 
Twelfth.  The  artillery  was  placed  under  the  command  of 
General  Hunt,  which,  with  the  cavalry,  made  up  an  army  of 
one  hundred  thousand  men.  At  this  time  there  was  a force 
of  twenty-five  hundred  men  at  Martinsburg,  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  White,  and  another  of  nine  thousand  at 
Harper’s  Ferry,  commanded  by  Colonel  D.  H.  Miles.  These 
troops  were  under  the  immediate  command  of  General  Idalleck. 

General  Lee,  as  a skillful  commander,  had  supposed  that 
Martinsburg  and  Harper's  Ferry  would  have  been  evacuated 
when  he  crossed  the  Potomac  and  entered  Maryland.  Mc- 
Clellan urged  that  such  a course  should  be  pursued,  but  Gen- 
eral Halleck  persisted  in  holding  those  points,  although  it  was 
apparent  to  all  that  such  a policy  endangered,  if  it  did  not 
sacrifice  the  garrisons. 

McClellan’s  advance  through  Maryland  until  he  reached 
Frederick  City,  was  necessarily  very  slow,  and  General  Lee 
arranged  a bold  and  brilliant  campaign  based  upon  the  sup- 


154 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


position  that  General  McClellan's  movement  would  continue 
to  be  a tardy  one 

lee’s  PLAN  DISCOVERED  BY  MCCLELLAN. 

A singular  and  important  incident  occurred  as  McClellan 
reached  Frederick  City.  A copy  of  General  Lee’s  plan  of 
invasion  came  into  his  possession  which  revealed  to  him  all 
the  plans  of  his  antagonist. 

The  following  is  a copy  of  the  information  thus  derived, 
and  which  proved  to  be  of  such  importance. 

SPECIAL  ORDERS,  NO.  191. 

Headquarters  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  ) 
September  9th,  1SG2.  ) 

The  army  will  resume  its  march  to-morrow  taking  the  Hagerstown  road. 
General  Jackson’s  command  will  form  the  advance,  and,  after  passing 
Middletown,  with  such  portion  as  he  may  select,  take  the  route  toward 
Sharpsburg,  cross  the  Potomac  at  the  most  convenient  point,  and  by  Fri- 
day night  take  possession- of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  and  cap- 
ture such  of  the  enemy  as  may  be  at  Martinsburg,  and  intercept  such  as 
may  attempt  to  escape  from  Harper’s  Ferry.  General  Longstreet’s  com- 
mand will  pursue  the  same  road  as  far  as  Boonsborough,  where  it  will 
halt  with  the  reserve,  supply,  and  baggage  trains  of  the  army. 

General  McLaws  with  his  own  division  and  that  of  General  R.  H.  Ander- 
son, will  follow  General  Longstreet ; on  reaching  Middletown,  he  will 
take  the  route  to  Harper's  Ferry,  and  by  Friday  morning  possess  himself 
of  the  Maryland  Heights,  and  endeavor  to  capture  the  enemy  at  Harper’s 
Ferry  and  vicinity.  General  Walker,  with  his  division,  after  accomplish- 
ing the  object  in  which  he  is  now  engaged,  will  cross  the  Potomac  at 
Cheek’s  Ford,  ascend  its  right  bank  to  Lovettsyille,  take  possession  of 
Loudon  Heights,  if  practicable,  by  Friday  morning,  Key's  Ford  on  his  left 
and  the  road  between  the  end  of  the  mountain  and  the  Potomac  on  his 
right.  He  will,  as  far  as  practicable,  co-operate  with  General  McLaws  and 
General  Jackson  in  intercepting  the  retreat  of  the  enemy. 

General  D.  II.  Hill's  division  will  form  the  rear  guard  of  the  army,  pur- 
suing the  road  taken  by  the  main  body.  The  reserve  artillery,  ordnance 
and  supply  trains,  etc.,  will  precede  General  Hill. 

General  Stuart  will  detach  a squadron  of  cavalry  to  accompany  the  com- 
mands of  Generals  Longstreet,  Jackson  and  McLaws,  and  with  the  main 
body  of  the  cavalry  will  cover  the  route  of  the  army  and  bring  up  all  strag- 
glers that  may  have  been  left  behind.  The  commands  of  General  Jackson, 
McLaws  and  Walker,  after  accomplishing  the  objects  for  which  they  have 
been  detached,  will  join  the  main  body  of  the  army  at  Boonsborough  or 
Hagerstown. 


CAPTURE  OF  HARPER’S  FERRY. 


155 


Each  regiment  on  the  march  will  habitually  carry  its  axes  in  the  regi- 
mental ordnance  wagons,  for  use  of  the  men  at  their  encampments,  to 
procure  wood,  etc. 

By  command  of  GENERAL  R.  E LEE, 

R.  H.  CHILTON,  Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

Major-General  D.  H.  HILL,  Commanding  Division. 

COMMANDING  DIVISION. 

This  was  the  golden  opportunity  for  McClellan ; Lee’s 
army,  but  scarcely  one-half  his  own  in  size,  was  divided. 
The  Potomac  river  and  a goodly  number  of  miles  were  be- 
tween its  parts. 

If  McClellan  should  hurl  his  left  wing  through  Crampton’s 
Pass  he  would  come  directly  upon  the  rear  of  McLaws’  di- 
vision upon  Maryland  Heights.  If  he  should  thrust  his  right 
wing  through  Turner’s  Gap,  he  would  have  his  army  between 
the  forces  of  Hill  and  Longstreet  upon  the  one  hand,  and 
those  of  McLaws  and  Jackson  upon  the  other,  and  could 
crush  them  in  detail.  It  was  a situation  which  required  skill, 
energy,  and  a brave,  aggressive  spirit  at  its  head.  That  Lee’s 
army  was  not  annihilated  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  Federal 
army  did  not  have  such  a spirit  to  lead  it  on. 

General  McClellan  pressed  on  with  some  vigor  to  relieve 
the  troops  at  Harper’s  Ferry. 

General  Lee,  unaware  that  his  plans  were  known  to  his 
antagonist,  was  suddenly  informed  by  General  Stuart  that 
McClellan  was  pressing  forward  in  force  toward  Crampton’s 
Pass,  and  Lee  immediately  changed  his  plans,  and  ordered 
General  D.  H.  Hill  to  move  back  from  Boonsborough,  and 
defend  the  passes  of  the  South  Mountain  range  of  hills, 
and  thus  check  McClellan’s  advance.  He  also  ordered  Long- 
street  to  counter-march,  and  support  the  troops  of  General  Hill. 

CAPTURE  OF  harper’s  FERRY  BY  CONFEDERATES. 

The  three  columns  of  Confederates  designated  for  the 
movement  upon  Harper’s  Ferry  were  put  in  motion  early  on 
the  morning  of  September  tenth.  By  rapid  marching  Jack- 
son  reached  the  point  he  was  to  occupy,  near  Boliva  Heights, 


156 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


on  the  morning  of  the  twelfth.  The  Union  troops  had  re- 
treated from  Martinsburg  at  his  advance,  and  joined  Miles’ 
command  at  Harper’s  Ferry.  General  McLaws  reached  his 
position,  assigned  on  Maryland  Heights,  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  thirteenth,  and  General  Walker  reached  the  crest  of  Lou- 
don Heights  on  the  same  day.  Harper’s  Ferry  was  thus  com- 
pletely surrounded,  and  all  hope  of  escape  from  capture  cut 
off,  unless  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  came  to  its  rescue.  This 
McClellan  failed  to  do,  and  on  the  fifteenth  the  Confederates 
opened  a tremendous  fire  upon  the  doomed  garrison,  which 
soon  surrendered. 

Colonel  Miles,  who  had  allowed  himself  to  be  thus  hemmed 
in  by  the  enem3r,  was  killed  just  as  the  white  flag  was  raised 
to  indicate  that  the  place  had  surrendered.  Eleven  thousand 
men,  seventy-three  pieces  of  artillery,  many  stores  and  small 
arms  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Confederates. 

General  Jackson  left  A.  P.  Hill  to  receive  the  surrender  of 
Harper’s  Ferry,  and  by  a night  march  of  seventeen  miles  he 
reached  Sharpsburg  and  joined  the  army  of  Lee  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  sixteenth.  General  Walker’s  division  also  reported 
to  General  Lee  at  that  city  on  the  same  morning. 

We  will  now  turn  to  General  McClellan  whom  we  left 
pressing  upon  General  Lee’s  rear  guard  in  the  passes  of  the 
South  Mountain  range.  These  passes  are  great  turnpikes 
built  through  the  mountain  gorges.  Crampton’s  Gap  was 
carried  by  the  troops  of  General  Franklin  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  fourteenth,  after  a brisk  struggle  of  three  hours.  The 
soldiers  on  both  sides  fought  most  heroically.  The  loss  was 
about  five  hundred  men  killed  and  wounded,  on  either  side. 
The  Federals  captured  four  hundred  prisoners,  one  gun  and 
three  battle  flags. 

The  battle  of  Turner's  Gap  was  on  a larger  scale  and  be- 
came a most  desperate  conflict.  General  Reno  with  his  com- 
mand was  to  move  up  to  the  gap  upon  the  turnpike  from  the 
south,  while  General  Hooker  was  to  reach  the  same  point  by 
pressing  through  a valley  further  to  the  north.  The  Confed- 
erates desperately  opposed  the  Federal  advance.  The  battle 


BATTLE  OF  ANTIETAM. 


159 


raged  at  intervals  daring  all  tlie  day  of  the  fourteenth,  and 
late  in  the  afternoon  the  Federal  troops  with  wild  cheers 
swept  through  the  pass,  while  the  defeated  Confederates  fell 
back  upon  Boonsborough.  The  losses  on  both  sides  were 
heavy,  General  McClellan  reporting  a loss  of  one  thousand 
five  hundred  and  sixty-eight  killed  and  wounded.  Among 
the  killed  was  the  gallant  commander  of  the  Ninth  corps,  Ma- 
jor-General Reno. 

The  Confederates  lost  heavily  in  killed  and  wounded,  also 
a loss  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  prisoners.  The  Confed- 
erates had  gained  their  object  notwithstanding  their  defeat, 
which  was  to  check  the  great  army  of  General  McClellan 
until  it  was  too  late  to  relieve  Harper’s  Ferry. 

BATTLE  OF  ANTIETAM. 

On  the  morning  of  September  fifteenth,  the  advance  of 
McClellan's  army  emerged  from  Turner’s  Gap  upon  the  west 
side  of  the  South  Mountain  range,  near  Boonsborough.  At 
that  hour  Harper’s  Ferry  surrendered,  which  fact  was  speedily 
made  known  to  General  McClellan. 

General  Lee,  in  the  meantime,  had  prepared  a line  of  battle 
upon  the  west  bank  of  Antietam  Creek,  a stream  running 
obliquely  to  the  Potomac  river,  and  emptying  into  it  six  miles, 
above  Harper’s  Ferry.  This  stream  Avas  spanned  by  four 
stone  bridges ; the  one  nearest  its  mouth  Avas  not  used  by  the 
contending  armies,  excepting  by  the  troops  of  A.  P.  Hill,  as 
they  came  from  Harper's  Ferry  to  reinforce  General  Lee. 
The  second  has  been  known  since  the  battle  as  “Burnside's 
bridge,”  and  is  that  by  which  the  road  from  Sharpsburg  to 
Rohrersville  crosses  the  Antietam  Creek.  The  third  is  Av’nere 
the  road  from  Boonsborough  and  Keedysville,  to  Sharpsburg, 
crosses  the  stream.  The  fourth  is  tAvo  miles  and  a half  farther 
up  the  stream,  upon  the  road  leading  from  Keedysville  to 
Williamsport. 

The  Confederate  army  Avas  still  divided,  and  a vigorous 
movement  of  the  Federals  Avould  haAre  throAvn  their  full  force 
upon  Lee  before  he  could  be  reinforced  by  Jackson ; but  the 


160 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


hours  of  the  fifteenth  passed  away  as  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac slowly  formed  its  lines  upon  the  eastern  bank  of  the 
Antietam.  The  sixteenth  was  also  passed  in  making  prepara- 
tions for  the  battle.  Had  it  been  pushed  on  this  day  by  Mc- 
Clellan the  fate  of  the  Confederacy  would  probably  have  been 
decided  upon  the  field  of  Antietam,  instead  of  Appomattox, 
over  two  and  one-half  years  later. 

The  plan  of  General  McClellan  was  formed  as  follows:  to 
attack  the  Confederate  left  with  the  corps  of  Hooker  and 
Mansfield.  These  were  to  be  supported  by  Sumner,  and,  if 
necessary,  Franklin  was  also  to  move  to  their  assistance.  The 
Ninth  corps,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Burnside,  was 
to  attack  their  extreme  right,  and  when  either  flank  was  suc- 
cessful the  center  was  to  advance  with  all  the  available  force 
that  could  be  mustered.  The  plan  was  excellent,  and  if  it  had 
been  carried  out  must  have  crushed  Lee’s  army.  At  two 
o’clock  General  Hooker  was  ordered  to  cross  his  corps  on  the 
upper  bridge  and  at  a ford,  and  if  possible  to  turn  the  left 
flank  of  the  enem}r ; Mansfield’s  corps  was  also  to  cross  during 
the  night,  Sumner  being  held  in  readiness  to  move  at  any  mo- 
ment. This  was  all  the  movement  of  any  importance  made 
by  the  Federal  commander  on  the  sixteenth.  Hooker’s  com- 
,mand  passed  that  night  near  the  Hagerstown  pike,  about  one 
and  a half  miles  north  of  Sharpsburg  village. 

General  Lee's  line  of  battle  extended  from  a point  on  the 
Hagerstown  Pike,  one  and  a half  miles  north  of  Sharpsburg, 
to  another  point  below  the  Burnside  bridge,  a line  some  three 
miles  in  extent.  His  right  was  commanded  by  General 
Longstreet,  his  center  by  D.  H.  Hill,  and  the  left  of  the  line 
by  General  Jackson. 

The  battle  was  opened  early  on  the  morning  of  the  seven- 
teenth by  General  Hooker.  The  advanced  line  of  the  Con- 
federates rested  in  a fringe  of  woods  a short  distance  east  of 
the  Hagerstown  Pike.  This  line  was  composed  of  Ewell’s 
division,  the  old  Stonewall  division  being  held  in  reserve  in 
the  woods  west  of  the  pike.  Hooker’s  command  was  ten 
thousand  men,  while  Jackson  had  no  more  than  half  that 


BATTLE  OF  ANTIETAM. 


161 


number.  Hooker's  object  was  to  carry  the  Hagerstown  road, 
and  the  woods  upon  the  west  side  of  it.  Upon  that  small 
piece  of  ground  the  battle  of  the  forenoon  was  fought. 

After  an  hour's  bloody  struggle  Hooker  succeeded  in  driv- 
ing the  Confederates  from  the  woods,  across  a small  cornfield, 
and  back  upon  the  pike  itself.  The  Federal  center,  under 
Meade,  was  immediately  pushed  across  the  cornfield  to  seize 
the  coveted  road,  but  Jackson's  reserve  division  came  to  the 
rescue,  pouring  in  a most  deadly  fire,  and  soon  Meade  was 
hurled,  with  fearful  loss,  back  across  the  field.  At  the  same 
time  Hooker’s  left,  commanded  by  Rickett,  became  warmly 
engaged  with  the  troops  of  D.  H.  Hill,  while  Doubleday, 
commanding  the  Federal  right,  was  held  in  check  by  Stuart’s 
horse  artillery,  posted  in  his  front  and  upon  his  right. 

It  was  quite  early  in  the  morning,  but  Hooker’s  command 
had  lost  over  one-half  of  its  men  by  death,  wounds  and 
straggling.  Its  lines  were  torn  in  pieces  in  such  a terrible 
manner  that  it  ceased  to  be  an  aggressive  force  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  day.  General  Jackson’s  command  hap  also 
sustained  great  loss,  the  official  reports  of  regimental  and 
brigade  commanders  showing  that  he  had  lost  over  one-half 
of  his  men  by  wounds  and  death. 

At  the  time  Hooker’s  corps  exhausted  itself,  General  Mans- 
field’s corps  came  to  its  support  and  relief.  There  were  two 
divisions  in  this  corps,  commanded  respectively  by  Generals 
Williams  and  Green.  In  deploying  his  corps,  General  Mans- 
field was  killed,  and  the  command  devolved  upon  General 
Williams.  These  divisions  pressed  forward  with  great  vigor 
and  daring  over  the  ground  covered  with  dead  and  wounded 
of  both  armies.  General  Crawford,  who  succeeded  to  the 
command  of  Williams’  division,  seized  a point  west  of  the 
Hagerstown  road,  while  Green's  division  crossed  the  road  to> 
the  south  of  the  Dunker’s  church.  These  points  were  held 
for  a time  by  the  Federals,  but  with  great  loss.  The  troops 
were  put  upon  the  defensive,  while  the  Confederates  concen- 
trated in  the  woods  in  their  front,  and  after  desperate  fight- 
ing for  a while,  wavered,  broke,  and  were  being  driven  from 
their  position. 


162 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


It  was  now  nine  o’clock;  General  Hooker  was  severely 
wounded,  and  as  he  was  being  carried  from  the  field,  General 
Sumner,  with  his  corps,  came  up  to  relieve  the  corps  of 
Mansfield.  Up  to  this  time  the  results  of  the  battle  may  be 
stated  as  follows:  Hooker  had  defeated  one  division  of  Jack- 
son's command,  and  had  then  been  driven  back  by  the  other. 
Mansfield’s  corps  had  driven  back  this  division  of  Jackson, 
and  had  in  turn  been  driven  back,  badly  defeated,  by  the 
troops  of  General  Hood. 

Sumner’s  corps  now  rushed  forward  across  the  ground  over 
which  the  red  tide  of  battle  had  so  frequently  rolled  that 
morning,  and  suppressing  all  opposition  before  him,  seized 
the  pike,  the  Dunker’s  church,  and  the  woods  beyond.  At 
this  time  the  divisions  of  French  and  Richardson,  further 
down  on  the  Union  left,  were  ordered  to  advance,  which  or- 
der they  executed  with  great  gallantry,  and  pressed  back  the 
Confederates  at  every  point.  Richardson’s  artillery  poured 
an  enfilading  fire  upon  a portion  of  the  Confederate  line,  and 
so  great  was  the  slaughter  that  the  place  has  been  christened 
“ the  bloody  lane.” 

Just  at  this  moment  of  victory  for  the  Federals,  the  for- 
tunes of  war  changed,  and  rested  upon  the  banners  of  their 
gallant  foes.  Two  Confederate  divisions,  commanded  by 
Generals  McLaws  and  Walker,  had  hurried  from  their  right 
and,  with  that  dashing  gallantry  for  which  the  Confederate 
infantry  were  ever  noted,  threw  themselves  upon  the  lines  of 
General  Sumner  with  such  fury  that  Sedgwick’s  division  was 
flanked,  and  the  whole  Federal  force  upon  the  right  was 
thrown  back  across  the  cornfield  to  the  woods  beyond ; the 
same  position  it  had  occupied  in  the  morning.  The  Confed- 
erates, satisfied  with  what  they  had  accomplished,  did  not  ad- 
vance beyond  the  turnpike,  and  the  storm  of  war  died  away 
upon  that  portion  of  the  field. 

Three  entire  corps  of  the  Federal  army  had  fought  in  detail; 
the  men  had  contended  for  victory  with  the  most  heroic 
bravery,  and  although  they  had  severely  punished  their  enemy, 
yet  they  found  their  own  ranks  so  terribly  shattered  that  they 
could  no  longer  assume  an  aggressive  movement. 


BATTLE  OP  ANTIETAM. 


168 


Hacl  all  of  these  corps  moved  upon  Jackson  at  the  same  time 
the  result  would  have  been  far  different.  The  Confederates, 
although  suffering  a terrible  loss  of  men,  had  succeeded  by 
the  bravery  of  their  troops  and  the  superior  generalship  of 
their  commanders,  in  holding  their  ground  with  a vastly  in- 
ferior force,  and  had  compelled  the  right  of  McClellan’s  army 
to  assume  the  defensive  attitude.  Lee  had  accumulated  so 
heavy  a force  upon  his  left,  that  after  the  repulse  of  Sumner’s 
corps,  the  Confederates  began  to  develop  indications  of  mak- 
ing an  aggressive  movement. 

At  this  hour,  between  twelve  and  one  o’clock,  General 
Franklin  arrived  upon  the  field  with  his  corps.  The  third 
brigade  of  General  Smith’s  division  made  a gallant  charge 
and  drove  the  Confederates  back  to  the  Dunker’s  church. 
The  Seventh  Maine  regiment  also  made  a very  brilliant  charge 
upon  the  enemy.  General  Sumner  did  not  deem  it  wise  for 
General  Franklin  to  make  a general  movement  with  his  corps, 
and  the  roar  of  battle  soon  died  away  upon  that  portion  of 
the  field. 

It  soon  boomed  forth,  however,  from  the  Federal  left  where 
the  Ninth  corps,  under  General  Burnside,  lay  massed  behind 
the  heights  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Antietam,  and  opposite 
to  the  Confederate  right,  which  it  was  designed  he  should 
assail  after  he  should  force  the  passage  of  the  bridge.  It 
was  of  the  utmost  importance  that  this  movement  should  have 
been  made  at  the  same  time  the  attack  was  made  upon  the 
enemy’s  left.  McClellan  claims  that  he,  early  in  the  morning 
of  the  seventeenth,  ordered  Burnside  to  hold  his  troops  in 
readiness  to  cross  the  bridge,  and  that  at  eight  o’clock  he  gave 
him  orders  to  cross  immediately.  These  orders  were  not  car- 
ried out,  and  hour  after  hour  passed. 

Lee,  highly  pleased  with  the  inactivity  of  General  Burn- 
side, withdrew  the  divisions  of  McLaws  and  Walker  from  his 
right,  and  pressed  them  to  his  left,  where  their  arrival  turned 
the  tide  of  battle  in  favor  of  the  Confederates.  At  one 
o’clock,  after  the  battle  had  ceased  upon  the  Federal  right, 
and  when  Lee  was  enabled  to  concentrate  his  forces  upon  his 


164 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


right,  Burnside’s  men  gallantly  assaulted  the  bridge,  and  car- 
ried the  heights  on  the  western  side  of  the  Antietam,  and 
held  it  for  nearly  two  hours.  Here  the  Confederate  troops, 
under  General  Jones,  fought  gallantly,  but  overpowered  by 
numbers,  were  thrown  back  in  the  direction  of  Sharpsburg, 
by  the  victorious  legions  of  the  Ninth  corps.  Just  at  this 
moment,  when  victory  seemed  once  more  about  to  perch 
upon  the  stars  and  stripes,  the  Confederate  division  of  A.  P. 
Hill,  which  had  made  a forced  march  from  Harper’s  Ferry, 
arrived  on  this  part  of  the  field. 

These  two  thousand  men,  uniting  with  those  of  General 
Jones,  assumed  the  offensive,  and  drove  Burnside  back  over 
the  ground  he  had  taken,  and  to  the  shelter  of  the  heights  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Antietam.  Had  Burnside’s  movement 
been  made  five  hours  earlier,  the  victorious  legions  of  A.  P. 
Hill  would  have  been  many  miles  away. 

Thus  ended  the  battle  of  Antietam. 

The  Union  loss  had  been  twelve  thousand  five  hundred 
men  killed  and  wounded,  the  Confederates  having  lost  about 
eight  thousand  men  from  the  same  cause. 

The  troops  on  both  sides  had  distinguished  themselves  by 
their  remarkable  bravery,  each  army  having  made  a record  of 
valor  upon  this  field  of  carnage,  of  which  the  country  will 
ever  feel  proud. 

General  McClellan  had  planned  well,  but  owing  to  his  own 
lack  of  energy,  and  the  incompetency  of  many  of  his  subor- 
dinates, gained  but  a barren  victory  as  the  fruits  of  the  terri- 
ble sacrifice  made  by  his  soldiery.  General  Lee  comprehend- 
ing his  desperate  situation,  planned  to  make  the  most  of  his 
resources,  and  by  the  skill  of  his  subordinate  officers,  suc- 
ceeded in  extricating  himself  from  his  position  of  utmost 
peril. 

The  North  was  jubilant,  and  thanked  God  for  what  they 
supposed  was  a great  victory ; the  South  also  rejoiced,  and 
returned  thanks  to  the  same  source  for  the  triumph  which 
they  supposed  they  had  gained  at  Antietam.  And  so  the 
curtain  drops  upon  the  most  bloody  battle  during  the  inva- 
sion of  Maryland. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


165 


ROSTER  A; 


COMMANDERS  IN  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC 
UNDER  MAJOR-GENERAL  GEORGE  B.  McCLELLAN 
ON  SEPTEMBER  14,  1862.1 

RIGHT  WING. 

Major-General  A.  E.  BURNSIDE. 


FIRST  ARMY  CORPS. 
Major-General  JOSEPH  HOOKER. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 


(1)  Brigadier-General  RITFUS  KING. 

(2)  Brigadier-General  JOHN  P.  HATCH. 

(3)  Brigadier-General  A.  DOUBLEDAY. 


First  Brigade. 

(D  Brig  -General  John  P.  Hatch. 
(2)  Colonel  Walter  Phelps  jr. 

Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  M.  R.  Patrick. 


Second  Brigade. 

(1)  Brig.-General  A.  Doubleday. 

(2)  Colonel  ffm.  P.  Wainwright. 

(3)  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  W.  Hofmann. 

Fourth  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  John  Gibbon. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  B.  RICKETTS. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  A.  Duryka.  Colonel  Wm.  H.  Christian.  Brig.-Gen.  Geo.  L.  Hartsuff. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier- General  GEORGE  G.  MEADE. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  T.  Seymour.  Colonel  A.  L Magilton.  (1)  Col.  Thos.  F.  Gallagher. 

(2)  Lieut.-Col.  Rob’t  Anderson. 


NINTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

(1)  Major-General  JESSE  L.  RENO. 

(2)  Brigadier-General  J.  D.  COS. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  O.  B.  WILCOX. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  B.  C.  Christ.  Colonel  Thomas  Welsh. 

1 As  shown  by  the  Records  of  the  Adjutant-General’s  Office.  Furnished  General  F.  W. 
Palfrey,  in  compliance  with  his  request  dated  July  4,  18S1. 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


x*66 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  S.  D.  STURGIS. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  James  Nagle.  Colonel  Edward  Ferrero. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ISAAC  P.  RODMAN. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  H.  S.  Fairchild.  Colonel  Edward  Harland. 


* CENTER. 

Major-General  E.  Y.  SUMNER. 


SECOND  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  E.  Y.  SUMNER. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ISRAEL  B.  RICHARDSON. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade. 

Brig.-General  Thomas  F.  Meagher.  Brig.-General  John  C.  Caldwell. 
Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  John  R.  Brooke. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Major-General  JOHN  SEDGWICK. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  W.  A.  Gorman.  Brig.-Gen.  O.  O.  Howard.  Brig.-Gen.  N.  J.  T.  Dana. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  W.  H.  FRENCH. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Nathan  Kimball.  Colonel  Dwight  Morris.  Brig.-Gen.  Max  Weber. 


TWELFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Brigadier-General  A.  S.  WILLIAMS. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  S.  W.  CRAWFORD. 

First  Brigade.  ' Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  J.  F.  Knipe.  Brig.-General  Geo.  H.  Gordon. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  S.  GREENE. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Lient.-Col.  Hector  Tyndale.  Col.  Henry  J.  Stainrook.  Colonel  Wm.  B.  Goodrich. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


167 


LEFT  WING. 

Major-General  WM.  B.  FRANKLIN. 

SIXTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  WM.  B.  FRANKLIN. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Major-General  H.  W.  SLOCUM. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  A.  T.  A.  Torbert.  Colonel  J.  J.  Bartlett.  Brig.-Gen.  John  Newton. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Major-General  WM.  F.  SMITH. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  W.  S.  Hancock.  Brig.-Gen.  W.  T.  H.  Brooks.  Colonel  W.  H.  Irwin. 

COUCH’S  DIVISION  (Fourth  Corps). 

Major-General  D.  N.  COUCH. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Chas.  Devens.  Brig.-Gen.  A.  F.  Howe.  Brig.-Gen.  John  Cochrane. 


FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  FITZ  JOHN  PORTER. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  MORELL. 

First  Brigade.  ’ Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  James  Barnes.  Brig.-Gen.  Chas.  Griffin.  Colonel  T.  B.  W.  Stockton. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  SYKES. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Lient.-Col.  R.  C.  Buchanan.  Lieut.-Col.  Wm.  Chapman.  Colonel  G.  K.  Warren. 


Adjutant-General’s  Office, 
Washington,  Sept.  5, 1881. 


C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General, 


168 


BLUE  AND  GRAZ 


ROSTER  B. 


ORGANIZATION1  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN 
VIRGINIA,  FROM  AUGUST  13  TO  NOVEMBER 
15,  1862,  FROM  REPORTS  OF  MILITARY  OPER- 
ATIONS DURING  THE  REBELLION,  1860-1865, 
WASHINGTON,  ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S  PRINT- 
ING OFFICE. 


CORPS,  OR  RIGHT  WING. 

DIVISION.  * 


LONGSTREET’S  (FIRST) 

McLAWS’ 

Barksdale's  Brigade. 

13th  Mississippi. 

17th 

18th  « 

21st  “ 

Semmes’  Brigade. 

10th  Georgia. 

53d 

15th  Virginia. 

32d 

Manly’s  Battery. 


Kershaw's  Brigade. 

2d  South  Carolina. 

3d  “ “ 

7th  “ “ 

8th  “ “ 

Cobb's  Brigade. 

Colonel  Sanders  Com’d’gat  Sharpsburg. 
Cobb’s  Georgia  Legion. 

16th  Georgia. 

24  th 

15th  North  Carolina. 

Bead’s  Battery. 


K.  H.  ANDERSON’S  DIVISION.* 

Commanded  by  General  WILLCOX.5 

Pryor's  Brigade.  Featherston’s  Brigade. 

14th  Alabama.  Gen.  Featherston  and  Col. 

3d  Virginia.  Posey  Commanding. 

5th  Florida.4  2d  Mississippi  Battalion. 

8th  “ 12th  Mississippi. 

16th  “ 

19th  « 

Armistead’s  Brigade.  Mahone's  Brigade. 

14th  Virginia.  Colonel  Parham  commanding 

3stli  “ at  Sharpsburg. 

53d  “ Cth  Virginia. 

57th  “ 12th  “ 

Dixie  Battery  (Chapman’s).  16th  “ 

41st  “ 

Made  up  from  reports,  casualty  sheets,  organization  table  of  July  23d,  and  return  of 
September  30th.  The  arrangement  of  divisions  accords  with  the  latter,  except  in  the  case 
of  D.  H.  Hill’s  division,  which  is  there  made  to  belong  to  Jackson’s  corps.  Between  these 
sources,  and  owing  to  changes  made  during  this  campaign,  there  are  some  discrepancies  and 
some  organizations  will  be  found  to  appear  twice,  and  an  absolutely  accurate  table  has  been 
impossible. 

2 These  two  divisions  were  under  McLaws’  command  in  Maryland  campaign. 

3 General  Willcox,  in  his  report,  states  that  his  division  was  composed  of  three  brigades 
(the  first  named),  but  the  casualty  sheet  makes  the  division  to  consist  of  six. 

4 Fifth  in  report  of  Pryor,  Second  in  Guild’s  report. 


I Villcox’s  Brigade. 
8th  Alabama. 

9th  “ 

10th  “ 

11th  « 


Wright’s  Brigade. 
3d  Georgia. 

22d 

48  th  “ 

44th  Alabama. 

44th  Georgia. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


169 


Anderson's  (G.  T.)  Brigade. 
Gen.  Evans  Commanding. 
1st  Georgia  Regulars. 
7th  “ 

8 th  “ 

9th  « 


JONES’  (D.  R.)  DmSION. 

Toombs’  Brigade d 
Gen.  Toombs,  Commanding. 
Col.  Penning,  Commanding 
in  Maryland. 

2d  Georgia. 

15th  “ 

17th  “ 

20th  “ 


Drayton’s  Brigaded 
15th  South  Carolina. 
50th1  2 “ “ 

51st  2 “ “ 


Kemper’s  Brigade .3 4 


Pickett's  (or  Garnett's)  Brigaded  Jenkin't  Brigaded 


Colonel  Corse  Commanding 
at  battles  of  Grovetown  and 
Manassas. 

1st  Virginia. 

7th  “ 

11th  “ 

17th  “ 

24th  “ 


8th  Virginia. 
ISth  “ 

19th  « 

28th  “ 

56th  « 


Colonel  Wai  xec  Com’d’g. 
1st  Soutji  Carolina. 

2d 

5th  “ “ 

6th  “ “ 

Palmetto  Sharpshooters. 


WALKER’S  DIVISION. 


Bansom’s  Brigade. 
24th  North  Carolina. 

25th  “ “ 

35th  “ “ 

49th  “ “ 

J.  R.  Branch's  Battery. 


Walker’s  Brigade.  Whiting's  Brigade. 

Colonel  Manning  Com'd’g.  (See  Hood’s  or  Whiting's  Di- 
30th  Virginia.  vision.) 

46th  North  Carolina. 

43th  “ “ 

27th  “ “ 

3d  Arkansas. 

French’s  Battery. 


PICKETT’S  DIVISION.5 * 


Kemper's  Brigaded 
1st  Virginia. 

7th 

11th  “ 

17th  “ 

24th  “ 


Pickett’s  (or  Garnett’s)  Brigaded 
8th  Virginia. 

18th  “ 

19th  “ 

28th  “ 

66th  “ 


HOOD'S  (OR  WHITING’S)  DIVISION. 
Infantry. 


Hood’s  Brigade. 
Colonel  Wofford  Com’d’g. 
18th  Georgia. 

1st  Texas. 

4th  “ 

5th  « 

Hampton  Legion. 


Whiting’s  (Law's)  Brigade. 
4th  Alabama. 

6th  North  Carolina. 

2d  Mississippi. 

11th  “ 


Evans'  Brigade.  7 
General  Evans  and  Colonel 
Stevens  Commanding. 

17th  South  Carolina. 

18th  “ “ 

22d  “ 

23d  “ “ 

Holcombe  Legion. 

Boyce  Battery,  Macbeth’s 
Artillery. 


Artillery. 


Reilly’s  Battery.8 
Garden’s8  “ 
B.,chman’s  8 “ 


Walton’s  Artillery  Battalion,  Washing- 
ton Artillery,  of  Louisiana. 

Lee's  Artillery  Battalion. 


1 In  Maryland  campaign  these  three  brigades  formed  a temporary  division  under  General 
Toombs. 

2 Called  Georgia  in  Guild’s  report. 

3 Attached  to  this  division  in  the  Maryland  campaign,  previous  to  which  it  was  in  Pick- 
ett’s division. 

4 Attached  to  this  division  in  the  Maryland  campaign;  belonged  to  Pickett's  division 
in  Northeastern  Virginia. 

5 Jenkin’s  brigade  was  in  this  division  in  Northeastern  Virginia. 

8 Belonged  to  D.  R.  Jones’  division  in  Maryland  campaign. 

7 Not  attached  to  any  division. 

8 In  battle  of  Sharpsburg. 


170 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


JACKSON’S  (SECOND)  CORPS. 

JACKSON’S  DIVISION. 

TALIAFERRO,  STARKE  and  J.  R.  JONES,  COMMANDING. 
Infantry. 


Winder’s  Brigade. 

Colonels  Baylor  and  Grigsby  Com’d’g. 
2d  Virginia. 

4 th 

5th  “ 

27  th  “ 

33d  “ 

Taliaferro' s Brigade. 

Cols.  Taliaferro  and  Warren  Com’d’g. 
23d  Virginia. 

47th  Alabama. 

48th 

37th  Virginia. 

10th 


J.  R.  Jones’  lor  Campbell's ) Brigade. 
Jones,  B.  T.  Johnson  and  Sheddon  Com’g. 
21st  Virginia. 

42d  “ 

48th  “ 

1st  Virginia  Battalion. 


Starke's  Brigade. 

Starke,  Stafford  and  Pendleton  Com’g. 
1st  Louisiana. 

2d 

9th  i “ 

10th  “ 

15th  “ 

Coppen’s  Louisiana  Battalion. 


Artillery. 

Major  L.  M.  Shumaker,  Commanding. 

Brockenbrough’s  Battery.  Carpenter’s  Battery. 

Wooding’s  Battery,  Danville  Artillery.  Caskie’s  “ 

Poague’s  Battery,' Rockbridge  “ Raine’s  “ 


EWELL’S  DIVISION. 


EWELL,  LAWTON  and  EARLY,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 


Lawton's  Brigade .5 

Lawton  and  Douglass,  Commanding. 
13th  Georgia. 

31st  “ 

60th  “ 

61st  « 


Hays'  Brigade. 

Gen.  Hays  and  Cols.  Forno  and  Strong, 
Commanding. 

6th  Louisiana. 

6th  “ 

7th  “ 

8th  “ 


Early's  Brigade. 

13th  Virginia. 

25  th 

31st  « 

44  th  “ 

49th  “ 

52d  “ 

58tli1 * 3  « 

Trimble's  Brigade. 

Trimble,  Walker  and  Brown,  Com’d’g. 
12th  Georgia. 

21st  “ 

15th  Alabama. 

20th  North  Carolina.* 

21st  “ “ 


Artillery. 

Major  Courtney,  Commanding. 

Brown’s  Battery.  Latimer's  Battery. 

Dement’s  Battery.  Balthis’  Battery  (Lieut.  Garber). 

D’Aquin’s  Battery. 


A.  P.  HILL’S  DIVISION. 


Infantry. 

Branch's  ( or  Lane's)  Brigade.  Field's  Brigade. 

37th  North  Carolina.  Col.  BROCKENBROUGH,Com'g. 
7th  “ “ 55th  Virginia. 

18th  “ “ 47th  “ 

28th  “ “ 2d  “ Battalion. 

33d  “ “ 40th  “ 


Archer’s  Brigade. 

1st  Tennessee. 

7 th  “ 

14th  « 

19th  Georgia. 

5th  Alabama  Battalion. 


1 October  5th  transferred  to  Hays’  Brigade. 

3 On  Guild’s  report,  Twenty-sixth  and  Thirty-eighth  Georgia  added. 

3 According  to  Guild’s  report. 

* See  also  Garland’s  Brigade,  D.  H.  Hill’s  Division. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


171 


9 

Gregg's  {or  Me Gowan’s)  Brig’e. 

Pender’s  Brigade. 

Thomas'  Brigade. 

1st  South  Carolina  Rifles 

16th  North  Carolina. 

14th  Georgia. 

(Orr’s). 

22d  “ “ 

19th1  “ 

1st  South  Carolina. 

34th  “ “ 

35  th  “ 

12th  “ “ 

38th  “ “ 

45th  “ 

13th  “ “ 

49th  “ 

14th  “ “ 

Artillery. 

Major  R.  L.  Walker  Commanding. 

Braxton’s  Battery.  McIntosh’s  Battery. 

Latham’s  “ Davidson’s  “ 

Crenshaw’s  “ Pegram’s  “ 


D.  H.  HILL’S  DIVISION. 


Infantry. 


Garland's  Brigade. 
Garland  and  McRae  Commanding. 
20th  North  Carolina.8 
3d*  « “ 

1st*  « “ 

5th  “ “ 


Anderson’s  ( G.  B.)  Brigade. 
2d  North  Carolina. 

4th  “ 

13th  “ « 

14th  “ “ 

23d  “ “ 

30th  « “ 


Bipley’s  Brigade .5 
4th  Georgia. 

6th  “ 

21st  “ 

44th  “ 


Colquitt's  Brigade. 
19th  Georgia. 

23d  “ 

27  th  “ 

28  th  “ 

13th  Alabama. 


Bodes’  Brigade. 
3d  Alabama. 

5th 

6th  “ 

12th  “ 

26th  “ 


Artillery. 

Jones’  Battery. 

Lane’s  “ 

King  William  Artillery. 


Bondurant’s  Battery. 
Hardaway’s  “ 

(Carter’s)  Cutts’  Battalion.® 


J.  E.  B.  STUART'S  CAVALRY  DIVISION. 


Bobertson's  Brigade. 

7th  Virginia  Cavalry. 

2d  “ “ 

6th  “ “ 

12th  « “ 

17th  “ “ Battalion.8 


Hampton's  Brigade. 

Jeff.  Davis  Legion  (10  Companies).1 
1st  North  Carolina  Cavalry. 

Cavalry  of  Cobb's  Legion  (9  companies).* 
2d  South  Carolina  Cavalry. 

Phillips’  Legion  (5  companies).’ 


Fitzliugh  Lee’s  Brigade. 

1st  Virginia  Cavalry. 

5th8 

3d  « “ 

4th  « “ 

Stuart  Horse  Artillery. 

White’s  Battalion  Virginia  Cavalry  (independent).10 


1 See  Guild’s  Report. 

2 Appears  to  have  been  independent  of  any  corps,  though  in  field  return  of  September 
30th  it  is  included  in  Jackson’s  corps. 

3 In  Guild’s  report  of  Manassas  the  Twentieth  North  Carolina  appears  in  Trimble’s 
brigade,  Ewell’s  division,  but  in  his  Maryland  campaign  it  appears  here. 

4 From  Ripley’s  report  it  would  appear  these  were  in  his  brigade. 

8 See  Garland’s  Brigade. 

6 Not  known  whether  Cutts’  battalion  embraced  any  of  the  above  batteries,  or  was 
separate  and  distinct  from  them. 

1 From  return  of  October  24, 1862. 

8 Called  Eleventh  Virginia  on  return  of  October  24,  1862,  and  attached  to  another  brigade 
with  Fifth,  Ninth,  White’s  Cavalry  and  Scott’s  Rangers. 

8 Return  of  October  24,  1862,  makes  Tenth  Virginia  in  place  of  this  Fifth  Regiment, 
which  is  assigned  to  another  brigade  with  Ninth,  Eleventh,  White’s  Battalion  and  Scott’s 
Rangers. 

10  Assigned  to  a brigade  on  return  of  October  24,  1862. 


172 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

REMINISCENCES.  ANECDOTES.  PERSONAL  INCI- 
DENTS. POEM. 

TRUE  TO  THE  FLAG. 

When  the  talk  of  war  first  fell  upon  the  ear  of  the 
people,  party  lines  were  very  closely  drawn,  even  father  and 
sons  taking  sides  against  each  other.  During  these  debates 
the  hottest  words  would  be  indulged  in,  and  often  bitter  ex- 
citement ensued. 

Such  an  instance  was  illustrated  in  a southern  family,  the 
father  and  brother  taking  sides  with  their  State,  while  a 
younger  scion,  a youth  of  twenty,  manfully  upheld  the  Con- 
stitution and  national  Union.  The  discussion  was  so  heated, 
that,  when  hostilities  began,  the  Union  boy  was  ordered  by 
his  father  to  leave  his  home,  and  sneeringly  advised  to  join 
the  enemy. 

“Father,’’  exclaimed  the  youth,  “your  order  to  leave  your 
house  shall  be  obeyed,  and  your  suggestion  followed.  As 
much  as  I love  my  home  and  the  honor  of  my  State,  I love 
the  Union  better  than  all,  and  will  exert  every  energy  in  my 
power  to  maintain  the  Constitution  of  our  fathers,  which  you 
have  trained  me,  from  my  infancy,  to  reverence  and  respect.” 

The  next  morning  found  this  young  man  en  route  to 
Washington.  His  father  and  brothers  became  members  of 
the  Confederate  army  while  he  wore  the  uniform  of  the 
Union. 

Unflinchingly  did  this  son  of  Virginia  battle  for  the  na- 
tional flag,  while  as  bravely  the  other  members  of  his  family 
endeavored  to  pull  it  down. 

Campaign  after  campaign  brought  the  struggle  nearer  its 
end.  This  divided  family  had  never  met,  or  heard  from  each 
other,  until  the  siege  of  Petersburg  began. 


THE  SOLDIER’S  APPEAL. 


173 


One  night,  near  the  military  road,  a large  number  of  Con- 
federates were  captured  by  the  Federals  on  that  part  of  the 
line,  among  them  Colonel  D.  of  Virginia. 

The  morning  after  their  capture,  as  the  line  of  prisoners 
was  passing  along  the  rear  of  the  Union  line,  en  route  to 
City  Point,  a Union  officer,  near  whose  quarters  they  were 
marching,  suddenly  sprang  in  the  midst  of  the  prisoners,  and 
seized  the  hand  of  Colonel  D.,  in  whom  he  recognized  his 
father.  The  surprise  of  his  brother  officers  was  very  great, 
until  the  young  man  explained  the  situation  to  his  com- 
panions. 

The  Confederate  colonel,  although  haughty  and  self-willed, 
had  the  feeling  of  a father,  and  in  his  heart  admired  the 
brave  stand  his  son  had  taken  years  before.  The  recognition 
was  mutual,  and,  by  especial  permission,  his  father  was  pa- 
roled, and  allowed  to  return  to  his  home. 

Upon  inquiry,  it  was  found  that  his  older  brother  had 
fallen  early  in  the  conflict,  and  that  his  father  had  long  since 
seen  the  hopelessness  of  the  cause  in  which  he  was  engaged. 

When  the  war  ended,  this  father  and  son  were  reunited  at 
their  peaceful  home,  and  both  were  contented  over  the  tri- 
umph of  the  Union. 

To-day  there  is  not  a more  respectable  man  in  his  state 
than  this  ex-Federal  soldier,  nor  an  old  Confederate,  who  is 
more  tenderly  cared  for  by  his  son,  than  is  Colonel  D. 

THE  SOLDIER’S  APPEAL. 

The  penalty  of  desertion  is  death,  and  while  this  extreme 
penalty  is  necessary,  that  the  safety  of  the  army  may  be  as- 
sured, there  are  instances  where  good  judgment  has  heeded 
the  dictates  of  extenuating  circumstances,  and  acted  with 
leniency  toward  the  culprit. 

No  true  soldier,  however,  has  either  confidence  in,  or  re- 
spect for,  a man  who  deserts  from  his  line,  and  voluntarily 
enters  into  the  service  of  the  common  foe.  Distrust  and 
contempt  ever  fill  the  breast  of  those  to  whom  a deserter  ap- 
plies for  permission  to  engage  in  their  service,  against  his 


174 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


former  friends,  and  no  place  of  any  importance  is  ever  as- 
signed to  any  such. 

As  evidence  of  this,  note  the  case  of  General  Arnold,  of 
revolutionary  fame,  who,  although  paid  the  price  of  his  in- 
famy by  the  British,  was  ever  held  in  contempt  by  the  officers 
of  that  Government,  and  finally  died  unwept,  and  clothed 
with  the  infamous  scorn  of  both  friend  and  foe. 

A soldier  who  had  proven  his  loyalty  upon  the  hard-fought 
battlefields  of  three  campaigns,  and  who  bore  upon  his 
breast  the  scars  of  honorable  wounds,  made  application  to 
visit  his  wife,  whom  he  had  not  seen  for  two  long  years,  and 
who  was  at  that  time  dying  of  consumption.  A letter  from 
his  home  had  brought  the  sad  tidings  that  she  could  not  hold 
out  much  longer,  and  that  she  had  expressed  a wish  to  see 
him  once  more  before  she  died.  Upon  this  statement  he 
hoped  to  get  a leave  of  absence,  but,  although  his  application 
was  indorsed  by  all  of  his  regimental  officers,  it  failed  at 
headquarters,  and  he  was  refused  the  permit.  His  loyal  soul, 
although  true  to  his  country,  was  truer  still  to  the  woman 
whom  he  had  sworn  to  cherish  before  the  altar  of  heaven, 
and  he,  revolting  at  this  disappointment,  clandestinely  left 
the  camp. 

In  due  time  he  arrived  at  his  home,  just  in  time  to  see  his 
wife  die,  and  after  burying  her,  he  again  started  back  to  the 
army.  In  the  meantime  he  was  reported  absent,  without 
leave,  and  pronounced  a deserter. 

Upon  reaching  his  camp  he  was  promptly  arrested,  and 
court-martialed.  That  tribunal  heard  the  charges  against 
him,  and  heard  their  prisoner’s  plea  of  guilty  distinctly 
pronounced  by  himself,  and  asked  what  he  had  to  say  in  ex- 
tenuation of  the  act. 

“ I would  say  that  for  three  long  years  I have  served  my 
country  with  a loyal  soldier’s  devotion,  although  I never 
swore  to  do  it.  At  the  altar  I pledged  my  honor  to  my  wife, 
to  cherish  her  until  death.  When  death  summoned  her,  I 
asked  leave  to  be  permitted  to  see  her  die,  and  it  was  refused 
me,  and  in  obedience  to  my  oath  I went  to  her  bedside. 


TRUE  AS  STEEL. 


175 


When  all  was  over  I laid  her  away,  and  came  immediately 
back  to  my  post.  My  duty  to  my  country  is  secondary  to 
my  duty  to  my  God.  Find  me  guilty,  and  punish  me  with 
death.” 

That  court  never  agreed  upon  a verdict,  and  Edmund 
Scott  continued  loyal  to  the  cause,  and  witnessed  the  down- 
fall of  the  Confederacy  at  Appomattox. 

TRUE  AS  STEEL. 

Both  in  civil  and  military  life  prejudice  ofttimes  causes 
much  embarrassment,  engendering  feelings  of  dislike  akin  to 
hate,  which  only  some  superior  circumstance  could  counteract. 
It  was  perfectly  natural  for  the  people  of  the  South  to  look 
with  distrust  upon  any  who,  though  citizens  by  adoption,  were 
northern  born.  How  often  distrust  would  arise,  from  no  other 
source,  the  following  incident  will  show,  as  also  the  awkward 
position  which  those  who  harbor  such  feelings  are  called  upon 
to  fill. 

A native  of  Connecticut  became  a citizen  of  Virginia  about 
two  years  prior  to  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  was  a 
young  machinist  of  talent  and  energy,  and  soon  won  the  con- 
fidence and  esteem  of  those  by  whom  he  was  employed.  In 
course  of  time  he  married  into  one  of  the  first  families  of  the 
section  in  which  he  resided. 

When  the  call  for  volunteer  troops  was  made  this  gentleman 
was  among  the  first  to  respond,  and  enlisted  in  a company 
then  being  raised  in  the  vicinity  of  his  home.  The  branch 
of  service  to  which  it  was  assigned  being  the  artillery,  he 
was  chosen  to  fill  a non-commissioned  officer’s  post.  When 
it  became  generally  known  by  the  men  of  his  command  that 
he  was  northern  born,  many  were  the  objections  raised  against 
serving  under  him,  or  even  obeying  his  orders.  Finding  his 
presence  as  an  officer  objectionable  to  the  men,  he  tendered 
his  resignation,  and  asked  permission  to  serve  in  the  ranks. 

Being  a man  of  good  judgment  he  bore  the  suspicions  of 
his  comrades  in  silence,  never  showing  by  his  manner  that  he 
felt  deeply  the  wrong  they  were  doing  him.  The  first  oppor- 


176 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


tunity  which  presented  itself  to  crush  this  spirit  of  injustice 
arrived  at  Seven  Pines,  where  he  convinced  all  by  his  deeds 
of  daring  that  he  was  far  more  worthy  of  their  confidence 
than  many  of  them  were  worthy  of  his  respect. 

When  every  man  in  his  gun  detachment  had  been  killed  or 
wounded,  save  one  other  and  himself,  he  so  successfully  hand- 
led it  as  to  check  the  enemy  until  relief  came  up,  and  his 
gun  was  borne  from  the  field  while  every  other  piece  of  the 
battery  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Federal  troops.  This  act  of 
gallantry  was  witnessed  by  a prominent  general  officer  who 
had  known  of  the  suspicions  resting  upon  the  sincerity  of  this 
soldier,  and  when  the  battle  was  over  this  private  was  pro- 
moted for  special  gallantry,  and  when  he  again  faced  the 
enemy  he  was  in  command  of  a six-gun  battery. 

Ever  after  this  event  the  men  of  this  command  who  had 
been  his  greatest  enemies,  became  his  warmest  friends,  and 
when  his  life-blood  was  spilt  in  defence  of  his  adopted  state, 
at  Chancellorsville,  there  were  expressions  of  deepest  sympa- 
thy manifested  over  the  fall  of  this  brave  and  daring  soldier 
whose  loss  was  so  keenly  felt. 

J.  E.  B.  STUART. 

Few  cavalry  commanders  enjoyed  to  a greater  degree  the 
confidence  of  their  troops  than  did  General  Stuart  of  Con- 
federate fame.  It  has  been  often  remarked  that  he  was  vain, 
with  no  desire,  however,  to  detract  from  this  gallant  officer. 
Perhaps  he  was  slightly  inclined  to  vanity ; and  what  mor- 
tal would  not  exhibit  similar  weakness,  who  possessed  such 
natural  endowments  as  he  did? 

A remarkably  handsome  head  and  face,  set  upon  a finely 
molded  form,  the  carriage  of  which  was  erect  and  command- 
ing, added  great  weight  to  his  appearance  as  a man. 

With  this  was  combined  the  popularity  and  exalted  posi- 
tion which  he  deservedly  held.  It  is  not  for  us  to  speak  of 
the  man  from  any  but  a military  standpoint.  If  his  arm 
was  raised  in  a mistaken  cause,  an  honesty  of  purpose 
prompted  the  act,  and  to  this  should  be  given  due  credit. 


BEFORE  BREAKFAST. 


177 


No  man  ever  led  an  arm}-  of  horsemen  with  greater  skill  or 
better  success  than  he,  nor  did  any  command  troops  who  ex- 
hibited more  confidence  in  a general. 

Recklessly  daring,  and  careless  of  his  own  personal  danger, 
he  would  dash  into  the  thickest  of  a fight,  seemingly  deter- 
mined to  set  an  example  worthy  of  a great  soldier. 

Upon  the  field  of  Yellow  Tavern,  where  this  highly  prized 
soldier  lost  his  life,  he  rode  into  the  jaws  of  death  almost 
single-handed,  and  faced  the  foe  unflinchingly. 

One  more  link  was  gone  when  Stuart  fell,  and  one  more 
nail  was  driven  into  the  coffin  of  the  fast-dying  Confederacy. 

His  place  was  filled  by  Wade  Hampton,  who  led  well  the 
southern  cavalry,  but  General  Hampton  was  not  General 
Stuart,  nor  was  there  another  leader  in  the  south  who  could 
have  filled  his  place  with  equal  success. 

COLONEL  DALGHREN. 

The  people  of  the  North,  or  at  least  many  of  them,  were 
led  to  believe  from  reports  which  had  no  foundation  in  fact, 
that  the  death  of  Colonel  Dalghren,  one  of  General  Kilpat- 
rick’s celebrated  raiders  in  the  spring  of  1804,  was  purely  an 
act  of  revengeful  murder  on  the  part  of  those  at  whose  hands 
he  lost  his  life.  This  is  a report  which  has  been  so  greatly 
exaggerated  that  it  has  not  a semblance  of  truth  left  about  it. 

The  actual  facts  touching  the  death  of  this  officer  can  be 
told  in  one  word, — foolhardiness.  When  he  was  ordered  to 
surrender  by  an  overwhelming  force,  he  persistently  refused 
to  do  so,  and  in  the  effort  to  capture  him  he  was  slain. 
The  time  for  truth  has  arrived,  and  as  only  true  reports,  how- 
ever melancholy,  should  be  entertained,  the  mind  of  the  peo- 
ple ought  to  be  disabused  respecting  this  and  all  other 
prejudicial  rumors. 


BEFORE  BREAKFAST. 

During  the  fall  of  1864  the  Confederates  surprised  the  com- 
mand of  General  Kautz  at  a place  called  Darbytown,  below 
Richmond,  capturing  many  of  his  command,  and  driving  many 
12 


178 


BLUE  AKD  GRAY. 


more  into  the  White  Oak  Swamp.  Preparatory  to  this  sur- 
prise they  captured  the  Federal  pickets,  and  placed  their  own 
men  in  their  stead  before  dawn,  and  awaited  the  coming  of 
the  Union  relief.  This  came  about  daylight  and  was  imme- 
diately gobbled  up.  Then  the  whole  line  moved  forward  upon 
the  camp. 

The  sun  had  not  yet  risen,  and  it  was  quite  dark,  as  the 
advance  line  of  the  Confederates  was  hailed  by  the  Union  in- 
side picket,  with,  “ What  command  is  that  ? ” “ The  — Vir- 

ginia,” replied  the  colonel,  who  was  leading  the  column. 
“Halt!”  shouted  the  sentinel.  This  defiant  order  from  a 
single  man  to  the  advanced  regiment  of  a division  of  thou- 
sands of  men  was  indeed  wonderful. 

The  command  not  being  obeyed  the  brave  trooper  raised 
his  rifle  and  would  have  fired  had  not  the  weapon  been  knocked 
from  his  hands,  and  lie  sent  to  the  rear  as  a prisoner. 

When  the  Confederates  got  into  the  Federal  camp  many  of 
the  men  had  not  yet  risen,  and  the  scene  which  followed  was 
truly  ludicrous.  Such  scrambling  in  endeavoring  to  escape 
from  their  tents,  was  truly  laughable.  Some  had  on  their 
trowsers  and  some  didn’t.  Being  a complete  surprise,  many 
did  not  awake  until  called  from  their  beds  by  the  soldiers. 

The  sutler’s  tent  was  soon  found,  and  the  cavalrymen  made 
short  work  of  whatever  it  contained. 

General  Kautz  escaped,  but  his  headquarters  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  cavalry,  as  also  his  private  baggage.  Many  of 
his  troopers  spoke  only  the  German  language,  and  therefore 
could  not  understand  the  full  meaning  of  the  men  when  or- 
dered to  surrender,  and  this  called  forth  many  a hearty  laugh 
.at  their  expense. 

YOUTHFUL  PATRIOTS. 

The  year  1864  brought  with  it  the  severest  hours  the  Con- 
federacy had  ever  experienced,  and  in  consequence  of  this 
necessity,  every  one  able  to  bear  arms  was  appealed  to,  to  en- 
list in  the  army,  without  regard  to  age  or  condition. 

Two  young  brothers,  aged  respectively  fifteen  and  sixteen, 


PEIYATE  SHIELD. 


179 


stirred  by  this  appeal,  left  their  far  southern  home,  and  en- 
tered the  army.  Arriving  at  Richmond,  they  were  assigned 
to  a light  battery  of  artillery,  and  soon  shared  the  fortunes  of 
their  command. 

When  fihe  Union  army  made  its  appearance  in  front  of  Pe- 
tersburg, the  command  to  which  they  were  attached  was 
among  the  first  to  engage  the  enemy. 

These  boys  had  been  soldiers  about  three  weeks ; they  had 
left  behind  them  a good  home  and  kind  parents,  who,  until 
they  were  regularly  mustered  into  the  service,  did  not  know 
their  whereabouts.  In  less  than  an  hour,  after  the  battery 
became  engaged  in  the  fight,  they  both  fell,  mortally 
wounded  by  the  relentless  explosion  of  a shell,  and  their 
mangled  and  torn  bodies  were  sent  back  to  their  distant 
home  in  one  coffin. 

PEIYATE  SHIELD. 

Not  all  the  bravery  nor  wit  displayed  in  the  army  emanated 
from  those  who  held  commissions.  There  were  men  in  the 
ranks  of  both  armies  who  were  capable  to  command,  either  in 
the  field  or  the  senate  chamber,  men  whose  courage  and  abil- 
ity were  equal  to  any,  and  yet,  from  the  position  which  they 
occupied,  were  never  known  outside  of  their  immediate  circle 
of  friends.  Thousands  fell  in  that  cruel  and  unhallowed 
fratricidal  strife,  who  might  have  honored  any  position  in  the 
power  of  their  country  to  bestow,  and  yet  these  men  were 
only  private  soldiers.  They  have  passed  away;  their  indi- 
vidual achievements  are  unrecorded,  and  their  names  unsung 
by  the  muse  of  history,  but  their  memory  will  live  on  in  the 
hallowed  gratitude  of  their  country,  while  deeply  will  be 
cherished  their  undying  heroism  by  their  surviving  comrades. 

In  a battery  of  Virginia  Light  Artillery  there  was  a soldier 
of  the  class  referred  to,  one  whose  splendid  abilities,  mental 
qualifications  and  high  social  standing  eminently  entitled  him 
to  fill  any  position  attainable  by  the  most  worthy,  and  yet 
this  gentleman  was  only  a private  soldier,  who  cheerfully 
obeyed  the  orders  of  those  in  authority  over  him  without  a 


180 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


murmur,  though  none  of  them  were  his  equals  in  social  rank 
or  mental  culture.  Poor  Shield  is  dead  now,  but  one  who 
knew  him  well  and  loved  him  better,  lives  on  to  honor  his 
goodly  name  and  gallant  memory.  Though  full  of  fun,  his 
brilliant  mind  could  be  read  in  his  countenance ; generous  to 
a fault,  he  was  ever  ready  to  sacrifice  his  own  convenience  to 
relieve  a friend , and  last,  but  not  least,  the  soul  of  honor ; 
he  was  as  brave  and  true  as  he  was  generous  and  bright. 

One  night  after  a tedious  march  his  command  halted,  and 
the  men  occupied  the  old  abandoned  quarters  of  Longstreet’s 
corps,  which  had  been  vacated  only  a few  days  before.  On 
Bpreading  his  blanket  in  one  of  the  bunks  in  the  hut  which  he 
occupied,  all  who  were  near  him  will  ever  remember  the  hearty 
laugh  which  he  drew  from  his  weary  and  jaded  comrades,  by 
(solemnly  folding  his  arms,  as  he  was  about  to  lie  down,  and 
most  reverently  lifting  his  eyes  in  the  attitude  of  prayer, 
recited  the  following  parody  : 

“ Now  I lay  me  down  to  sleep, 

While  ‘ gray-backs  ’ o’er  my  body  creep; 

If  I should  die  before  I wake, 

I pray  the  Lord  their  jaws  to  break.” 

A schoolmarm’s  TRICK. 

During  the  afternoon  of  the  first  day’s  fight  at  Gettysburg, 
the  Union  forces  having  been  driven  back  in  disorder  by  the 
Confederates,  the  latter’s  line  was  so  far  advanced  as  to  in- 
clude a school-house  which  had  been  previously  in  the  Federal 
lines.  In  the  basement  of  this  house,  at  the  time,  was  a pre- 
ceptress, her  father,  and  several  Union  officers,  among  whom 
was  Colonel  Wheelock  of  the  Ninety-seventh  New  York  in- 
fantry. These  were  all  made  prisoners  by  the  advancing 
Confederates. 

A Confederate  colonel  noticing  that  Colonel  Wheelock  still 
retained  his  sword,  demanded  it  of  him.  He  positively  refused 
to  give  it  up,  remarking  at  the  time,  that  “ no  rebel  shall  ever 
have  it.”  It  had  been  presented  to  him.  “Then,”  said  the 
rebel  officer,  “I  will  shoot  you.” 


ROUGH,  BUT  EXPRESSIVE. 


181 


The  lady  to  whom  reference  has  been  made,  now  attempted 
to  reason  with  her  countryman,  advising  him  to  do  as  the 
Confederate  demanded,  adding  that  his  refusal  would  cause 
him  to  lose  his  life,  and  his  country  a valuable  soldier.  This 
suggestion  was  seconded  by  her  father.  The  colonel  was  ob- 
stinate, however,  and  declined  to  give  up  this  precious  arm. 

Just  then  the  attention  of  his  captor  was  diverted  and  the 
lady  seized  the  sword  and,  concealing  it  in  the  folds  of  her 
dress,  disappeared.  When  the  rebel  again  turned  to  the  Fed- 
eral he  was  told  that  one  of  his  men  had  taken  the  sword. 

A few  days  after  this  event  transpired,  Colonel  Wheelock 

escaped  from  capture  and  sought  Miss , who  had  safely 

concealed  his  sword,  and,  upon  having  it  restored  to  him,  kept 
it  raised  against  the  South  to  within  three  weeks  of  the  time  of 
his  expiration  of  service,  when  he  died.  Thus  the  sword  was 
never  captured,  which  he  had  preserved  at  the  imminent  peril 
of  his  life,  the  taking  of  which,  by  the  Confederate  officer, 
would  have  been  perfectly  justifiable  at  the  time  he  refused  to 
surrender  it. 


ROUGH,  BUT  EXPRESSIVE. 

Jack  Williams  was  a brave  sergeant  belonging  to  one  of 
the  regiments  composing  a part  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
His  regiment  had  joined  the  arm}r  undrilled  and  undis- 
ciplined, just  as  the  terrible  campaign  of  1864  began.  Be- 
fore it  reached  Spottsylvania,  his  commanding  officers  were 
killed,  and  Jack  commanded  his  company.  He  displayed 
such  bravery  during  the  campaign,  that  when  the  army  was 
before  Petersburg  he  was  recommended  for  a captaincy  in 
the  regular  army,  and  was  ordered  before  an  examining  board 
of  regular  officers  at  Washington. 

He  put  in  an  appearance,  dressed  in  a soiled  and  torn  uni- 
form ; his  face  and  hands  were  bronzed,  and  his  beard  uncut. 
The  trim,  dapper  officers  composing  the  board,  were  shocked 
at  the  unsoldierly  appearance  of  our  hero,  but  decided  to 
proceed  with  the  examination.  They  had  never  seen  a bat- 
talion in  the  field,  but  knew  much  about  the  theory  of  war. 


182 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


They  asked  Jack  all  sorts  of  questions  about  engineering, 
mathematics,  philosophy  and  ordnance,  of  harbor  warfare,  of 
field  campaigns,  etc. 

Not  a single  one  of  these  questions  could  he  answer. 

“ What  is  an  echelon  ? ” one  asked.  “ Don’t  know,”  was 
the  reply. 

“ What  is  an  abatis  ? ” “ Never  saw  one.” 

“A  redan?”  “You  fellows  have  got  me  again,”  was  the 
response. 

“Well,  what  is  a hollow  square,  sir?”  “Never  heard  of 
one  before ; guess  they  don’t  have  them  down  at  the  front, 
do  they?”  replied  Jack.  A lisping  young  fellow  in  white 
gloves,  and  wearing  eye-glasses,  now  inquired,  “ What  would 
you  do  if  you  were  in  command  of  a company,  and  cavalry 
should  charge  on  you?”  “Do,  you  fool?”  thundered  Jack. 
“ I would  give  them  hell,  that’s  what  I should  do.” 

The  examination  ended  here,  and  the  papers  containing 
the  adverse  report  of  the  committee  were  sent  to  President 
Lincoln  for  his  approval.  He  looked  the  report  over  with  in- 
terest, and  when  he  came  to  the  only  answer  Jack  had  given, 
evidently  concluded  that  he  was  just  the  kind  of  a man 
needed  in  the  service,  for,  with  a look  of  great  good  nature, 
he  seized  his  pen,  and  wrote,  “ Give  this  man  a captain’s 
commission.” 


A BEAUTIFUL  INCIDENT. 

A very  touching  incident  occurred  in  the  Wilderness,  after 
the  great  battle  was  fought  there,  in  1864,  down  upon  the 
left,  where  Hancock  had  been  engaged,  near  the  plank  road. 

At  a point  in  the  dense,  dark  forest,  where  the  battle  had 
raged  the  most 'fiercely,  a burial  party  found  a wounded  Fed- 
eral soldier,  surrounded  by  the  Confederate  dead.  He  was 
only  a smooth,  thin  faced  lad,  but  nevertheless  a brave  soldier. 

He  had  been  wounded  severely  the  previous  day,  and  while 
lying  upon  the  ground,  surrounded  by  the  evidences  of  the 
bloody  strife,  saw  some  beautiful  violets,  which  had  not  been 
trampled  by  the  feet  of  the  combatants,  and  with  a childish 


PAT’S  WIT. 


183 


love  for  the  beautiful,  though  faint  from  loss  of  blood,  not 
able  to  stand,  he  had  crawled  upon  the  ground,  and  gathered 
a beautiful  bouquet  of  flowers. 

He  was  borne  tenderly  away  upon  a stretcher  ; death  soon 
came  to  his  relief,  and  the  flowers  were  taken  from  his  lifeless 
hand  and  placed  upon  his  rude  grave. 

DE  BONE  don’t  FIGHT. 

The  following  dialogue  took  place  at  a hotel,  between  a 
guest  and  waiter,  at  one  time  during  the  war : — 

Guest.  “ Well,  Jim,  I suppose  you  intend  to  join  a colored 
regiment  and  become  a soldier  ? ” 

Jem.  “ Me,  massa  ? O no,  me  nebber  tink  of  it  at  all.” 

Guest.  “Never  thought  of  it?  Why  I supposed  that  all 
you  fellows  would  be  glad  to  enlist  and  fight  during  the  war. 
Why  don't  you  enlist  ? ” 

Jem.  “Well,  massa,  I tell  you  why.  Did  you  ebber  see 
two  dogs  fighting  ober  a bone  ? ” 

Guest.  “ Yes,  of  course,  but  what  has  that  to  do  with  this 
matter  ? ” 

Jem.  “ Don’t  you  see,  massa,  de  bone  nebber  fight ; de 
bone  take  no  part  in  the  scuffle.  De  Norf  and  Souf  are  de 
two  dogs  tighten  ober  de  bone,  and  we  niggers  am  de  bone. 
We  don’t  propose  to  take  no  part  in  the  scuffle  what  ebber, 
sah.” 

pat’s  wit. 

A flag  was  being  presented  to  the  Fifteenth  Indiana  regi- 
ment by  the  young  ladies  of  the  city  in  which  the  regiment 
had  been  mustered. 

The  presentation  speech  had  been  made,  and  the  command- 
ing officer  was  making  his  reply  ; he  was  very  flowery  in  his 
remarks  and  was  endeavoring  very  hard  to  be  eloquent. 

Having  reached  the  supreme  moment  of  his  endeavor,  a 
moment  when  a speaker  does  not,  to  say  the  least,  desire  to  be 
interrupted,  and  while  holding  the  beautiful  banner  before 
the  vast  multitude  of  people,  he  uttered  these  words  : “ Tell 


184 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  young  ladies,  that  when  the  war  is  over,  their  then  sancti- 
fied gift  shall  be  returned  to  them,  unless  torn  to  shreds  by 
the  bullets  of  the  enemy.” 

An  Irish  private  in  the  ranks,  shouted,  “ An  thin  we’ll 
bring  them  back  the  old  pole.”  This  transition  fLom  the  sub- 
lime to  the  ridiculous,  was  so  sudden  that  the  people  roared 
with  laughter,  and  the  speech  was  ended. 

GREAT  UNION  CONVENTION. 

Bishop  E.  R.  Ames,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  was 
once  preaching  at  a camp-meeting  to  an  audience  of  many 
thousands  of  people.  It  Avas  at  one  of  the  darkest  periods  of 
the  Avar,  when  the  friends  of  the  Union  Avere  holding  conven- 
tions in  many  sections  of  the  country,  to  arouse  and  maintain 
a spirit  of  loyalty. 

The  eloquent  bishop,  in  a manner  peculiar  to  himself, 
alluded  to  these  conventions,  and  the  great  results  arising 
from  them,  remarking  that  there  had  been  held  one  Uni-on 
convention  Avhicli  had  not  been  reported  by  telegraph,  “ held 
amid  the  fastnesses  of  the  everlasting  hills , the  Rocky  Mount- 
ains presided ; the  mighty  Mississippi  made  the  motion ; the 
Alleghany  mountains  seconded  it,  and  every  mountain,  hill, 
river,  and  valley  in  this  vast  country  sent  up  a unanimous 
voice : 

“ Resolved,  That  we  are  one  and  inseparable;  and  what  God  has  joined 
together,  let  no  man  put  asunder.” 

The  great  audience  rose  to  their  feet  and  involuntarily 
gave  three  cheers  for  the  Union. 

COURTESY. 

Many  pleasing  incidents  often  occurred  between  the  officers 
of  the  contending  armies,  Avho  had  formerly  been  intimate 
friends  at  West  Point,  and  afterward  in  the  regular  army. 

The  following  spicy  correspondence  passed  between  General 
Charles  Griffin,  afterward  the  gallant  commander  of  the  Fifth 
corps,  and  the  famous  Confederate  chieftain,  General  J.  E.  B. 


NEVER  MIND  THE  PICTURES.  185 

Stuart.  They  had  been  great  chums  at  West  Point,  at  which 
place  Stuart  had  been  named  “ Beauty.” 

Soon  after  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Stuart,  with  a small 
force  of  Confederates,  advanced  on  Lewinsville  and  drove 
back  a Federal  force,  a part  of  which  was  Griffin's  battery. 
The  latter  left  the  following  note  with  a citizen  for  General 
Stuart. 


Dear  Beauty: — I have  called  to  see  you,  and  regret  very  much  that 
you  were  not  in.  Can’t  you  dine  with  me  at  Willard’s  to-morrow?  Keep 
your  “black  horse”  off  me! 

From  your  old  friend , 

Griffin. 

To  which  Stuart  immediately  replied,  as  follows,  sending 
the  reply  to  Griffin  : 


Dear  Griffin: — I heard  that  you  called,  and  hastened  to  see  you,  but 
as  soon  as  you  saw  me  coming  you  were  guilty  of  the  discourtesy  of  turn-, 
ing  your  back  upon  me.  However,  you  probably  hurried  on  to  Washing- 
ton to  get  the  dinner  ready.  I hope  to  dine  at  Willard’s,  if  not  to-morrow, 
certainly  before  long. 


Yours  to  count  on, 


Beauty. 


NEVER  MIND  THE  PICTURES. 

Captain  C.  R.  Mason,  a railroad  contractor  of  Virginia, 
was  attached  to  the  staff  of  Stonewall  Jackson,  as  chief  of 
pioneers. 

During  the  seven  days’  battle  on  the  peninsula,  Jackson 
was  obliged  to  rebuild  the  Grapevine  bridge  across  the  Chick- 
ahominy. 

Time  was  precious,  and  Jackson  was  in  a great  hurry.  He 
sent  for  Captain  Mason,  and  explained  to  him  what  he 
wanted,  and  ordered  him  to  be  ready  to  rebuild  the  bridge 
as  soon  as  the  engineers  could  prepare  the  plans  and  spec- 
ifications. 

The  veteran  bridge  builder  immediately  replied,  “Never 
mind  the  pictures,  General ; if  you  will  just  send  me  men 
enough,  who  will  wade  in  the  water,  and  tote  poles,  I will 
have  the  bridge  ready  by  the  time  the  engineers  can  prepare 
the  pictures.” 


186 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


The  men  were  detailed,  and  the  bridge  was  speedily  con- 
structed. 


HEROISM. 

While  the  terrible  battle  of  Chancellorsville  was  raging, 
Major  McClellan,  of  the  Confederate  army,  met  a lad  coming 
back  from  the  front,  whose  arm  was  dangling  from  some 
shreds  of  llesh  at  the  elbow,  and  was  accosted  by  him  with 
“ Mister,  can’t  you  cut  this  thing  off,  it  keeps  knocking 
against  the  trees,  and  it  is  mightily  in  my  way.” 

The  gallant  officer  dismounted  from  his  horse,  and  did  as 
the  young  man  desired.  While  fastening  a strip  of  blouse 
around  the  stump  of  the  arm,  to  prevent  it  from  bleeding,  he 
inquired,  “Which  is  your  regiment?” 

“I  belong  to  that  North  Carolina  regiment  in  there,”  re- 
sponded the  lad.  “I  am  just  sixteen,  and  have  just  come 
from  home.  Don’t  you  think  it  is  a hard  case  that  I should 
get  hit  in  my  first  fight?  We  drove  them  out  of  one  line  of 
breastworks,  and  I was  on  top  of  the  second,  when  I got  hit. 
But  0,  how  we  did  make  them  git ! ” 

“unknown”  dead. 

BY  L.  D.  M. 

Where  the  James  is  rippling  gently, 

Wandering  o’er  its  rocky  bed, 

Many  years  ago  they  laid  him, 

“Much  Beloved,”  yet  “unknown”  dead. 

Flowers  strewn  by  kindly  fingers 
O’er  his  couch  their  fragrance  shed, 

Whilst  the  low  winds,  murmuring  softly, 

Sigh  their  requiems  o’er  his  head. 

What  bright  hopes  may  here  be  buried, 

Who  the  slain,  no  one  can  say, 

Yet  we  know  “somebody’s”  darling 
Sleeps  beside  the  James  to-day. 

On  his  grave  the  sunlight  lingers, 

And  the  silvery  moonbeams  fall, 

Here  he  sleeps,  far,  far  from  kindred, 

Sleeps  until  the  last  great  call. 


“UNKNOWN”  DEAD. 


187 


Loving  hearts  mayhaps  have  waited 
For  this  “ unknown  ” one  to  come, 
Long,  perhaps,  yes  long,  long  after 
He  had  found  his  narrow  home. 

Now  when  hope  has  died  in  anguish, 
Aching  hearts  this  blessing  cravei, 

That  love  soothes  his  last  hard  pillow, 
Love  still  tends  this  “unknown”  grave. 

Many  hearts  and  blades  were  broken, 
Thousands  of  the  noblest  “ braves  ” 
Wrapped  in  jackets  gray  are  sleeping 
Coldly  in  their  “unknown”  graves; 
Many  “Rachels”  still  are  weeping. 
Though  so  many  years  have  fled, 
Weeping  for  their  sons  returned  not. 
Waiting  for  their  “unknown”  dead. 

Te  who  weave  for  them  fresh  garlands, 
O’er  their  graves  sweet  flowers  spread, 
Know  the  prayers  of  many  mothers 
Call  down  blessings  on  your  head. 
Loving  acts  bring  blessings  always, 

For  thy  Father  says  to  thee, 

“As  ye  soothe  My  suffering  children, 

So  ye  did  it  unto  Me.” 

O,  ye  mothers,  wives  and  daughters, 
Tend  each  “unknown”  grave  with  care; 
Who  can  tell,  your  own  loved  darling 
May  be  called  their  fate  to  share. 

Then  as  ye  would  have  some  fair  one 
Strew  with  flowers  his  lonely  bed, 

With  kind' hands  and  hearts  most  loving 
Watch  and  tend  our  “unknown”  dead. 


188 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Campaign  against  Fredericksburg.  Mcclellan’s  tardiness 
Seizes  harper’s  ferry.  His  plan  of  action.  Believed. 
Burnside  in  command.  Marches  to  falmouth.  Fatal  delay. 
Activity  of  confederates.  Battle  of  Fredericksburg.  Shell- 
ing the  city.  Bravery  of  Michigan  and  Massachusetts 

TROOPS.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED.  RETREAT  ACROSS  THE  RAPPA- 
HANNOCK. Great  loss  of  life.  Burnside  prefers  charges 
against  his  subordinates.  Resigns.  General  Joseph  hooker 

SUCCEEDS  TO  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS.  ROSTER. 

“ FREDERICKSBURG.” 

Many  weeks  of  valuable  time  were  lost  by  McClellan  after 
the  battle  of  Antietam,  which  were  passed  by  the  Federal 
army  in  the  vicinity  of  the  battlefield. 

During  the  first  days  immediately  following  the  battle,  in  a 
severe  skirmish  with  the  Confederates,  McClellan  threw  the 
first  division  of  Porter's  corps  across  the  river,  which  was 
speedily  driven  back  by  the  Confederates  with  considerable 
loss.  Lee  removed  his  army  to  the  Shenandoah  valley  to 
recruit  his  ranks  so  badly  thinned  by  the  storms  of  war,  and 
to  give  his  men  the  rest  they  so  much  needed.  McClellan 
seized  Harper’s  Ferry  and  threw  pontoon  bridges  across  both 
the  Potomac  and  the  Shenandoah  rivers.  Two  corps  of  the 
Federals  encamped  at  or  near  that  point. 

On  the  twenty-sixth  the  advance  of  McClellan’s  army  cross- 
ed the  Potomac  upon  a pontoon  bridge,  at  Berlin,  and  by  the 
second  of  November  he  had  thrown  his  entire  army  across 
that  river,  and  was  moving  along  the  eastern  base  of  the  Blue 
Ridge,  in  the  direction  of  Warrenton,  which  place  he  reached 
on  the  ninth.  One  half  of  Lee’s  army  was  at  Culpepper 
court-house,  while  the  remainder  under  Jackson  was  sent 
west  of  the  Blue  Ridge  to  prevent  the  Federal  army  from 
crossing  through  the  mountain  passes  to  the  Shenandoah 


GENERAL  McCLELLAN  RELIEVED. 


189 


valley.  McClellan's  plan  was  to  place  his  troops  between  the 
two  wings  of  the  Confederates  and  crush  that  portion  at  Cul- 
pepper, before  the  wing  under  Jackson,  which  was  at  least 
two  days’  march  distant,  could  arrive  to  lend  any  assistance. 
This  plan  whether  wise  or  not  was  never  carried  into  execu- 
tion. The  authorities  at  Washington,  impatient  at  the  many 
and  seemingly  unnecessary  delays  of  General  McClellan  re- 
solved to  relieve  him  of  his  command,  and  on  November  sev- 
enth, in  the  midst  of  a terrible  snow  storm,  a messenger  arriv- 
ed in  great  haste  from  Washington  and  handed  an  order  to 
General  McClellan  ; we  give  that  order  in  full. 

GENERAL  MCCLELLAN  RELIEVED. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  Nov.  5th,  1S62. 

By  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  it  is  ordered  that 
Major-General  McClellan  be  relieved  from  the  command  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  and  that  Major-General  Burnside  take  the  command  of  that 
army. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

Upon  the  receipt  of  this  order,  General  McClellan  turned 
quietly  to  Burnside,  who  happened  to  be  in  his  tent  at  this 
moment,  and  remarked,  “Well,  Burnside,  you  are  to  take 
command  of  the  army.” 

This  honor  and  responsibility  came  to  General  Burnside 
unsought  and  unexpected.  Upon  assuming  command  he 
made  a halt  of  ten  days  at  Warrenton,  which  was  disastrous, 
as  it  enabled  General  Lee  to  concentrate  his  army  to  oppose 
any  movement  General  Burnside  might  make. 

When  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  moved  it  was  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Richmond,  by  the  way  of  Fredericksburg.  The  Sixth 
corps  of  this  army  had  now  been  consolidated  into  three  grand 
divisions,  of  two  corps  each.  The  right  grand  division  was 
composed  of  the  Second  corps,  under  General  Couch,  and  the 
Ninth  corps  under  General  Wilcox.  The  center  grand  divis- 
ion of  the  Third  corps  was  under  General  Storeman,  and  the 
Fifth  corps  under  General  Butterfield  ; the  left  grand  division 


190 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


of  the  First  corps  under  General  Reynolds,  and  the  Sixth 
corps  under  General  W.  F.  Smith.  These  grand  divisions 
were  commanded  respectively  by  Generals  Sumner,  Hooker, 
and  Franklin.  It  has  never  been  clearly  demonstrated  what 
plans  Burnside  had  in  view  by  changing  the  theater  of  action 
to  Fredericksburg,  but  in  that  direction  he  slowly  moved,  and 
to  Fredericksburg,  with  his  consolidated  army,  General  Lee 
went  in  search  of  him.  The  Federal  line  of  march  was  along 
the  north  bank  of  the  Rappahannock  river  to  Falmouth;  pon- 
toon bridges  were  to  be  forwarded  from  Washington  to  cross 
the  river  at  Fredericksburg,  and  seize  the  heights  upon  the 
southern  bank  of  the  Rappahannock.  General  Sumner's  grand 
division  marched  in  the  advance,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
seventeenth  it  reached  Falmouth.  Fredericksburg  was  at 
that  time  occupied  by  four  companies  of  Mississippi  infantry, 
a regiment  of  Virginia  cavalry  and  one  light  battery  of 
artillery. 

As  Sumner's  men  reached  Falmouth  they  were  shelled  by 
this  battery,  but  its  guns  were  soon  silenced  by  a Union  bat- 
tery. There  were  at  that  time  several  points  near  Falmouth 
where  the  river  could  be  easily  forded,  and  General  Sumner 
was  anxious  to  cross,  occupy  the  city  and  seize  the  heights. 
General  Burnside  did  not  deem  the  movement  a wise  one  until 
his  communication  should  be  established.  On  the  nineteenth 
and  twentieth  the  grand  divisions  of  Hooker  and  Franklin 
arrived,  and  the  whole  army  was  encamped  near  Falmouth. 

When  the  Federal  army  began  its  movement  from  Warren- 
ton,  General  Longstreet's  corps  of  the  Confederate  army  was 
at  Culpepper,  General  Jackson’s  corps,  excepting  one  division 
which  he  had  sent  to  the  eastern  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  was 
in  the  Shenandoah  valley.  As  soon  as  Burnside's  plans  be- 
came apparent  to  General  Lee,  Jackson’s  corps  was  ordered 
to  Orange  court-house,  and  Longstreet  was  instructed  to  march 
to  Fredericksburg  where  he  arrived  two  days  after  Sumner 
arrived  at  Falmouth.  In  a few  days  Jackson  also  came  up, 
and  General  Lee  assumed  his  new  line  of  defence  south  of  the 
Rappahannock  river.  Whatever  point  General  Burnside  had 


GENERAL  McCLELLAN  RELIEVED. 


191 


hoped  to  gain  by  his  advance  upon  Fredericksburg  was  now 
lost,  for  he  now  had  not  only  the  Rappahannock  river  in  his 
front,  but  the  army  of  General  Lee  drawn  up  upon  the  heights 
beyond  to  dispute  his  advance.  Had  these  heights  been  seized 
before  the  arrival  of  Lee’s  army,  the  situation  would  have 
been  very  different. 

Another  event  here  occurred  which  made  the  situation  still 
more  disastrous.  It  was  either  the  fault  of  General  Halleck 
or  General  Burnside  that  no  pontoon  bridges  had  arrived  at 
Falmouth,  and  another  week’s  delay  ensued  while  waiting 
for  them,  which  delay  offered  General  Lee  ample  opportunity 
to  establish  himself  and  strongly  fortify  his  new  line  of  de- 
fence. These  lines  of  defence  extended  from  the  river  one 
mile  and  a half  above  the  city  to  a point  three  miles  below 
the  town.  So  rapidly  did  General  Lee  press  his  work  that  at 
the  end  of  the  week’s  delay  on  the  part  of  the  Federal  army, 
the  whole  ridge  was  crowned  with  batteries  and  long  lines 
of  earth-works.  A volcano  of  death  only  awaited  the  order 
to  be  given  by  its  creator  to  belch  forth  its  destructive  tor- 
rents upon  the  long  lines  of  assailants. 

Burnside  had  established  his  line  of  communications  with 
Washington  by  way  of  Aquia  Creek,  and  felt  that  action  on 
his  part  was  very  imperative.  The  works  of  Lee  upon  the 
Fredericksburg  Heights,  which  were  plainly  in  view  of  the 
Union  lines,  were  so  formidable  that  it  was  thought  best  to 
effect  a crossing  of  the  river,  some  twelve  miles  below  Fred- 
ericksburg, but  the  Confederates  learned  of  the  proposed 
movement,  and  convened  their  forces  there  in  such  numbers 
that  Burnside  abandoned  the  idea.  Then  it  was  proposed  to 
cross  the  river  several  miles  above  Fredericksburg,  but  finally 
it  was  determined  to  cross  at  Fredericksburg,  and  undertake 
the  fearful  task  of  assaulting  the  heights  so  strongly  fortified. 

To  cross  a large  river  with  a great  army,  in  the  face  of  a 
powerful  foe,  strongly  intrenched,  is  a most  hazardous  under- 
taking, yet  General  Burnside  boldly  assumed  that  responsi- 
bility, and  on  the  tenth  of  December  his  preliminary  arrange- 
ments were  all  made,  and  it  was  determined  to  cross  upon 


192 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  morrow.  Such  was  the  geographical  situation  that  Gen- 
eral Lee  could  not  have  prevented  the  crossing  of  the  river 
by  his  opponent,  even  if  he  had  so  desired,  as  the  Stafford 
hills  on  the  north  bank  approach  close  to  the  river  mar- 
gin, while  the  heights,  on  the  southern  side  of  the  river  are 
from  one-half  to  three-fourths  of  a mile  distant,  with  a broad 
plain  intervening.  This  plain  was  commanded  by  artillery 
placed  upon  Stafford  hills,  in  the  night  time,  by  General 
Webb,  chief  of  artillery;  a force  of  one  hundred  and  forty- 
seven  pieces  being  there  arranged  to  reply  to  the  Confederate 
batteries  commanding  the  plain  and  the  town,  also  to  protect 
the  crossing.  General  Lee’s  army  numbered  seventy-eight 
thousand  men  ; his  right  was  commanded  by  Jackson,  his  cen- 
ter by  Hill,  and  his  left  by  Longstreet.  General  Burnside’s 
army  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  thirteen  thousand  men. 
It  was  determined  to  throw  five  pontoon  bridges  across  the 
river,  three  at  the  city  and  two  at  a point  two  miles  below. 
On  the  former  the  grand  divisions  of  Sumner  and  Hooker 
were  to  cross,  while  that  of  Franklin  was  to  cross  on  the 
lower  ones. 


BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG. 

Before  the  dawning  of  the  day,  on  the  morning  of  Decem- 
ber eleventh,  the  pontoons  were  taken  from  the  wagons,  at 
the  river’s  margin,  and  in  silence,  and  with  great  rapidity,  the 
engineers  began  their  allotted  task.  The  whole  scene  of  ac- 
tivity was  covered  by  a dense  fog,  but  no  sooner  had  they  be- 
gun their  work  than  sharp,  heavy  volleys  of  musketry,  at 
short  range,  rang  out  through  the  misty  air,  from  the  Confed- 
erate riflemen  on  the  opposite  bank,  who  were  sheltered  by 
stonewalls,  houses,  and  every  possible  position  that  was 
hamty.  At  this  time  there  also  boomed  forth  the  heavy  re- 
port of  a Confederate  cannon,  as  a signal  in  the  gloom  for 
the  Confederate  forces  to  assemble  to  repel  the  long-expected 
attack.  General  Lee  had  planned  to  retard  the  work  of 
crossing  as  much  as  possible,  even  if  he  could  not  prevent  it. 
For  this  purpose  he  had  posted  the  Seventeenth  Mississippi 


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BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG. 


195 


and  Eighth.  Florida  regiments  at  a point  of  crossing  at  the 
city,  and  the  Eighteenth  Mississippi  behind  the  stonewalls 
of  the  river  street  of  Fredericksburg,  to  shoot  the  engineers 
as  they  should  undertake  to  lajr  the  pontoon  bridges.  Down 
below  the  city,  where  Franklin  was  to  cross,  riflemen  were 
also  placed  behind  light  earth-works,  to  perform  a similar 
service. 

General  Franklin  soon  succeeded  in  dislodging  these,  and 
at  noon  his  two  bridges  were  ready  for  use.  The  attempt  to 
place  those  in  front  of  the  city  was  not  so  successful.  The 
aim  of  the  keen-eyed  riflemen  was  deadly  in  the  extreme,  and 
the  fire  thus  poured  upon  the  Federal  engineers  was  a most 
murderous  one.  After  awhile  they  were  compelled  to  cease 
their  efforts  entirely.  Several  hours  passed.  It  was  evident 
that  the  pontoons  could  not  be  laid  until  the  sharpshooters 
were  dislodged,  but  how  to  get  rid  of  them  was  the  grave 
problem  to  be  solved. 

At  ten  o’clock  Burnside  gave  the  order  for  all  his  batteries 
to  open  fire  upon  the  city  and  batter  it  down.  This  was  in 
the  morning,  and  this  dreadful  fire  opened,  and  continued  for 
an  hour.  Each  gun  fired  fifty  rounds,  and  hundreds  of  tons  of 
iron  were  hurled  within  the  doomed  and  devoted  city,  which 
was  concealed  from  view  by  the  dense  fog.  At  noon  the  mist 
cleared  away  and  revealed  the  fact  that  the  city  was  on  fire  at 
several  points.  The  bombardment  of  Fredericksburg,  was  of 
very  small  importance  as  a military  movement.  The  troops  of 
General  Lee  were  out  of  range  behind  the  distant  hills,  and 
the  sharpshooters  were  so  near  the  water  front  of  the  town 
that  the  guns  could  not  be  sufficiently  depressed  to  dislodge 
them.  The  fire  soon  died  out.  Many  buildings  were  shat- 
tered and  much  property  destroyed,  but  it  all  had  but  little 
influence  upon  the  results  of  the  battle. 

During  the  terrible  bombardment  a fresh  attempt  was  made 
to  complete  the  pontoon  bridge,  but  the  brave  riflemen  on  the 
southern  bank  of  the  river,  not  daunted  by  the  terrible  cloud 
of  screaming  shells  passing  over  them,  remained  at  their  posts 
and  soon  drove  the  engineers  away.  At  this  moment  General 


196 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Hunt  offered  a suggestion  which  was  adopted  with  success. 
He  proposed  that  parties  should  cross  the  river  in  open  pon- 
toon boats,  and  either  capture  or  disperse  the  enemy.  Three 
regiments  of  Howard’s  division  immediately  volunteered  to 
jierform  this  heroic  seiwice.  They  were  composed  of  the 
Seventh  Michigan  and  the  Nineteenth  and  Twentieth  Massa- 
chusetts regiments.  Ten  pontoon  boats  were  at  that  time 
lying  at  the  bank  of  the  river  waiting  to  be  placed  in  the  un- 
finished bridge.  The  men  rushed  down  the  hill  and  found 
shelter  from  the  enemy’s  fire  behind  piles  of  planks  and  poured 
a heavy  fire  upon  the  Confederate  marksmen  while  the  boats 
were  being  placed  in  position.  This  accomplished  they  sprang 
into  the  boats  and  the  oarsmen  pulled  with  great  vigor  for  the 
other  shore. 

The  Confederates  still  clung  to  their  position,  and  poured  a 
most  murderous  fire  upon  the  boats,  by  which  several  men 
were  killed  and  wounded.  They  soon  found  shelter  beneath 
the  bluff ; other  boats  followed,  and  when  a sufficient  force 
had  reached  the  southern  shore  of  the  river,  they  dashed  up 
the  bank.  There  was  a short,  sharp,  desperate  hand-to-hand 
conflict.  A number  of  the  Confederates  were  captured,  and 
the  others  dashed  up  the  streets.  Thus  by  a simple  movement 
the  result  rvas  accomplished  which  the  terrible  bombardment 
had  failed  to  produce.  Great  credit  is  due  to  the  brave  men 
who  formed  the  assaulting  party.  The  pontoon  bridges  were 
soon  completed.  That  night,  and  early  the  next  morning, 
the  entire  right  grand  division,  under  General  Sumner, 
crossed  the  river,  and  formed  their  lines  of  battle.  During 
the  same  time  General  Franklin  crossed  a large  portion  of  the 
left  grand  division  upon  the  lower  pontoon  bridges.  The 
center  grand  division,  under  General  Hooker,  still  remained 
upon  the  northern  bank  of  the  river. 

Thus  the  whole  day  of  December  twelfth  was  occupied  in 
crossing  the  river.  That  night  the  troops  slept  upon  their 
arms,  ready  for  the  great  battle  which  was  to  be  fought  on 
the  morrow.  Forty-eight  hours  had  elapsed  since  the  signal 
gun,  warning  the  Confederates  that  Burnside  was  about  to 


BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG. 


197 


cross  the  river,  had  been  fired,  and  these  had  been  busy  hours 
of  activity  within  their  lines.  Their  whole  army  of  seventy- 
eight  thousand  men  was  now  concentrated  at  or  very  near 
the  city  of  Fredericksburg-. 

Longstreet’s  corps  formed  the  left  of  the  line,  with  Ander- 
son’s division  resting-  upon  the  river,  it  being  the  extreme  left 
of  the  Confederate  line  of  battle.  Ransom’s  division  sup- 
ported the  batteries  on  Marye’s  and  Willis’  Hills,  at  the  foot 
of  which  Cobb’s  brigade  of  McLaws’  division,  and  the  Twen- 
ty-fourth North  Carolina  regiment  of  Ransom’s  brigade, 
were  stationed  behind  a stonewall.  The  Washington  artil- 
lery, under  Colonel  Walton,  occupied  the  crest  of  Marye’s 
Hill,  the  redoubts  to  the  right  and  left  being  held  by  a part 
of  the  reserve  artillery,  Colonel  E.  P.  Alexander’s  battalion, 
and  the  division  batteries  of  Anderson,  Ransom  and  McLaws. 
A.  P.  Hill,  of  Jackson’s  corps,  was  posted  between  General 
Longstreet’s  extreme  right  and  Hamilton’s  crossing  on  the 
railroad.  His  front  line  consisted  of  the  brigades  of  Pendar, 
Lane  and  Archer,  which  occupied  the  edge  of  a wood.  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Walker,  with  fourteen  pieces  of  artillery,  was 
posted  near  the  right,  supported  by  two  Virginia  regiments ; 
General  Early’s  and  Taliaferro's  divisions  composed  Jackson’s 
second  line,  D.  H.  Hill  his  reserve.  General  Stuart,  with 
two  brigades  of  cavalry  and  some  horse  artillery,  occupied 
the  plain  on  Jackson’s  right,  extending  to  the  Messaponax 
Creek. 

When  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth  dawned  the  plain  was 
still  covered  by  a dense  fog.  There  were  occasionally  the 
sharp  ringing  shots  of  the  skirmishers,  and  both  armies  were 
in  a fever  of  excitement.  We  will  not  attempt  to  give  Gen- 
eral Burnside's  plan  of  battle  ; in  fact,  it  would  be  as  well  to 
say  he  had  none.  His  troops  were  thrown  across  the  river  and 
were  to  make  assaults  upon  the  enemy’s  line,  and  if  any  favor- 
able event  occurred  they  were  to  take  advantage  of  it.  We 
have  no  desire  to  discuss  the  wisdom  or  folly  of  such  a move- 
ment, neither  is  it  for  us  to  decide  whether  he  received  the 
hearty  support  from  his  subordinate  commanders  to  which 
every  commander-in-chief  is  entitled. 


198 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


Over  twenty  years  have  passed  away;  many  of  the  princi- 
pal actors  in  that  battle  are  numbered  with  the  dead ; we  have 
no  desire  to  assail  those  who  cannot  speak  in-  their  own  de- 
fense. It  is  only  our  intention  in  this  volume  to  give  the 
movements  of  the  troops ; to  record  the  valorous  deeds  of  the 
soldiers  in  the  two  armies,  many  of  whom  fell  in  battle  upon 
the  bloody  field  of  Fredericksburg.  At  ten  o’clock  on  this 
morning  the  sun  shone  out,  dispelling  the  clouds  of  fog,  and 
revealing  to  each  other  the  hostile  armies.  At  this  moment  a 
portion  of  General  Franklin's  grand  division  moved  forward 
to  assault  the  position  in  its  front.  This  column  was  com- 
posed of  General  Meade’s  divison,  in  front,  with  that  of  Gib- 
bon's in  support,  upon  its  right,  and  Doubleday’s  division  in 
reserve  for  any  emergency  that  might  occur. 

Meade  bravely  advanced,  but  was  soon  cheeked  for  a while 
by  one  of  the  batteries  of  Stuart,  upon  his  left,  which  enfi- 
laded his  fire.  This  battery  was  eventually  silenced,  and  he 
again  pressed  forward , his  battle  line  being  preceded  by  a 
heavy  line  of  skirmishers,  and  his  artillery  vigorously  shelling 
the  woods  in  his  front.  The  Confederate  batteries  did  not 
reply  until  the  command  of  General  Meade  was  in  point-blank 
range.  Then  they  suddenly  opened  and  poured  in  a most 
terrible  and  destructive  fire  of  shells,  grape,  and  canister 
upon  the  solid  lines  of  blue,  sending  death  and  carnage  upon 
every  hand ; yet  this  did  not  check  the  onward  course  of  this 
gallant  division.  They  cut  their  way  through  all  opposition, 
and  the  Confederate  batteries  posted  in  front  of  the  railroad 
had  to  be  withdrawn.  They  made  an  opening  between  the 
brigades  of  Archer  and  Lane  upon  the  one  hand,  and  the 
division  of  A.  P.  Hill  on  the  other,  and  forced  a portion  of 
the  former  and  the  whole  of  the  latter  to  give  way  before 
them. 

Meade  pressed  on  with  great  gallantry,  capturing  two  hun- 
dred prisoners,  and  soon  reached  a new  military  road  which 
General  Lee  had  constructed  to  connect  the  two  wings 
of  his  army,  and  behind  which  Jackson’s  second  line  was 
posted.  Jackson’s  reserve — notably  among  them  Gregg’s 


BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG. 


199 


South  Carolina  brigade — sprang  to  their  feet  and  poured  a 
terrific  fire  upon  the  advancing  columns.  The  missiles  of  death 
came  from  his  front  and  both  of  his  flanks.  His  command 
was  thrown  back  with  the  greatest  slaughter,  losing  forty  per 
cent  of  his  men.  Reynold's  corps,  which  had  been  thus  en- 
gaged lost  four  thousand  men. 

While  this  bloody  struggle  was  being  enacted  on  the  left, 
General  Sumner  was  ordered  to  open  the  battle  upon  the 
right,  which  attack  was  to  be  made  by  a single  division,  sup- 
ported by  another.  The  Second  corps,  under  General  Couch, 
was  in  position  on  the  right  of  the  Federal  line,  while  the 
Ninth,  under  Wilcox,  was  in  the  center,  between  the  city  and 
Franklin,  thus  causing  the  attack  to  be  made  to  fall  on  the 
troops  under  Couch,  who,  in  obedience  to  his  orders  received 
at  noon,  moved  forward  the  division  of  General  French,  sup- 
ported by  that  of  General  Hancock.  French  moved  his  com- 
mand out  on  the  Plank  and  Telegraph  roads,  until  he  had 
crossed  the  canal,  where,  under  cover  of  a slight  rise  of  land, 
he  formed  his  division  in  brigade  front.  Kimball's  division 
was  placed  in  advance,  followed  by  those  of  Palmer  and  Mar- 
shall. Hancock's  division  assumed  the  same  form,  Avith  the 
brigade  of  Zook  in  advance,  those  of  General  Meagher  and 
Caldwell  following. 

From  the  moment  these  troops  left  the  town  they  were 
exposed  to  a very  galling  fire  of  artillery  which  was  planted 
upon  the  heights.  The  Federal  guns  could  not  fire  for  fear  of 
injuring  their  OAvn  men.  Longstreet's  advanced  line  was  at 
the  stonewall,  already  mentioned ; Cobb's  brigade,  posted  be- 
hind tills  wall,  was  reinforced  by  that  of  Kershaw,  both  of 
McLaws’  cliA’ision,  numbering  all  together  about  two  thousand 
men,  and  were  amply  sufficient  to  repulse  all  of  the  terrible 
assaults  of  the  Federal  troops,  as  the  whole  plain  over  which 
the  Federals  were  compelled  to  pass  was  swept  by  the  mur- 
derous fire  of  the  Confederate  batteries.  So  fatal  was  the 
deadly  storm  of  iron  hail,  and  so  rapidly  were  the  assaulting 
columns  smitten  down  by  the  bolts  thus  flung  at  them,  that 
even  a smaller  force  of  infantry  would  have  sufficed. 


200 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


French’s  division  charged  across  the  field  with  a heroic  de- 
termination, but  the  batteries  placed  upon  the  crest  of  the 
hill  in  the  form  of  a semicircle,  hurled  them  back  with  a loss 
of  nearly  one-half  of  their  number.  The  shouts  and  cheers 
of  the  Confederates  were  heard  above  the  thundering  roar  of 
battle.  Hancock’s  division,  with  such  part  of  French’s  as 
could  be  rallied,  dashed  out  across  the  plain,  reaching  a point 
beyond  where  French  had  gone,  when  after  a period  of  fifteen 
minutes,  in  which  time  those  heroes  had  immortalized  their 
names,  they,  too,  were  hurled  back. 

Of  the  five  thousand  men  whom  the  gallant  Hancock  had 
led  on  that  fatal  charge,  over  two  thousand  were  killed  and 
wounded,  and  it  was  found  after  the  battle  that  many  of  these 
had  fallen  within  twenty-five  paces  of  the  stonewall.  How- 
ard’s division  was  now  ordered  in  to  relieve  the  shattered  ones 
of  French  and  Hancock.  The  division  of  Sturgis  and  Getty, 
of  the  Ninth  corps,  advanced  upon  the  left  of  the  Second,  to 
aid  them  all  they  possibly  could ; but  at  the  most  they  could 
only  hold  an  advanced  line  which  was  under  a most  murderous 
fire  of  artillery. 

General  Burnside,  almost  beside  himself  over  this  terrible 
sacrifice  of  his  brave  men,  rode  down  to  the  bank  of  the  river 
and  declared  that  those  heights  “must  be  carried  to-night.” 
At  this  time  the  grand  division  of  General  Hooker  was  ordered 
to  cross  the  river.  He  immediately  obeyed  the  command. 
He  surveyed  the  field,  consulted  with  the  commanders  who 
had  preceded  him  in  the  battle,  and  seeing  the  hopelessness 
of  the  case,  returned  to  General  Burnside  and  begged  him  to 
desist.  This  he  refused  to  do,  and  General  Couch  was  thrown 
forward  with  two  batteries,  to  within  one  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  of  the  Confederate  line,  where  he  opened  a terrific  fire, 
hoping  to  make  a breach  large  enough  in  the  enemy's  line  to 
admit  a forlorn  hope.  After  a vigorous  cannonading,  which 
produced  no  visible  effect,  General  Humphrej^’s  division  was 
formed  in  column  of  assault  and  ordered  in.  These  were  in- 
structed to  make  the  assault  with  unloaded  muskets,  as  there 
was  no  time  to  load  and  fire.  When  the  command  was  given 


BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG. 


201 


the  men  dashed  forward  with  great  impetuosity,  and  advanced 
nearly  to  the  same  point  which  had  been  reached  by  Han- 
cock's troops,  close  up  to  the  stonewall,  when  they  were  caught 
up  on  the  awful  tide  of  death  and  borne  backward  with  the 
loss  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  of  the  four  thousand  who 
had  made  the  assault. 

Night  now  mercifully  drew  its  curtains  over  the  terrible 
scene.  The  battle  was  fought,  and  lost  by  the  Federal 
troops.  The  Federals  lay  upon  their  arms  during  Sunday 
and  Monday,  and  upon  the  night  of  the  last  named  day,  the 
fifteenth,  were  safely  withdrawn  to  the  northern  bank  of  the 
Rappahannock. 

The  Federal  loss  was  twelve  thousand  three  hundred  and 
twenty-one,  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  That  of  the  Con- 
federates was  five  thousand  three  hundred  and  nine,  killed, 
wounded  and  missing. 

The  North  was  very  much  discouraged  over  so  disastrous  a 
defeat,  yet  rejoiced  that  its  great  army  had  escaped  from  its 
foe,  from  a position  so  perilous.  The  South  rejoiced  over 
the  glorious  victory  won  by  its  troops,  but  were  bitterly 
disappointed  because  General  Lee  had  permitted  the  defeated 
army  of  Burnside  to  recross  the  river  without  firing  a single 
gun  to  oppose  it.  He  had  not  forfeited  their  confidence  in 
his  manhood,  but  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  caused  the 
army  to  lose  its  faith  in  the  ability  of  General  Burnside  as  a 
commander.  He  essayed  one  or  two  movements  during  the 
weeks  immediately  following  the  battle,  but  owing  to  the 
heavy  storms  and  the  impassable  condition  of  the  roads,  they 
all  ended  in  disaster  before  he  met  the  enemy.  General 
Burnside  laid  serious  charges  against  several  of  his  most  im 
portant  subordinate  commanders.  If  he  retained  his  position 
they  must  be  removed.  Immediately  upon  his  return  from 
what  was  known  as  “ Burnside’s  Stick-in-the-Mud,”  he  pre- 
pared an  order,  dismissing  from  the  service  of  the  United 
States  Generals  Hooker,  Cochran,  Brooks  and  Newton,  and 
relieving  from  their  commands  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
Generals  Franklin,  Smith,  Sturgis,  Ferrero  and  Colonel  Ta}’- 


202 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


lor.  Upon  this  order  he  made  his  issue  with  the  Govern- 
ment, and  demanded  of  the  President  its  approval,  or  the  ac- 
ceptance of  his  resignation  as  commander  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac. 

As  General  Burnside  did  not  charge  these  officers  with 
anything  more  serious  than  that  they  did  not  have  confidence 
in  him  as  a commander,  the  President  thought  it  the  wisest 
course  to  accept  his  resignation.  This  was  done,  and  Gen- 
eral Joseph  Hooker  was  appointed  to  succeed  him  in  the 
command. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


20B 


ROSTER  A. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 
DECEMBER,  1862,  MAJOR-GENERAL  A.  E.  BURN- 
SIDE, COMMANDING.1 

LEFT  GRAND  DIVISION. 

Major-General  TV  B.  FRANKLIN,  Commanding. 


SIXTH  CORPS. 

Major-General  W.  F.  SMITH,  Commanding. 
FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  W.  T.  H.  BROOKS,  Commanding. 


Infantry. 


First  Brigade. 

Colonel  A.  T.  A.  Torbert,  lst'New  Jersey  Volunteers,  Commanding. 


1st  New  Jersey  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  M.  W.  Collet. 


2d 


Colonel  Samuel  L.  Buck. 


3d  “ 

it 

Colonel  Henry  W.  Brown. 

4th  “ 

Colonel  William  B.  Hatch. 

15th  “ 

Lieut.-Colonel  E.  L.  Campbell. 

23d  “ 

if 

Lieut.-C  donel  H.  O.  Ryerson. 

Second  Brigade.. 


Brigadier-General  J.  J.  Bartlett,  Commanding. 

27th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  A.  D.  Adams. 

]21st  “ “ Colonel  Emory  Upton. 

5th  Maine  “ Colonel  E.  A.  Scammon. 

16th  New  York  “ Lieut.-Colonel  .T.  J.  Seaver. 

96th Pennsylvania  “ Colonel  H.  L.  Cake. 


Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  G.  W.  Town,  95th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
18th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  George  R.  Myers. 

31st  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  L.  C.  Newman. 

32d  “ “ Captain  Charles  Hubbs. 

95th  Pennsylvania  “ Lieut.-Colonel  E.  Hall. 


Artillery. 

Battery  D,  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  First  Lieutenant  E.  B.  Williston. 

“ A,  1st  New  Jersey  Artillery,  Captain  W.  Hexamer. 

“ A,  1st  Massachusetts  Artillery,  Captain  W.  H.  McCartney. 
“ A,  1st  Maryland  Artillery,  Captain  J.  IV.  Wolcott. 


1 From  Reports  of  Military  Operations  during  the  Rebellion,  1860-65.  Washington.  War 
Department  Printing  Office,  1877. 


204 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


SECOND  DIVISION'. 

Brigadier-General  A.  r.  HOWE,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 
first  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Calvin  E.  Pratt,  Commanding. 

5th  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  Colonel  Amasa  Cobb. 

49th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  William  H.  Irwin. 

Ctli  Maine  Volunteers,  Colonel  Hiram  Burnham. 

43d  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  B.  F.  Baker. 

119th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  P.  C.  Ellmaker 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  Henry  Whiting,  2d  Vermont  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
2d  Vermont  Volunteers,  Colonel . 


3d 

“ 

Colonel  B.  N.  Hyde. 

4th  “ 

<< 

Colonel  C.  B.  Stoughton. 

5th  “ 

Colonel  Lewis  A.  Grant. 

6th  “ 

Colonel  N.  Lord  jr. 

26th  New  Jersey  Volunteers,  Colonel  A.  J.  Morrison. 


Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Francis  L.  Vinton,  Commanding. 


77th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  James  B.  McKean. 
49ik  “ “ Colonel  D.  D.  Bidwell. 

20th  “ “ Colonel  E.  Von  Vegesack. 

33d  “ “ Colonel  Robert  F.  Taylor. 

21st  New  Jersey  “ Colonel  Gilliam  Van  Houten. 


Artillery. 

Battery  F,  5th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  R.  B.  Ayres. 

“ B,  1st  Maryland  Artillery.  Captain  Alonzo  Snow. 

1st  Battery,  New  York  Eight  Artillery,  Captain  Andrew  Cowan. 
3d  “ ' “ “ Captain  William  Stewart. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  NEWTON,  Commanding. 

Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  John  Cochrane,  Commanding. 

82d  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  D H.  Williams. 

23d  “ “ Colonel  T.  H.  Neill. 

61st  “ “ Colonel  G.  C.  Spear. 

65th  New  York  Volunteers  (1st  U.  S.  Chasseurs),  Col.  Alexander  Shaler. 
122d  “ “ Colonel  Silas  Titus. 

67th  “ “ (1st  Long  Island),  Lieut.-Col.  Nelson  Cross. 


Second  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Charles  Devens,  Commanding. 

2d  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  Colonel  Frank  Wheaton. 

7th  Massachusetts  “ Colonel  I).  A.  Russell. 

10th  “ “ Colonel  H.  L.  Eustis. 

36th  New  York  “ Colonel  W.  H.  Browne. 

37th  Massachusetts  “ Colonel  Oliver  Edwards. 


Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  Thomas  A.  Rowley,  Commanding. 

62d  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  David  I.  Nevin. 

93d  Pennsylvania  “ Colonel  J.  M.  McCarter. 

98th  “ “ Colonel  J.  F.  Ballier. 

102d  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  J M.  Kinkead. 

139th  “ “ Colonel  F.  H.  Collier. 


Artillery. 


Battery  C,  1st  Pennsylvania  4>'tillery,  Captain  J.  McCarthy. 
“ G.  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  J.  H.  Butler. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


205 


FIRST  CORPS. 

Bbigadiee-Genebal  J.  F.  REYNOLDS,  Commanding. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  A.  DOTJBLEDAY,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Colonel  Walter  Phelps  jr.,  Commanding. 

2d  U.  S.  Sharpshooters,  Major  H.  B.  Stoughton. 

14th  New  York  State  Militia,  Lieut  -Colonel  W.  H.  De  Bevoise. 
22d  “ Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colouel  J.  McKee  jr. 

24tli  “ “ Major  R.  Oliver  jr. 

30th  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  M.  H.  Chrysler. 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  James  Gatin,  Commanding. 

56th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  W.  Hofmann. 
95tli  New  York  “ Lieut.-Colonel  J.  B.  Post. 

76th  “ “ Colonel  \V.  P.  Wainwright. 

7th  Indiana  “ Lieut.-Colonel  J.  F.  Cheek. 


Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  G.  R.  Paul,  Commanding. 

20th  New  York  State  Militia,  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  B.  Hardenbergh. 
21st  “ Volunteers,  Captain  G.  N.  Layton. 

23d  “ “ Colonel  H.  C.  Hoffmann. 

35th  “ “ Colonel  N.  B.  Lord. 


Fourth  Brigade. 

Colonel  L.  Cutler,  Commanding. 

6th  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  E.  S.  Bragg. 

2d  “ “ Colonel  L.  Fairchild. 

7th  “ “ Lieut.-Colouel  C.  A.  Hamilton. 

19th  Indiana  “ Lieut.-Colonel  S.  J.  Williams. 

24th  Michigan  “ Colonel  H.  A.  Morrow. 


Artillery. 

Captain  G.  A.  Gerrish,  Commanding. 

Battery  B,  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  James  Stewart. 

“ D,  1st  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Lieut.  G.  C.  Harkness. 
11  D,  1st  New  Hampshire  Artillery,  Lieut  F.  M.  Edgell. 
“ L,  1st  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  J.  A.  Reynolds. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  GIBBON,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 


First  Brigade. 


Colonel  Adrian  R.  Root,  Commanding. 


94th  New  York  Volunteers, 
104th  " 

105th  “ « 

107th  Pennsylvania  “ 

16th  Maine  “ 


Major  John  A.  Kress. 

Major  G.  G.  Prey. 

Major  D.  A.  Sharp. 

Colonel  T.  F.  McCoy. 
Lieut.-Colonel  C.  W.  Tilden. 


Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  P.  Lyle,  90th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
26th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  R.  H.  Richardson. 
12th  Massachusetts  “ Colonel  J.  L.  Bates. 

90th  Pennsylvania  “ Lieut.-Colonel  W.  A.  Leech. 

136th  “ “ Colonel  Thomas  M.  Bayne. 

Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Nelson  Taylor,  Commanding. 

83d  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  John  W.  Stiles. 

97th  “ “ Colonel  Charles  Wheelock. 

13th  Massachusetts  “ Colonel  S.  H.  Leonard. 

11th  Pennsylvania  “ Colonel  Richard  Coulter. 

88th  “ “ Colonel  G.  P.  McLean. 


206 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Artillery. 

Captain  George  F.  Leppien,  Commanding. 

Battery  F,  1st  Pennsylvania,  Lieutenant  R.  B.  Ricketts. 
Independent  Battery,  Pennsylvania,  Captain  J.  Thompson. 

Battery  E,  Maine,  Captain  G.  F.  Leppien. 

“ B,  “ Captain  J.  A.  Hall. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  G.  MEADE,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Briqade. 

Colonel  William  Sinclair,  Gth  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Commanding. 
1st  Rifles,  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  Captain  D.  McGee. 

1st  Infantry,  “ “ “ Captain  W.  C Talley. 

2d  “ “ “ “ Colonel  W.  McCaudless. 

6th  “ “ “ “ Major  W.  H.  Ent. 

121st  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  C.  Biddle. 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  A.  L.  Magilton,  4th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Commanding. 

3d  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  Colonel  H.  G.  Sickle. 

4th  “ “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  R.  H.  Woolworth. 

7th  “ “ “ Colonel  H.  C.  Bolinger. 

8th  “ “ “ MajorS.  M.  Bailey. 

142d  “ Volunteers,  Colonel  R.  P.  Cummins. 

Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  C.  Feger  Jackson,  Commanding. 

5th  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  Colonel  J.  W.  Fisher, 

9th  “ “ “ Lieut  -Colonel  R.  Anderson. 

10th  “ “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  A.  J Warner. 

11th  “ “ “ Colonel  T.  F.  Gallagher. 

12th  “ “ “ Colonel  M.  D.  Hardin. 

Artillery. 

Battery  A,  1st  Pennsylvania,  Lieutenant  J.  G.  Simpson. 

“ B,  “ Captain  J.  H.  Cooper. 

“ G,  “ Captain  F P.  Amsdon. 

“ C,  5th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  D.  R.  Ransom. 

Line  of  Extra  Caissons. 

Captain  J.  M.  Clark,  Co.  F,  2d  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  Commanding. 
Cavalry  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  George  D.  Bayard,  Commanding. 

1st  Pennsylvania  Cavalry,  Colonel  Owen  Jones. 

10th  New'York  Cavalry, ’Lieut.-Colonel  William  Irvine. 

2d  “ Major  H.  E.  Davies. 

1st  New  Jersey  “ Lieut.-Colonel  Joseph  Karge. 

Artillery. 

Battery  C,  3d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  H.  G.  Gibson. 


CENTER  GRAND  DIVISION. 
Major-General  JOSEPH  HOOKER,  Commanding. 


THIRD  CORPS. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  STONEMAN,  Commanding, 
first  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  D.  B.  Birney,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  John  C.  Robinson,  Commanding. 

20th  Indiana  Volunteers,  Colonel  John  Van  Valkenburg. 

63d  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Major  J.  A.  Danks. 


105th 

114th 

141st 

68th 


Colonel  A.  A.  McKnight. 
Colonel  C.  H.  T.  Collis. 
Colonel  H.  J.  Madill. 
Colonel  A.  H.  Tippin. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


207 


Second  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  J.  H.  Hobakt  Ward,  Commanding. 

57th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  C.  T.  Campbell. 

99th  ••  “ Colonel  A.  S.  Leidy. 

3d  Maine  Volunteers,  Colonel  M.  B.  Lakeman. 

4th  “ “ Colonel  E.  Walker. 

55th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  R.  De  Trobriand. 

3Sth  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  William  Birney. 

40th  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  N.  A.  Gesner. 

Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  H.  G.  Berry,  Commanding. 

5th  Michigan  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  Gilluly. 

37th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  S.  B.  Havman. 

101st  “ “ Colonel  G.  F.  Chester. 

17th  Maine  Volunteers,  Colonel  T.  A.  Roberts 

1st  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  J.  Frederick  Pierson. 

3d  Michigan  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  Byron  R.  Pierce. 

Artillery. 

Captain  G.  E.  Randolph,  Commanding. 

Batteries  K and  F,  3d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  L.  L.  Livingston. 
Battery  E,  1st  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Lieutenant  P.  S.  Jastram, 


SECOND  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  DANIEL  E.  SICKLES,  Cohjianding. 


Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Joseph  B.  Carr,  Commanding. 

11th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Colonel  W.  Blaisdell. 


16th 
1st  “ 

26th  Pennsylvania 
11th  New  Jersey 
2d  New  Hampshire 


Colonel  T.  R.  Tannatt. 
Lieut.-Colonel  C.  B.  Baldwin, 
Lieut.-Colonel  B.  C.  Tilghman. 
Colonel  R.  McAllister. 

Colonel  G.  Marston. 


Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  George  B.  Hall,  Commanding. 

70th  (1st  Excelsior)  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  J.  Egbert  Farnum. 

71th  (2d  Excelsior)  “ “ Major  Thomas  Rafferty. 

72d  (3d  Excelsior)  “ “ Colonel  William  O.  Stevens. 

73d  (4th  Excelsior)  “ “ Colonel  William  R.  Brewster. 

74th  (5th  Excelsior)  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  W.  H.  Lounsbury. 

120th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  George  H.  Sharp. 

Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  J.  W.  Revere,  Commanding. 

5tli  New  Jersey  Volunteers,  Colonel  William  J.  Sewell. 

7th  “ “ Colonel  Louis  R.  Francine. 


Artillery. 

Battery  K,  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  F.  W.  Seeley. 
Battery  H,  1st  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  J.  E.  Dimick. 
Battery  B,  1st  New  Jersey  Artillery,  Captain  A.  J.  Clark. 
4th  Battery,  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  James  E.  Smith. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  A.  W.  WHIPPLE,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 


First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  A.  Sanders  Piatt,  Commanding. 

124th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  A.  V.  Ellis. 

86th  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  B.  I.  Chapin. 

122d  Pennsylvania  “ Colonel  Emlen  Franklin. 
Second  Brigade. 

Colonels.  S.  Carroll,  Commanding. 

84th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  S.  M.  Bowman. 
110th  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  J.  Crowther. 

163d  New  York  Volunteers,  Major  J.  J.  Byrne. 


208 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Independent  Command. 

Colonel  J.  H.  Potter,  Commanding. 

12tli  New  Hampshire  Volunteers. 

Artillery. 

11th  Battery,  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  A.  A.  Yon  Pattkammer. 
2d  Battery  (Excelsior),  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  J.  T.  Bruen. 
Battery  H,  1st  Ohio  Artillery,  Lieutenant  G.  AY.  Norton. 


FIFTH  CORPS. 


Brigadier-General  DANIEL  BUTTERFIELD,  Commanding. 
FIRST  DIVISION. 


Brigadier-General  CHARLES  GRIFFIN,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Colonel  James  Barnes,  18th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
18th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  Hayes. 

25th  New  York  Volunteers,  Captain  P.  Connelly. 

13th  “ “ Colonel  E.  G.  Marshall. 

118th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  Gwyn. 

1st  Michigan  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  I.  C.  Abbott. 

22d  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Lieut  -Colonel  AY.  S.  Tilton. 

2d  Maine  Volunteers,  Lient.-Colonel  G.  Varney. 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  J.  B.  Sweitzer,  Commanding. 

14th  New  York  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  T.  M.  Davies. 

4th  Michigan  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  G.  AY.  Lumbard. 

9th  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Colonel  P.  R.  Guiney. 

62d  Pennsylvania  “ Lieut.-Colonel  J.  C.  Hull. 

32d  Massachusetts  “ Lieut.-Colonel  G.  L.  Presscott. 


Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  T B.  AY.  Stockton,  Commanding. 

12th  New  York  Arolunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  R.  M.  Richardson. 


17th 
44  th  “ 

16th  Michigan 
20th  Maine 
83d  Pennsylvania 


Captain  John  A'ickers. 
Lieut.-Colonel  F.  Conner. 
Lieut.-Colonel  N.  E.  AA'elch. 
Colonel  Adelbert.  Ames. 
Colonel  Strong  Vincent. 


Artillery. 

Captain  A.  P.  Martin,  Battery  C,  Massachusetts  Artillery,  Commanding. 
Battery  C (3d),  Massachusetts  Artillery,  First  Lieutenant  V.  M.  Drum. 
“ E (5th),  “ “ Captain  C.  A.  Phillips. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  SYKES,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Lieut.-Colonel  R.  C.  Buchanan,  4th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Commanding. 
3d  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  John  D.  AYilkins. 

4th  “ “ Captain  Hiram  Dryer. 

1st  Battalion,  12th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  M.  M.  Blunt. 

2d  “ 12th  “ “ Captain  T.  M.  Anderson. 

1st  “ 14th  “ “ Captain  J.  D.  O'Connell. 

2d  “ 14th  “ “ Captain  G.  B.  Overton. 

Second  Brigade. 

Major  George  L.  Andrews,  17th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Commanding, 
11th  U.  S Infantry,  Captain  C.  S.  Russell. 

Battalion  of  1st  and  2d  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  Salem  S.  Marsh. 
“ of  Oth  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  Levi  C.  Bootes. 

“ of  7th  “ “ Captain  D.  P.  Hancock. 

“ of  10th  “ “ Captain  H.  E.  Maynadier, 

“ of  17th  and  19th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  J.  P.  AYales. 


ARMY  OF  THE  TOTOMAC. 


209 


Third  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  G.  K.  Warren,  Commanding. 

5th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  C.  Winslow. 

140th  “ “ Colonel  P.  H.  O'Rorke.  t- 

146th  “ “ Colonel  K.  Garrard. 

Artillery. 

First  Lieutenant  M.  F.  Watson,  5th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Commanding. 
Battery  I,  5th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  M.  F.  Watson. 

“ L,  1st  Ohio  Artillery,  First  Lieutenant  F.  Dorries. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier  General  A.  A.  HUMPHREYS,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  E.  B.  Tyler,  Commanding. 

91st  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  E M.  Gregory. 

134th  “ “ Lieut -Colonel  E.  O’Brien. 

126th  “ “ Colonel  James  E.  Elder. 

129th  “ “ Colonel  J.  G.  Frick. 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  P.  H.  Allabach.  131st  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
131st  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  W.  B.  Shunt. 

123d  “ “ Colonel  J.  B Clark. 

133d  “ “ Colonel  B F.  Speakman. 

155th  “ “ Colonel  E.  J.  Allen. 

Artillery. 

Captain  A.  M.  Randol,  1st  U.  S.  Artillery,  Commanding. 

Battery  H.  1st  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  A.  M.  Randol. 

Section  of  Battery  C,  1st  Neiv  York  Artillery,  Lieut.  W.  H.  Phillips. 

Grand  Diyison  Cavalry. 

Brigadier-General  W.  W.  Avkrell,  Commanding. 


RIGHT  GRAND  DIVISION. 
Major-General  E.  V.  SUMNER,  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding. 


SECOND  CORPS. 


Major-General  D.  N.  COUCH,  Commanding. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  W.  S.  HANCOCK,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 


First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  J.  C.  Caldwell,  Commanding. 


61st  New  York  Volui 
64th  “ 

145th  Pennsylvania 
5th  New  Hampshire 
81st  Pennsylvania 
7th  New  York 


teers,  Colonel  N.  A.  Miles. 

Captain  Harvey  L.  Jones. 
Colonel  H.  L.  Brown. 

Colonel  E.  E Cross. 
Lieut.-Colonel  H.  11.  McKeen. 
Colonel  George  Von  Sekack. 


Second  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Thomas  F.  Meagher,  Commanding. 
69th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  R,  Nugent. 
88th  “ “ Colonel  P.  Kelly. 

63d  “ “ Major  J.  O’Neill. 

28th  Massachusetts  “ Colonel  R.  Byrnes. 

116th  Pennsylvania  “ Colonel  D.  Heenan. 

14 


210 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Third  Brigade. 

Colonel  S.  K.  Zook,  57th  New  York  Volunteers,  Commanding. 


67th  New  York  Volunteers, 
63d  ^Pennsylvania  “ 

3d  Delaware  “ 

62d  New  York  “ 

66th  “ “ 

27th  Connecticut  “ 


Major  N.  G.  Tliroop. 
Colonel  John  R Brooke. 
Colonel  W.  P.  Bailey. 
Colonel  Paul  Frank. 
Captain  Julius  Wehle. 
Colonel  R.  S.  Bostwick. 


Artillery. 

Battery  C,  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  Evan  Thomas. 
“ B,  1st  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  R.  D.  Pettit. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  O.  0.  HOWARD,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Alfred  Sully,  Commanding. 

34th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  J.  A.  Suiter. 

15th  Massachusetts  “ Major  C.  Philbrick. 

82(1  New  York  “ Colonel  H.  W.  Hudson. 

19th  Maine  “ Colonel  F D.  Sewell. 

1st  Minnesota  “ Colonel  G.  N.  Morgan. 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  J.  T.  Owen,  69th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
69tli  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  D.  O'Kane. 

71st  “ “ Lieut.-Colonel  J.  Markoe. 

7‘2d  “ “ Colonel  D.  W.  C.  Baxter. 

106th  “ “ Colonel  T.  G.  Moreliead. 


Third  Brigade. 
Colonel  Norman  A.  Hall,  Commanding. 


20th  Massachusetts  Volunteers, 
19th 

42d  New  York  “ 

127th  Pennsylvania  “ 

7th  Michigan  “ 

69th  New  York  “ 


Captain  George  N.  Macy. 
Captain  J.  F.  Plimpton! 
Lieut.-Colonel  G.  N.  Bomford. 
Colonel  W.  W.  Jennings. 
Lieut.-Colonel  Henry  Baxter. 
Lieut.-Colonel  Wm.  Northedge. 


Artillery. 

Battery  A,  1st  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Captain  Tompkins. 

“ B,  1st  “ “ “ Captain  J.  G.  Hazard. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  W.  H.  FRENCH,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 


First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Nathan  Kimball,  Commanding. 
4th  Ohio  Volunteers,  Colonel  John  S.  Mason. 


14th  Indiana 
7th  Virginia 
8th  Ohio 
24th  New  Jersey 
2Sth  “ 


Major  E.  H.  C.  Cavius. 
Colonel  James  Snyder. 
Lieut.-Colonel  F.  Sawyer. 
Colonel  W.  B.  Robertson. 
Colonel  M.  N.  Wisewell. 


Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  O.  H.  Palmer,  103th  New  York  Volunteers,  Commanding. 
14th  Connecticut  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  S.  H.  Perkins. 

108th  New  York  “ . 

130tli  Pennsylvania  “ Colonel  H.  I.  Zinn. 

Third  Brigade. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  John  W.  Marshall,  Commanding. 

132d  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Lieut  -Colonel  Charles  Albright. 
4th  New  York  “ Colonel  John  D McGregor. 

1st  Delaware  “ Colonel  J W.  Andrews. 

10th  New  York  “ Colonel  John  E.  Bendix. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


211 


Artillery. 

Battery  G,  1st  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  John  D.  Frank. 
“ G,  1st  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Captain  C.  D.  Owen. 
Second  Corps  Reserve  Artillery. 

Battery  I,  1st  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  E.  Kirby. 

“ A,  4th  “ “ Lieutenant  R.  King. 


NINTH  CORPS. 

Bbigadieb-General  O.  B.  'WILLCOX,  Commanding. 
FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  W.  W.  BURNS,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

79th  New  York  Volunteers,  Lieut.-Colonel  David  Morrison. 

2d  Michigan  “ Colonel  Orlando  M.  Poe. 

17th  “ “ Colonel  W.  H.  Withington. 

20th  “ “ Colonel  A.  W.  Williams. 

Third  Brigade. 

4oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Colonel  Thomas  Welsh. 
Artillery. 

Battery  D,  1st  New  York  Artillery,  Captain  T.  W.  Osborn. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  S.  D.  STURGIS,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 


First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  James  Nagle,  Commanding. 

6th  New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  Colonel  S.  G.  Griffin. 
7th  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  Colonel  Z.  R.  Bliss. 
2d  Maryland-  “ 

48th  Pennsylvania  “ 

12th  Rhode  Island  “ 

9th  New  Hampshire  “ 


Major  H.  Howard. 

Colonel  J.  K.  Sigfried. 
Colonel  George  H . Browne. 
Colonel  E.  R.  Fellows. 


Second  Brigade. 

Brigadier- General  Edward  Ferrero,  Commanding. 


61st  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
21st  Massachusetts  “ 

51st  New  York  “ 

35th  Massachusetts  “ 

11th  New  Hampshire  “ 


Colonel  J.  F.  Hartranft. 
Lieut.-Colonel  W.  S.  Clark. 
Colonel  R.  B.  Potter. 
Lieut.-Colonel  S.  Carruth. 
Colonel  W.  Harriman. 


Artillery. 


Battery  E,  4th  U.  S.  Artillery.  Lieutenant  George  Dickenson. 

“ D,  1st  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Captain  W.  W.  Buckley. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  W.  GETTY,  Commanding. 
Infantry. 

First  Brigade. 

Colonel  Rush  C.  Hawkins,  Commanding. 

9th  New  York  Volunteers,  Major  E.  A.  Kimball. 

89th  “ “ Colonel  H.  S.  Fairchild. 

103d  “ “ Major  B.  Ringold. 

10th  New  Hampshire  “ Colonel  M.  T.  Donohoe. 

13th  “ “ Colonel  A.  F.  Stevens. 

25th  New  Jersey  “ Colonel  Andrew  Derrom. 


212 


BLUE  AKD  GRAY. 


Second  Brigade. 
Colonel  Edivaed  Harland,  Commanding. 


4th  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  Major  Martin  P.  Buffom. 


21st  Connecticut 
8th 
11th 
15th 
16th 


Colonel  Arthur  H.  Dutton. 

Major  John  E.  Ward. 

Colonel  Griffin  A.  Stedman  jr. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Samuel  Tolies. 

Col.  Frank  Beach  (Cap.  4th  U.  S.  Artillery). 


Artillery. 

Battery  E,  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Lieutenant  S.  N.  Benjamin. 

“ A,  5th  “ “ Lieutenant  C.  P.  Muhlenberg. 


CAVALRY  DIVISION'. 

Brigadier-General  ALFRED  PLEASONTON,  Commanding. 
First  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  J.  H.  Farnsworth,  Commanding. 

8th  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  B.  F.  Davis. 

6tli  “ “ Colonel  T.  C.  Devin. 

8th  Illinois  “ Colonel  W.  Gamble. 

Second  Brigade. 

Colonel  D.  MoM.  Gregg,  8th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Commanding. 

8th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, . 

6th  U.  S.  Cavalry,  Captain  G.  C.  Cram. 

Artillery. 

Battery  M,  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  A.  C.  M.  Pennington. 


THE  MULE  RACE. 


213 


» 


CHAPTER  X. 

STORIES  OF  TEXT  AND  FIELD.  THRILLING  INCI- 
DENTS. POEM. 

THE  MULE  RACE. 

In  camp,  when  the  exciting  cares  of  active  service  are  over, 
the  monotony  which  prevails  is  almost  unbearable.  Anything 
for  fun  is  the  unanimous  vote  of  every  one,  and  many  devices 
are  inaugurated  to  make  the  time  pass  away  agreeably. 

The  quartermaster  of  a certain  regiment  announced  a mule 
race  for  the  next  day,  the  winner  to  receive  a silver  (prize) 
cup.  The  teamsters  were  to  be  the  competitors,  and  the  rules 
were  that  one  man  from  each  company  in  the  regiment  was 
to  ride.  The  man  from  Company  A to  ride  a mule  from  Com- 
pany B,  and  so  on  through  the  whole ; the  last  man  getting 
to  the  stake  to  win. 

When  the  hour  arrived  for  this  singular  sport,  which  any 
may  conceive  who  are  acquainted  with  a mule,  all  of  the  reg- 
iment were  in  attendance.  Each  rider  made  up  his  mind  to 
use  both  lash  and  spur  to  help  his  animal  along,  hoping  that 
his  company’s  mule  might  be  the  last  to  reach  the  stake. 

When  the  start  was  made  there  were  ten  mules  in  line  just 
half  a mile  from  the  distance  pole.  The  word  “go,”  sent  each 
mule  on  the  start,  some  quickly,  some  on  the  trot,  while  others 
were  scarcely  moving.  Then  began  the  fun,  the  riders  doing 
everything  possible  to  force  the  stubborn*  animals  forward, 
while  their  comrade  spectators  were  cheering  and  yelling  at 
the  top  of  their  voices.  The  race  was  won  by  Company  D ; 
the  mule  from  this  company  could  not  be  induced  to  go  half- 
way to  the  stake  notwithstanding  the  use  of  whip  and  spur, 
and  was  therefore  declared  the  winner  amid  the  shouts  of  the 
soldiers. 


214 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Now  tlie  cup  was  brought  out  and  presented  to  the  winner 
in  an  appropriate  speech.  Upon  close  inspection  of  this  val- 
uable prize,  it  was  ascertained  that  its  material  was  tin,  and 
had  done  duty  as  a fruit  can.  The  day  had  been  agreeably 
spent,  however,  and  the  men  who  had  taken  part  in  the  race 
were  happy. 

“CHALK  THAT  DOWN.” 

If  there  was  any  one  class  of  men  in  the  army  which  was 
generally  disliked  more  than  another,  that  class  was  the  sut- 
lers, and  although  one  might  be  occasionally  found  who  was 
really  a good  man,  yet,  as  a rule,  they  were  a very  sordid  set, 
and  never  of  any  benefit,  except  as  retail  speculators,  who 
most  always  had  a claim  upon  the  advance  pay  of  the 
soldiers,  and  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  were  heartily  disliked 
by  them.  Every  opportunity  that  offered  itself  was  taken 
advantage  of,  and  the  men  would  do  something  to  annoy  this 
element  of  the  army.  No  one  thought  it  wrong  to  “beat” 
the  sutler  whenever  chance  permitted.  The  officers  used  to 
encourage  the  men  in  so  doing,  by  never  seeing  anything 
wrong  that  was  perpetrated,  and  if  complaint  was  made 
against  any  soldier,  the  colonel  could  never  find  time  to 
investigate  it. 

The  sutler  of  a cavalry  division  was  one  of  that  class  which 
was  greatly  disliked  by  the  men,  and  was  frequently  the  re- 
cipient of  a practical,  and  often  expensive,  joke. 

In  the  ranks  of  a certain  regiment  were  many  young  men 
who,  at  home,  were  of  the  better  element,  and  were  always 
recognized  by  their  officers  as  social  equals,  when  not  on 
duty.  One  of  these  fellows,  well  known  throughout  the  reg- 
iment for  his  liberality  and  love  of  fun,  conceived  the  idea  of 
having  some  sport  at  the  expense  of  the  sutler.  The  scion  of 
wealthy  parents,  he  possessed  unlimited  means  and  credit, 
all  of  which  his  intended  victim  well  knew.  One  day,  after 
the  regiment  had  been  on  dress  parade,  and  was  returning  to 
camp,  this  soldier  got  permission  from  the  colonel  to  treat  the 
whole  regiment,  and  as  they  were  passiug  the  sutler’s  tent  at 


PLAY  KATIE  DARLING. 


215 


the  time,  they  were  halted  and  drawn  up,  facing  it.  The  sut- 
ler came  out,  and  was  ordered  to  give  every  one  either  a 
drink  or  a cigar.  Knowing  his  man,  a broad  smile  spread 
over  the  features  of  the  merchant,  and  soon  the  boys  were 
being  served,  beginning  at  the  colonel,  and  so  on,  until  the 
last  private  had  either  a drink  of  whiskey  or  a cigar. 

The  young  man  then  rode  out  of  the  ranks,  and  addressing 
the  sutler,  said,  “ I have  been  in  this  regiment  for  over  a 
year,  and  am  confident  you  have  swindled  me  out  of  more 
than  a thousand  dollars,  and  propose  now  to  get  some  of  it 
back.  Colonel,  I am  obliged  to  you  for  giving  me  the  oppor- 
tunity of  doing  so.  Mister  Sutler,  you  chalk  that  down,  and 
when  the  charge  becomes  an  eyesore,  you  rub  it  out.”  This 
speech  was  followed  by  three  rousing  cheers,  and  the  regi- 
ment went  back  to  camp. 

“PLAY  KATIE  DARLING.” 

In  the  cavalry  branch  of  the  service  the  regimental  surgeon 
always  detailed  a man  from  the  ranks,  whose  duty  it  was  to 
carry  on  the  march  the  doctor's  medicine  chest,  and  this 
service  exempted  the  soldier  from  all  other. 

An  incident  occurred  in  the  Seventh  Virginia  once,  while 
on  the  march  through  a village  of  West  Virginia,  which  is 
worthy  of  note.  Private  C.,  a fine  young  fellow  who  was  very 
popular  ;vith  all  the  regiment,  and  a brave  soldier,  was  detailed 
from  the  arduous  duties  of  the  ranks,  to  perform  this  service. 

The  medicine  chest  was  a box  about  eighteen  inches  long, 
ten  inches  in  width  and  two-thirds  of  a foot  deep,  made  of 
mahogany  and  generally  covered  with  stout  leather.  As  the 
regiment  was  passing  along  the  street  above  mentioned,  the 
surgeon  and  his  aid  riding  together,  they  were  hailed  by  a 
little  negro  who  was  at  a cottage  gate  by  which  the  regiment 
was  passing.  “Mister,  O Mister!”  she  cried,  “please  play 
Katie  Darling  on  your  organ,”  mistaking  the  chest  which  C. 
carried  for  a hand-organ. 

Cheer  after  cheer  followed  this  request,  while  C.  turned  red 
to  the  roots  of  his  hair.  When  the  regiment  halted  he  told 


216 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  surgeon  to  detail  somebody  else  to  carry  the  chest , that 
he  had  rather  go  back  to  the  ranks  and  face  the  whole  Yankee 
army  single-handed,  than  stand  the  jokes  of  his  comrades  or 
be  considered  an  organ  grinder. 

“ WHAT  WILL  YOU  DO  NOW,  SIR  ? ” 

Vigilance  is  one  of  the  most  commendable  characteristics 
of  the  true  soldier.  He  who  is  ever  on  the  alert,  and  watch- 
ful of  the  interest  of  his  confiding  comrades,  in  the  hour  of 
danger,  is  always  regarded  with  respect.  The  great  mass  of 
men  who  constitute  an  army,  however,  cannot  be  intrusted 
with  this  important  task  without  some  supervision  and  dis- 
cipline. 

Every  camp  had  its  sentinels  regularly  posted,  and  the  du- 
ties of  those  on  guard  were  often  very  stringent.  Any  soldier 
who  slept  on  his  post  was  liable  to  be  shot,  and  if  he  deserted 
his  post,  and  went  over  to  the  enemy,  if  ever  captured,  his 
life  would  surely  pay  the  forfeit  of  his  treachery. 

No  trifling  with  sentinels  was  ever  permitted,  and  the  com- 
mand from  a sentinel  to  “halt,”  had  to  be  obeyed  by  any  to 
whom  it  was  addressed.  His  duties  were  full  of  responsibil- 
ities and  his  powers  supreme. 

That  every  man  might  be  known  to  be  faithfully  attend- 
ing to  his  duty,  certain  officers  were  detailed  to  supervise  the 
posts,  and  were  known  as  “ grand  rounds.”  They  were  al- 
ways accompanied  by  the  sergeant  of  the  guard,  and  never 
were  allowed  to  approach  too  closely  without  being  halted, 
and  made  to  give  the  countersign.  Colonel  N.  was  once  per- 
forming this  duty,  and  approaching  one  of  the  sentinels,  com- 
plimented him  upon  his  soldierly  bearing,  and  the  fine  condi- 
tion of  his  gun.  No  one  is  ever  allowed  to  give  up  their  gun 
while  on  post,  and  this  officer  was  only  striving,  by  working 
upon  the  vanity  of  the  soldier,  to  win  his  confidence,  and 
then  get  his  gun  from  him. 

“You  do  not  carry  your  gun  properly,”  remarked  the  colo- 
nel, coming  close  up  to  the  sentinel.  “Let  me  show  you  how 
to  carry  it,”  at  the  same  time  reaching  out  to  receive  from 
the  unsuspecting  soldier  his  musket. 


BATTERY  B. 


217 


The  man  promptly  handed  him  the  gun,  when  the  officer 
excitedly  exclaimed,  “ What  will  you  do  now,  sir  ? I have 
taken  your  gun  from  jtou,  a soldier  on  post ! ” 

Not  a moment  elapsed  ere  that  sentinel  had  realized  the 
perilous  position  in  which  he  had  heedlessly  put  himself,  and 
as  quick  as  a flash,  with  his  bare  fist,  he  knocked  Colonel  N. 
his  full  length  upon  the  ground,  and  before  the  astonished  of- 
ficer could  recover  himself,  had  regained  his  gun  and  resumed 
his  post. 

Colonel  N.  carried  a pair  of  black  eyes  for  several  weeks 
thereafter,  and  around  headquarters  it  was  reported  that  he 
had  been  kicked  in  the  face  by  a jackass.  It  is  needless  to 
state  that  he  never  attempted  to  tamper  with  another  sentinel. 

BATTERY  “B.” 

Battery  B,  under  the  command  of  Captain  H.,  occupied  one 
of  the  heaviest  works  which  formed  a part  of  the  Richmond 
defences.  The  captain  was  a very  efficient  officer,  an  accom- 
plished gentleman,  and  a very  strict  disciplinarian.  He  espec- 
ially prided  himself  upon  the  fine  display  which  his  men  were 
capable  of  making,  from  a military  standpoint,  and  was  very 
fond  of  dress  parades.  He  often  overtaxed  the  energies  of 
his  men  simply  to  please  his  many  friends,  both  male  and 
female,  who  often  rode  out  from  Richmond  to  visit  him. 

There  was  one  very  serious  affliction  from  which  the  captain 
suffered,  and  sometimes  it  was  very  annoying.  He  stammered 
while  speaking,  and  this  had  caused  confusion  in  his  ranks 
more  than  once.  Receiving  notice  that  the  Confederate  Cab- 
inet would  inspect  his  battery  one  morning,  he  prepared  to 
receive  them.  At  roll  call  he  notified  his  men  of  what  would 
take  place  the  next  day,  and  especially  intimated  that  they 
were  expected  to  lend  a cheerful  obedience  to  every  command 
and  thus  deport  themselves  as  creditably  as  possible.  In  due 
course  of  time  the  Presidential  party,  including  several  mem- 
bers of  the  fair  sex  arrived,  and  the  bugle  immediately  called 
the  men  to  the  parade  ground. 

All  acted  their  part  finely,  going  through  the  artillery  man- 


218 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ual  perfectly,  and  the  captain  began  the  infantry  evolutions. 
This  was  well  rendered  until  at  an  unfortunate  moment  as 
the  men  were  marching  company  front,  and  within  a few  feet 
of  the  embrasures,  Captain  H.  in  attempting  to  give  a com- 
mand began  to  stammer,  and  before  he  could  either  articulate 
that  order  or  halt  his  men,  they  were  climbing  upon  the  para- 
pets, some  over  the  walls  of  the  fort,  while  others  were 
marking  time.  He  had  been  unsuccessful  in  giving  the  com- 
mand and  finally,  amid  the  laughter  of  his  men  and  that  of 
the  spectators,  he  at  last  blurted  out,  “Go  to  the  devil,  every 
one  of  you!” 


“’nary  lock  left,  miss.” 

Everybody  has  heard  of  General  John  Morgan  of  Confed- 
erate cavalry  fame.  He  was  so  successful  as  a raider  that  the 
people  in  the  sections  through  which  he  passed  ever  dreaded  to 
hear  of  his  coming. 

After  many  hair-breadth  escapes  from  capture,  and  not  until 
he  had  inflicted  upon  the  Union  supply  trains  and  army  stock 
severe  damage,  was  he  at  length  captured  by  the  Federals, 
and,  having  been  proclaimed  an  outlaw  by  the  authorities  of 
Ohio,  was  turned  over  to  that  state  to  be  dealt  with  according 
to  its  laws.  He  was  tried  and  sentenced  to  the  Penitentiary. 
His  head  was  closely  cropped.  He  was  a fine  looking  man, 
and  could  boast  a splendid  head  of  raven  locks  which  flowed 
far  over  his  shoulders  in  profusion.  He  had  become  very  con- 
spicuous among  the  southern  people  and  was  highly  esteemed 
by  all  who  knew  him,  personally  or  otherwise. 

After  having  served  a part  of  his  sentence  in  the  Ohio 
prison,  he  escaped,  and  succeeded  in  making  his  way  back  to 
the  Confederate  lines.  While  en  route  to  Richmond  on  the 
cars,  between  Danville  and  the  above-named  city,  it  was 
learned  by  the  passengers  that  he  was  on  board  the  train,  and 
the  desire  to  see  and  shake  hands  with  him  was  very  great. 
All  ceremony  was  discarded,  and  only  sympathetic  congratu- 
lations were  in  order. 

General  Morgan  was  very  quietly  seated,  with  a large  wool 


L.  I.  G.’S.  219 

hat  drawn  closely  over  his  eyes,  in  order  to  conceal  his  feat- 
ures, and  the  loss  of  his  hair,  not  half  an  inch  in  length. 

A very  pretty  young  lady,  daughter  of  a Confederate 
Congressman,  introduced  herself,  and  offered  him  her  hand 
and  congratulations.  “ O General,”  she  exclaimed,  “ I am  so 
glad  you  have  escaped;  so  often  we  have  all  heard  of  your 
daring  exploits,  and  how  much  we  have  admired  them  ! Gen- 
eral,” she  continued,  “won't  you  give  me  a lock  of  your 
hair  as  a souvenir?  ” Unfortunate  request ! 

Old  John  had  sat  quietly,  as  above  stated,  during  all  of 
this  innocent  gush  of  admiration,  but  upon  that  request  be- 
ing made,  he  straightened  himself,  and  lifting  his  broad- 
brimmed  hat  high  above  his  head,  he  exclaimed,  “ Nary  lock 
left,  Miss,”  and  again  resumed  his  former  position,  as  the 
young  lady  stood  with  crimson  cheeks,  and  the  passengers 
roared  with  laughter. 

“L.  I.  G.’S.” 

In  many  parts  of  the  South  during  the  war,  boys  too  young 
to  be  enrolled,  as  also  men  over  the  age  of  conscription,  were 
banded  together  as  militia,  and  were  known  as  Home  Guards. 
If  an  enemy  made  his  appearance  in  the  districts  not  protected 
by  the  regular  army,  these  fellows  would  be  called  together 
and  held  to  meet  an  emergency. 

Just  such  a motley  crowd  were  banded  together  on  the 
south  side  of  the  James  river,  during  the  year  1862-3,  and  it 
often  happened  that  their  captain  called  them  together  to 
guard  against  the  approach  of  an  imaginary  foe. 

The  officer  in  command  of  this  crowd  was  an  ambitious  old 
planter,  whose  idea  of  self-importance  was  well  known  to  his 
company  , in  fact  it  was  decidedly  more  conspicuous  than  his 
bravery.  The  clan  had  never  met  the  foe,  and  while  the  cap- 
tain seemed  anxious  to  catch  them,  somehow  it  always  hap- 
pened that  he  didn’t.  No  especial  discipline  was  required  in 
the  ranks  of  the  Light  Infantry  Guards ; every  man  did  as 
he  pleased,  and  made  his  own  choice  of  weapons  and  uniform; 
muskets,  shot-guns  and  pistols  were  all  brought  into  requisi- 
tion, while  none  of  the  crowd  were  familiar  with  the  tactics. 


220 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Knowing  their  captain's  failing,  and  being  desirous  of  hav- 
ing some  sport,  the  boys  thought  they  would  play  a joke  on 
him  one  night.  Everything  was  peaceful  on  the  line,  when 
suddenly  firing  began,  and  the  pickets  fell  back  and  reported 
the  enemy  advancing  in  force.  It  had  been  prearranged  that 
a number  of  their  body  should  impersonate  the  foe,  and  these 
had  left  camp  after  nightfall  and  gone  in  advance  of  the  pick-  - 
ets.  Soon  they  were  concealed  on  the  roadside,  and  awaited 
the  coming  of  the  L.  I.  G.’s,  whom  the  firing  had  aroused. 

Soon  all  of  the  boys  in  camp  fell  in  line,  and  as  the  captain 
had  no  idea  how  many  there  had  been,  roll-call  being  a thing 
seldom  known,  did  not  miss  those  who  were  absent.  Now 
they  moved  forward  to  meet  the  foe,  well  known  to  all  except 
the  captain  to  be  some  of  their  own  number. 

Those  who  were  in  ambush,  waited  until  the  company 
passed  their  position,  when  they  opened  a simultaneous  fire  of' 
blank  cartridges  into  their  rear.  Taken  completely  by  sur- 
prise, the  captain  of  this  go-as-you-please  sort  of  procession, 
began  to  give  orders : “ Right  about ! by  the  left  flank ! 
double-quick  ! ” he  shouted  in  the  dark,  “ the  Yankees  have 
ambushed  us,  and  will  hang  every  one  they  capture,  sure.” 
He  then  darted  into  the  woods,  followed  by  the  boys,  nor  did 
he  stop  until  he  reached  his  camp. 

Next  day,  when  told  of  the  joke,  he  immediately  resigned, 
nor  ever  afterward  did  he  express  a desire  to  meet  the  Yan- 
kees. 


THE  FLATTENED  BULLET. 

The  troops  of  Major-General  Butler  had  landed  ten  days 
before  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  and  were  making  desperate  ef- 
forts to  carry  the  Confederate  lines,  which  were  the  key  to 
Dre wry’s  Bluff.  The  fire  upon  Fort  Stevens  was  especially 
severe,  from  both  artillery  and  infantry ; utmost  precaution 
was  being  taken  by  the  officers  commanding  the  batteries  in- 
side the  works,  to  protect  the  gunners  from  the  deadly  aim  of 
the  Federal  sharpshooters. 

It  was  almost  certain  death  to  show  one’s  head  above  the 


ONE  THOUSAND  NINE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTY  YARDS.  221 

works,  and  yet  a sort  of  dare-devil  fellow,  belonging  to  one 
of  the  guns,  mounted  the  works,  and  catching  his  red  cap 
from  his  head,  swung  it  defiantly  at  the  enemy.  Just  then  a 
bullet  struck  him  squarely  in  the  forehead,  and  he  toppled 
over,  from  all  appearances,  dead.  The  stretcher-bearers 
lifted  his  body  and  bore  it  to  the  rear,  where  they  left  it, 
with  many  others,  either  dead  or  Avounded. 

Soon  the  field  surgeon,  passing  that  way,  began  to  examine 
the  bodies,  and  chanced  to  see  this  one.  The  hole  in  his 
forehead  plainly  told  the  tale,  and  the  doctor  was  quite  cer- 
tain that  the  fellow  thus  shot,  and  lying  perfectly  motionless, 
was  dead,  yet  placing  an  instrument  in  the  wound,  to  his  sur- 
prise he  found  that  its  pressure  was  resisted. 

Upon  close  examination  he  found  that  the  skull  was  not 
broken,  and  proceeded  to  cut  the  ball  out.  A large  musket 
ball  was  taken  from  beneath  the  skin,  and  was  found  to  have 
been  flattened  out  as  thinly  as  a copper  cent. 

The  man  was  not  dead,  only  stunned  to  insensibility,  and 
in  time  revived.  Two  weeks  later  that  fellow  was  again  at 
his  post.  After  this  he  often  said  that  the  bullet  had  never 
been  made  which  would  crack  his  skull,  and  as  he  never  was 
shot  again,  we  will  have  to  believe  him. 

ONE  THOUSAND  NINE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTY  YARDS. 

Swift  Creek  is  between  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  and  is 
crossed  by  the  turnpike  connecting  the  two  cities.  The  Con- 
federates had  earth-works  along  the  bluffs  of  this  creek,  the 
waters  of  which  flowed  into  the  Appomattox  river. 

Across  the  creek  in  the  distance,  were  the  Union  lines,  and 
between  the  hostile  forces  was  a dense  skirt  of  pine  timber. 
A sentinel  was  doing  duty  on  the  Confederate  works,  and  the 
Union  sharpshooters  were  attempting  to  pick  him  off. 

From  the  top  of  a large  pine  tree  was  seen  a puff  of  smoke, 
and  the  sentinel  fell  dead.  The  distance  was  so  great  that  no 
danger  had  been  apprehended,  nor  could  the  report  of  the  rifle 
be  heard.  When  the  Federal  line  had  been  driven  back,  the 
distance  from  where  the  sentinel  fell,  to  the  top  of  the  tree, 


222 


BLUE  AMT)  GRAY. 


was  taken,  and  proved  to  be  nineteen  hundred  and  sixty 
yards  ; or,  one  mile,  two  hundred  yards. 

THE  ZOUAVES  AMT)  TIGERS. 

Everybody  has  heard  of  Billy  Wilson’s  Zouaves,  as  also  of 
the  Louisiana  Tigers.  The  former  were  composed  of  that 
class  of  New  York  society  who  had  spent  much  of  their  lives 
at  the  expense  of  the  city,  on  Blackwell’s  Island,  while  the 
latter  were  composed  of  the  ragtag  and  bobtail  of  the  city 
of  New  Orleans. 

Had  every  man  in  both  of  these  commands  been  killed  at 
one  time,  doubtless  both  cities  would  have  been  the  recipients 
of  a great  blessing,  but  that  was  not  to  be  expected,  however. 
These  fellows  were  so  degraded  in  their  habits  that  they 
would  steal  from  their  comrades,  nor  would  the  soldiers  of 
either  army  associate  with  them. 

They  first  made  their  appearance  on  the  peninsula,  during 
the  campaign  of  1862,  and  meeting  in  hostile  array,  both  sides 
were  severely  handled.  Not  being  satisfied  with  muskets 
alone,  they  carried  huge  cutlasses,  weapons  weighing  nearly 
ten  pounds.  They  came  in  collision  on  the  Williamsburg 
road,  about  New  Kent  court-house,  and  then  and  there  began 
to  slaughter  each  other  so  fiercely  that  one  is  forcibly  reminded 
of  the  Irishman’s  description  of  the  battle  between  the  Kil- 
kenny cats,  who  said : — 

■ “ There  once  were  two  cats  in  Kilkenny, 

And  each  thought  there  was  one  cat  too  many, 

So  they  quarreled  and  they  fit, 

And  they  scratched  and  they  bit. 

Until,  excepting  their  nails  and  the  tips  of  their  tails, 
Instead  of  two  cats,  there  weren't  any.” 

After  the  battle  was  over,  it  was  found  that  these  fellows 
had  so  butchered  each  other  that  it  was  necessary  to  disband 
them.  A rather  solemn  and  yet  amusing  joke  is  told  about 
one  of  these,  which  is  too  good  to  be  lost,  and  therefore  shall 
be  handed  down  to  posterity. 

The  Confederates  gathered  up  the  wounded  from  the  field, 


A LIVELY  CHASE. 


223 


when  the  fight  was  over,  and  were  attending  to  their  wants  in 
a field-hospital.  In  this  there  were  several  hundred  of  the 
New  Yorkers,  mixed  in  with  the  Tigers,  many  of  both  so 
terribly  cut  up  that  recovery  was  not  to  be  thought  of.  A 
sergeant  of  ihe  Tigers  came  in  the  hospital  to  look  after  many 
members  of  his  company,  and  passing  along,  saw  one  of  the 
Zouaves,  whose  body  was  frightfully  mutilated,  writhing  in 
the  agonies  of  death.  His  brain,  however,  was  clear,  and  as 
the  soldier  came  up,  he  implored  him,  as  a special  favor,  to 
kill  him.  This  he  declined  to  do,  but  stepping  back  to  where 
the  surgeons  were  amputating  limbs,  said  to  one  of  them  that 
the  man  had  asked  him  to  kill  him,  as  a special  favor,  and 
desired  to  know  what  his  chances  of  recovery  were.  The 
surgeon  told  him  the  man  would  die  in  an  hour,  but  forbade 
him  doing  anything  of  the  kind,  as  mentioned.  He  then 
went  back  to  the  wounded  man  and  told  him  what  the  sur- 
geon had  said,  and  prevailed  on  him  to  be  patient,  as  death 
would  soon  relieve  him  of  all  trouble.  This  did  not  satisfy 
the  wounded  man,  and  he  continued  to  beg  him  to  put  an  end 
to  his  misery,  and  so  persistent  was  he  that  the  sergeant,  in 
the  presence  of  many  others,  drew  his  cutlass  and  deliberately 
killed  him,  and  then  turning  from  the  sight,  coolly  asked  if 
there  were  “ any  more  fools  present  who  wanted  to  die,”  and 
walked  out  of  the  tent. 

A LIVELY  CHASE. 

A very  amusing  scene  was  enacted  on  the  Charles  City 
road,  below  Richmond,  between  the  Confederate  and  Union 
scouts. 

The  Confederates  had  ridden  close  to  the  Union  lines, 
and  the  horsemen  of  the  latter  gave  them  chase.  There 
were  not  more  than  half-a-dozen  engaged  in  this  frolic.  The 
rebs  dashed  up  the  road,  the  Yanks  in  hot  pursuit.  Soon  the 
former  came  to  a sudden  halt,  and  turned  upon  the  advanc- 
ing foe,  who,  seeing  that  the  advantage  was  with  the  rebs, 
thus  quietly  awaiting  their  approach,  with  rifles  ready  to  fire, 
as  suddenly  wheeled  and  ran  back.  At  this  maneuver  the 


•K 


224 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


rebs  gave  chase,  and  soon  the  Yanks  played  the  same  game, 
and  awaited  the  coming  of  the  rebs.  In  this  way  matters 
continued  for  some  time,  and  after  an  ineffectual  attempt  on 
the  part  of  both,  they  returned  to  their  respective  lines  none 
the  worse  off  than  when  this  laughable  chase  began,  several 
hours  before. 

BEN  butler’s  STRATEGY. 

From  the  batteries  at  Howlett’s  House  and  Drewrv's  Bluff, 
an  easy  view  of  the  works  of  General  Butler,  engaged  in  dig- 
ging the  Dutch  Gap  canal,  could  be  obtained,  and  the  bat- 
teries had  but  little  trouble  in  getting  range  upon  liis  men. 

For  quite  a length  of  time  those  who  were  engaged  in  re- 
moving the  earth  from  the  proposed  canal,  were  greatly  an- 
noyed by  the  shells  from  the  forts  above  referred  to,  and  they 
were  found  to  be  a serious  obstacle.  As  a last  resort,  Gen- 
eral Butler  placed  a squad  of  Confederate  prisoners  in  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  those  engaged  in  the  work,  giving  the 
Confederate  artillerist  notice  of  what  he  had  done.  Cruel  as 
this  act  was,  he  did  not  scruple  to  do  it,  and  thus  carried  his 
point.  The  guns  of  both  forts  were  silenced,  and  old  Benja- 
min dug  his  ditch  in  peace. 

A SAD  FATE. 

During  the  siege  of  Petersburg  a Confederate  general  ob- 
tained leave  of  absence  from  the  commander-in-chief  to  visit 
Richmond.  The  object  of  this  visit  was  that  he  might  be 
married.  The  officer  hastened  to  meet  his  expectant  bride, 
and  only  a few  hours  elapsed  before  he  was  bound  in  the 
bonds  of  matrimony. 

Not  an  hour  had  elapsed,  after  this  happy  event  had  trans- 
pired, when  a dispatch  from  General  Lee  ordered  his  immedi- 
ate return,  as  the  threatening  attitude  of  the  enemy  de- 
manded his  presence.  This  mandate  the  bridegroom  of  an 
hour  promptly  obeyed,  without  a murmur,  taking  the  first 
train  for  Petersburg. 

In  less  than  twenty-four  hours  the  terrible  assault  at 


BISHOP  SIMPSON-  AND  THE  FLAG. 


225 


Hatcher's  Run  was  made,  and  during  the  encounter  which 
ensued,  this  man  was  struck  by  a shell,  and  his  head  com- 
pletely taken  from  his  body.  The  next  day  his  lifeless  form 
was  sent  back  to  Richmond  to  his  beautiful  wife. 

This  melancholy  reminiscence  is  given  without  comment, 
as  it  is  but  one  instance  of  the  many  thousands  where  the 
miseries  of  war  were  entailed  upon  the  domestic  circle. 

BISHOP  SIMPSON  AND  THE  FLAG. 

Of  all  the  eloquent  advocates  whose  words  inspired  Amer- 
ican hearts  with  a love  for  the  flag,  in  the  days  of  the  civil 
war,  not  one  excelled  this  gifted  bishop  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church. 

During  the  autumn  of  1864  he  was  presiding  over  the  de- 
liberations of  the  Pittsburg  conference.  After  the  introduc- 
tory services,  he,  for  more  than  an  hour,  addressed  the  vast 
audience  of  talented  ladies  and  gentlemen,  on  the  following 
questions : 

Shall  our  Government  be  destroyed,  and  swept  from  the 
earth  ? 

Can  we  be  divided  into  two  or  more  Governments  ? 

Shall  we  have  a new  form  of  Government  ? 

Is  not  the  nation  to  rise  out  of  the  present  troubles  better, 
firmer  and  more  powerful  ? 

As  he  proceeded  in  his  magnificent,  grand,  and  eloquent  ad- 
dress, the  whole  assembly  seemed  spellbound  under  its  influ- 
ence, save  when  a mighty  tide  of  applause  would  burst  forth. 
Just  as  he  reached  the  peroration  of  his  remarks,  the  speaker 
took  up  the  torn  and  bullet-riddled  colors  of  the  Seventy- 
third  Ohio  regiment,  and  in  burning  words  spoke  of  the 
many  battlefields  on  which  they  had  been  baptized  in  blood ; 
of  the  beauty  of  the  flag  itself,  as  a small  patch  of  azure, 
filled  with  stars,  which  an  angel  had  snatched  from  the  heav- 
enly canopy,  to  deck  the  crimson  stripes.  The  effect  of  the 
description,  and  the  appeal,  were  wonderful,  and  when  the 
climax  was  reached  by  the  words,  “ place  the  flag  beneath, 
and  only  a little  lower  than  the  cross,”  a scene,  such  as 
15 


226 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Demosthenes  might  well  have  envied,  was  the  result.  The 
whole  congregation  arose,  as  if  by  magic  influence,  scream- 
ing, sobbing  and  shouting ; the  air  was  filled  with  hats  and 
handkerchiefs ; everything  was  wild  with  excitement. 

Colonel  Moody  sprang  upon  the  top  of  a seat,  and  called 
for  the  “ Star  Spangled  Banner,”  which  was  sung,  or  shouted, 
until  the  vast  audience  dispersed. 

This  was  undoubtedly  the  most  remarkable  scene  which 
ever  transpired  upon  the  continent. 

AN  INCIDENT  OF  EARLY  ASSOCIATION. 

When  hostilities  first  began,  and  the  excitement  over  the 
bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter  was  greatest,  two  young  men 
sat  in  their  room,  at  the  boarding-house,  at  the  University  of 
Virginia.  They  were  roommates ; one  a native  of  Virginia, 
the  other  a resident  of  Boston,  Massachusetts. 

The  students,  composed  of  men  from  every  state  in  the 
Union,  were  very  much  excited.  Many  were  making  prepa- 
rations to  return  to  their  homes ; among  these  were  the  two 
above  alluded  to,  and  between  whom  a close  feeling  of  regard 
had  sprung  up  which  no  trifling  affair  could  sunder.  Just 
now  their  minds  were  too  busy,  their  hearts  too  full  for  utter- 
ance.. At  last  the  native  inquired  of  the  Boston  boy  whether 
ihe  was  going  in  the  army.  “No,”  he  replied;  “I  believe  the 
action  of  the  South  to  be  very  hasty,  and  think  her  leaders 
will  see  their  error,  but  in  the  event  the  worst  does  come,  I 
, cannot  think  that  I will  ever  raise  my  arm  to  strike  a blow 
against  those  for  whom  I have  formed  so  strong  an  attach- 
ment. I don't  think  this  matter  will  amount  to  much,  how- 
ever ; do  you  .?  ” he  asked.  “ I cannot  answer  that  question,” 
rejoined  the  other. 

That  night  at  the  railroad  station  at  Gordonsville,  these  two 
boys  parted,  one  returning  to  his  distant  New  England  home, 
while  the  other  went  to  Richmond.  War  in  all  of  its  most 
• sickening  and  miserable  horrors  came  most  rapidly  on,  and 
the;  native  often  thought  of  his  college  chum  of  Boston. 

Time,  that  soother  of  bitterest  grief  and  destroyer  of  dear- 


AN"  INCIDENT  OF  EARLY  ASSOCIATION". 


227 


est  memories,  sped  on,  until,  amid  the  bloody  scenes  of  battle, 
or  the  excitement  of  the  camp,  the  past  was  engulfed  in  obliv- 
ion and  the  classmate  was  forgotten. 

The  campaign  of  1864  found  the  hostile  forces  of  Grant  and 
Lee  facing  each  other,  upon  the  deplorable  field  of  Spottsyl- 
vania.  Amid  the  hottest  hours  of  the  conflict,  at  a time 
when  human  life  was  being  sacrificed  in  sickening  abundance 
and  the  field  of  battle  was  filled  with  the  sound  of  moaning 
and  grief,  the  cry  of  suffering  fell  upon  the  ear  of  a Confeder- 
ate officer  who  chanced  to  be  riding  over  a certain  part  of  the 
field,  from  which  the  Union  line  had  retired,  and  in  turning 
his  horse’s  head  in  the  direction  indicated,  he  beheld  a captain 
of  the  Federal  army,  seemingly  in  the  throes  of  death. 

Dismounting,  to  render  whatever  assistance  might  lie  in 
his  power,  he  drew  near  the  prostrate  man,  when,  to  his  as- 
tonishment, he  recognized  his  classmate  of  four  years  before. 
Reason  had  not  forsaken  her  throne,  and  while  only  speedy 
relief  could  assure  the  safety  of  the  precious  life  so  fast  ebb- 
ing away  from  sheer  exhaustion  and  loss  of  blood,  the 
wounded  man  turned  toward  his  supposed  enemy,  and  asked 
for  water.  This  was  quickly  given  him,  and  the  Confederate 
pronounced  his  name. 

“Who  are  you?”  asked  the  Federal.  “Your  roommate  at 
the  Virginia  University,”  responded  the  other.  The  surprise 
was  mutual,  but  there  was  no  time  for  explanations. 

Mounting  his  horse,  the  Confederate  moved  off,  and  soon 
found  the  field  surgeon,  whom  he  briefly  acquainted  with  the 
facts,  and  together  they  returned,  accompanied  by  two  men 
and  a stretcher,  to  the  spot  where  the  wounded  man  lay. 

The  surgeon  administered  stimulants,  temporarily  band- 
aged the  wound  in  the  breast,  and  the  soldier  was  gently 
lifted,  placed  on  the  stretcher  by  his  friend  of  former  years, 
and  was  borne  by  the  men  to  the  rear. 

At  the  hospital  a close  examination  of  the  wound  demon- 
strated beyond  a doubt  that  a vital  cord  had  been  severed  by 
the  bullet  which  penetrated  his  body,  and  that  death  was 
inevitable. 


228 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


All  that  night  the  Confederate  watched  by  the  death- 
couch  of  his  youthful  college  friend,  and  though  the  power  of 
speech  had  been  overcome,  yet  the  intelligent  look  which 
beamed  in  the  eye  of  the  dying  man,  portrayed  plainly  enough 
what  the  lips  fain  would  whisper. 

As  the  first  dawn  of  light  flashed  in  the  east,  a glance  into 
the  calm  face  told  plainly  that  his  end  was  fast  approaching, 
and  as  the  golden  beams  of  the  sun's  morning  rays  reflected 
themselves  upon  the  features  of  that  handsome  soldier,  his 
spirit  took  its  flight,  and  left  a semblance  of  calm  repose 
upon  the  alabaster  cheek  of  death. 

In  a soldier's  grave,  made  hallowed  by  the  sympathy  of  a 
former  classmate,  he  was  decently  buried,  and  over  his  rest- 
ing-place was  reared  a temporary  slab  of  wood,  upon  which 
was  inscribed  his  name  and  regiment. 

Thus  is  briefly  told  the  story  which  is  still  fresh  in  the 
mind  of  the  writer,  and  while  the  ashes  of  the  dead  may  have 
long  ago  lost  their  identity,  and  his  name  forgotten  by  those 
to  whom  he  was  endeared  by  kindred  ties,  still  his  memory 
will  ever  live  in  the  bosom  of  his  friend,  nor  shall  time  oblit- 
erate the  sympathy  of  his  college  companion. 

“ALL  QUIET  ALONG  THE  POTOMAC  TO-NIGHT.” 

The  following  beautiful  lines  are  from  the  gifted  pen  of  a 
private  soldier,  Theodore  Oliver,  of  the  Second  Georgia  regi- 
ment, who  lost  his  life  in  the  late  war. 

“All  quiet  along  the  Potomac  to-night,” 

Except  now  and  then  a stray  picket 

Is  shot,  as  he  walks  on  his  beat  to  and  fro, 

By  a rifleman,  hid  in  the  thicket. 

’Tis  nothing — a private  or  two  now  and  then 
Will  not  count  in  the  news  of  the  battle; 

Not  an  officer  lost,  only  one  of  the  men 
Moaning  out,  all  alone,  the  death  rattle. 

“ All  quiet  along  the  Potomac  to-night,” 

Where  the  soldiers  lie  peacefully  dreaming; 

Their  tents,  in  the  rays  of  the  clear  autumn  moon, 

Or  the  light  of  the  watch-fires,  are  gleaming. 


ALL  QUIET  ALONG  THE  POTOMAC  TO-NIGHT.  229 


A tremulous  sigh,  as  the  gentle  night  wind 
Through  the  forest  leaves  slowly  is  creeping. 

While  the  stars  up  above,  with  their  glittering  eyes, 
Keep  guard,  — for  the  army  is  sleeping. 

There  is  only  the  sound  of  the  lone  sentry’s  tread 
As  he  tramps  from  the  rock  to  the  fountain, 

And  thinks  of  the  two  on  the  low  trundle-bed, 

Far  away  in  the  cot  on  the  mountain. 

His  musket  falls  slack,  his  face,  dark  and  grim, 
Grows  gentle  with  memories  tender, 

As  he  mutters  a prayer  for  his  children  asleep, 

For  their  mother,  may  heaven  defend  her! 

The  moon  seems  to  shine  as  brightly  as  then, 

That  night,  when  the  love  yet  unspoken 
Leaped  up  to  his  lips,  and  when  low,  murmured  vows 
Were  pledged  to  be  ever  unbroken. 

Then  drawing  his  sleeve  roughly  over  his  eyes, 

He  dashes  off  tears  that  are  welling, 

And  gathers  his  gun  close  up  to  its  place, 

As  if  to  keep  down  the  heart-swelling. 

He  passes  the  fountain,  the  blasted  pine  tree, 

The  footstep  is  lagging  and  weary, 

Yet  onward  he  goes,  through  the  broad  belt  of  light, 
Toward  the  shades  of  the  forest  so  dreary. 

Hark!  was  it  the  night  wind  that  rustled  the  leaves? 

Was  it  moonlight  so  wondrously  flashing? 

It  looked  like  a x-ifle,  — ah  Mary,  good  by! 

And  the  life-blood  is  ebbing  and  splashing. 

“All  quiet  along  the  Potomac  to-night,” 

No  sound  save  the  rush  of  the  river, 

While  soft  falls  the  dew  on  the  face  of  the  dead  — 

The  picket’s  off  duty  forever. 


230 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

PEN  PICTURES  OF  FAMOUS  GENERALS. 

ULYSSES  S.  GRANT. 

In  1864  the  features  and  form  of  this  commander  were  not 
as  familiar  to  the  American  people  as  they  now  are. 

When  he  established  his  headquarters  with  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  there  was  much  anxiety  on  the  part  of  the 
soldiers  to  see  the  hero  of  Shiloh,  Fort  Donaldson,  and  Vicks- 
burg. There  was  great  faith  in  his  ability,  and  much  was  ex- 
pected from  the  results  of  the  campaign  in  which  he  was  to 
lead.  It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  of  May  fifth ; the  battle 
of  the  Wilderness  had  just  begun;  the  troops  of  Warren  and 
Ewell  had  been  engaged  in  a deadly  struggle  on  the  old  Wil 
derness  pike  for  several  hours,  and  the  crash  of  battle  was  then 
extending  for  a long  distance  through  the  dense  tangled  forest, 
as  other  troops  of  both  armies  were  hurried  to  the  front. 
Hundreds  of  wounded  men  were  pouring  to  the  rear,  while 
the  whole  struggle  was  concealed  from  view  by  the  dense  pine 
foliage. 

The  feelings  of  admiration  awakened  in  the  breast  on 
beholding  this  man  on  whom  such  a load  of  responsibility 
was  resting,  was  wonderful.  He  sat  upon  his  horse  at  a point 
near  where  the  Germania  Ford  road  crossed  at  right  angles 
the  old  Wilderness  pike.  His  staff  and  military  escort  were 
near  at  hand.  He  was  dressed  in  a simple  fatigue  suit  of  uni- 
form ; the  only  indications  of  rank  were  the  three  small  golden 
stars  upon  either  shoulder,  and  the  cord  and  tassels  upon  his 
slouched  black  hat.  Any  uniform  would  have  been  forgotten 
in  that  moment.  Short,  thickly  set,  firmly  and  well  built,  his 
shoulders  were  square  and  broad,  his  neck  thick,  head  large, 
with  finely  formed  features,  countenance  of  a cast-iron  expres- 


ROBERT  E.  LEE.  231 

sion,  a vision  which  seemed  to  take  in  the  whole  situation  at 
a single  glance, — he  looked  like  a statue. 

As  little  as  was  known  about  the  situation  of  the  army,  or 
the  pending  result  of  the  great  battle  then  raging,  there  could 
be  read  in  that  silent  and  immovable  countenance  one  fact: 
there  were  to  be  no  more  retreats  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
His  form  became  a very  familiar  one  before  the  final  surrender 
of  Lee’s  army  at  Appomattox.  The  troops  all  learned  to  ad- 
mire and  repose  great  confidence  in  the  ability  of  the  silent, 
unostentatious,  yet  stubborn  man,  who  persisted  in  pounding 
the  enemy  to  death. 

When  the  end  came  the  generous  terms  granted  to  General 
Lee  and  his  soldiers,  won  all  hearts  in  both  armies.  Since 
those  days  his  countrymen  have  awarded  him  the  highest  gift 
in  their  power  to  bestow,  and  the  civilized  world  did  him  honor 
which  has  never  been  bestowed  upon  any  other  man. 

May  his  life  be  spared  for  many  3rears  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of 
his  genius  and  toil. 


ROBERT  E.  LEE. 

The  subject  of  this  brief  and  imperfect  sketch,  at  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  war,  was  an  officer  in  the  regular  army.  To 
draw  a pen  picture  of  the  man,  which  would  be  considered  at 
all  accurate,  in  the  minds  of  those  who  were  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  him,  is  not  here  guaranteed,  nor  can  it  be 
expected  that  one  who  had  no  personal  acquaintance  with 
him  can  speak  of  his  private  characteristics  with  any  assur- 
ance of  certainty.  Howbeit,  we  feel  justified  in  laying  be- 
fore the  reader  our  ideas  and  belief  in  this  regard,  and  only 
regret  that  our  knowledge  of  General  Robert-  E.  Lee  is  so 
limited  and  imperfect. 

The  campaign  of  1862,  when  he  assumed  command  of  the 
southern  forces  on  the  peninsula,  Joseph  E.  Johnston  being 
unfit  from  wounds,  to  longer  lead  them,  brought  prominently 
before  the  people  this  officer,  who  afterward  became  so  justly 
famous  throughout  the  civilized  globe.  From  limited  obser- 
vation at  the  time,  our  remembrance  of  him  is  slight,  but  his 


232 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


keen  eye  and  stern  features,  together  with  his  commanding, 
yet  unassuming,  presence,  produced  an  impression  which 
would  have  been  quite  lasting,  had  not  the  effects  of  future 
events  so  changed  the  features  of  the  man  and  imprinted  upon 
that  splendid  countenance  the  stamp  of  care  and  premature 
decay.  The  raven  locks,  which  in  luxuriant  abundance  cov- 
ered his  finely  formed  head,  became  rapidly  gray,  and  dull 
anxiety  rested  its  heavy  burden  upon  his  stout  form,  until 
the  head  naturally  bowed  down  under  such  tremendous 
pressure. 

It  was  often  the  case  that  General  Lee  would  ride  around 
his  lines  in  company  with  some  of  his  aids,  and  it  was  then 
that  the  superiority  of  the  man  was  more  prominently  discov- 
ered, by  comparison. 

In  dress  he  was  very  plain,  considering  the  position  he  occu- 
pied. Often  a fatigue  suit,  simply  decorated  with  a concealed 
star,  being  his  only  dress,  and  often  his  rank  could  not  be 
discerned. 

His  broad  face,  covered  over  with  a thick  beard,  which 
seemingly  became  more  silvered  day  after  day,  was  never  mis- 
taken by  his  troops,  and  his  presence  was  always  recognized 
by  a cheering  shout.  Naturally  he  was  unostentatious  and 
courteous  in  his  manner,  ever  recognizing  the  honor  which 
was  bestowed  upon  him  by  his  men  in  appropriate  terms  of 
politeness,  and  whenever  saluted  by  any  member  of  his  com- 
mand, he  invariably  returned  it.  These  marks  of  soldierly 
bearing  won  for  him  the  adoration  of  the  army,  and  sealed 
that  confidence  which  was  ever  displayed  by  the  soldiers. 

Well  does  the  writer  remember  him  while  undergoing  that 
trying  ordeal  at  the  final  surrender  of  the  army  at  Appomat- 
tox, with  which  every  one  is  familiar. 

As  he  sat  upon  his  horse,  surrounded  by  the  staff  of  his  an- 
tagonist, in  that  hour  when  the  decimated  ranks  of  his  war- 
worn  and  dispirited  soldiers  pressed  closely  upon  him  in  the 
vain  hope  of  catching  the  last  words  which  would  ever  fall 
from  his  lips,  as  their  commander,  then,  when  every  eye  was 
dimmed  with  tears,  and  the  choking  sensation  in  his  throat 


PHILLIP  H.  SHERIDAN. 


233 


strangled  his  utterance,  he  looked  the  man  which  his  past 
record  had  proven  him  to  be,  and  in  his  humiliating  position, 
drew  expressions  of  manly  admiration  from  his  antagonist 
which  raised  him  higher  in  the  eyes  and  sympathy  of  the  mar- 
shaled thousands,  who  victoriously  surrounded  him.  There 
are  times  in  life  which  try  men’s  souls,  and  at  these  the  supe- 
riority of  greatness  is  fully  manifested  in  the  dignity  which 
surrounds  the  victim. 

No  pen  can  ever  do  justice  to  Robert  E.  Lee  at  the  supreme 
moment  of  his  humiliation,  nor  portray  in  letters  of  adequate 
truth  the  manly  feelings  which  rankled  in  his  bosom.  From 
the  plain  of  his  defeat  he  retired  to  the  ranks  of  civil  life,  and 
when  its  cares,  which  had  so  burdened  him,  pressed  him  down 
to  the  grave,  the  man  alone  died,  for  his  deeds  and  his  memory 
are  immortal. 


PHILIP  H.  SHERIDAN. 

Without  doubt  this  man  was  the  most  remarkably  brilliant 
and  successful  general  developed  in  the  Union  army  during 
the  civil  war. 

His  career  was  one  of  marked  success,  being  undimmed  by 
a single  cloud.  His  victories  were  the  most  glorious  ever  won 
by  the  commander  of  an  army.  At  his  command  the  very 
earth  trembled  beneath  the  furious  tread  of  his  invincible 
legions  of  war  steeds,  as  led  on  by  this  perfect  warrior,  his 
soldiers  rushed  to  battle. 

He  was  a thick-set  man  of  short  stature,  deep  chested  and 
broad  shouldered ; his  legs  were  short,  his  head  large,  and, 
owing  to  the  peculiar  formation  of  his  neck,  seemed  to  rest 
on  his  shoulders;  his  features  were  inclined  to  coarseness;  a 
stub  beard  covered  his  face,  while  he  wore  a mustache,  also ; 
his  dress  while  upon  the  march  always  looked  slouchy  and 
ill-fitting.  A low  crowned,  soft  felt  hat  rested  upon  a portion 
of  the  back  of  his  head,  being  far  too  small  to  cover  the  whole 
of  it.  He  always  rode  at  a round  trot  and  bounded  up  and 
down  upon  his  horse  in  genuine  school-boy  style. 

He  was  perfectly  reckless  of  his  personal  safety  in  the  hour 


234 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


of  battle,  riding  amidst  the  storm  of  leaden  hail,  as  if  he 
courted  the  soldier's  death. 

As  a commander  he  was  active,  restless,  and  always  aggres- 
sive. All  had  a boundless  confidence  in  his  ability,  none 
fearing  to  follow  him  to  battle.  He  was  always  greeted  with 
great  enthusiasm  by  his  men,  and  his  approach  was  ever 
dreaded  by  his  foes.  He  won  some  fame  in  the  West  as  a 
leader,  but  the  unprecedented  fame  of  this  general  was  gained 
while  acting  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

His  campaign  in  the  valley  of  Virginia,  against  General 
Early,  was  the  most  brilliant  of  the  year,  and  his  ride  from 
Winchester  on  the  day  of  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  which 
has  been  so  finely  described  in  the  subjoined  poem,  gave  him 
a world-renowned  fame. 

To  Sheridan  must  be  awarded  much  of  the  credit  for  the 
capture  of  the  Confederates  on  their  retreat  from  Petersburg, 
and  for  their  final  overthrow  at  Appomattox. 

The  nation  is  fortunate  in  still  retaining  in  its  service  a 
man  of  such  high  and  merited  fame.  His  counterpart  would 
be  hard  to  find  if  such  there  really  is.  He  will  ever  be  held 
in  fond  recollection  by  the  veterans  of  the  late  war,  under  the 
familiar  title  of  “ Little  Phil.  ” 

sheridan's  ride. 

THOMAS  BUCHANAN  READ. 

Up  from  the  south  at  break  of  day, 

Bringing  to  Winchester  fresh  dismay, 

The  affrighted  air  with  a shudder  bore, 

Like  a herald  in  haste,  to  the  chieftain’s  door, 

The  terrible  grumble,  and  rumble,  and  roar, 

Telling  the  battle  was  on  once  more, 

And  Sheridan,  twenty  miles  away. 

And  wider  still  those  billows  of  war 
Thundered  along  the  horizon’s  bar; 

And  louder  yet  into  Winchester  rolled 
The  roar  of  that  red  sea  uncontrolled, 

Making  the  blood  of  the  listener  cold, 

As  he  thought  of  the  stake  in  that  fiery  fray, 

And  Sheridan,  twenty  miles  away. 


SHERIDAN’S  RIDE. 


235 


But  there  is  a road  from  Winchester  town, 

A good,  broad  highway,  leading  down, 

And  there  through  the  flash  of  the  morning  light, 

A steed  as  black  as  the  steeds  of  night 
Was  seen  to  pass,  as  wild  eagle  flight. 

As  if  he  knew  the  terrible  need, 

He  stretched  away  with  his  utmost  speed; 

Hills  rose  and  fell;  but  his  heart  was  gay, 

With  Sheridan  fifteen  miles  away. 

Still  sprung  from  those  swift  hoofs,  thundering  south, 
The  dust,  like  smoke  from  the  cannon’s  mouth, 

Or  the  trail  of  a comet,  sweeping  faster  and  faster, 
Foreboding  to  traitors  the  doom  of  disaster. 

The  heart  of  the  steed  and  the  heart  of  the  master 
Were  heating  like  prisoners  assaulting  their  walls, 
Impatient  to  be  whei-e  the  battlefield  calls; 

Every  nerve  of  the  charger  was  strained  to  full  play, 
With  Sheridan  only  ten  miles  away. 

Under  his  spurning  feet,  the  road 
Like  an  arrowy  Alpine  river  flowed, 

And  the  landscape  sped  away  behind 
Like  an  ocean  flying  before  the  wind; 

And  the  steed,  like  a bark  fed  with  furnace  ire, 

Swept  on,  with  his  wild  eye  full  of  fire. 

But  lo!  he  is  nearing  his  heart’s  desire; 

He  is  snuffing  the  smoke  of  the  roaring  fray 
With  Sheridan  only  five  miles  away. 

The  first  that  the  General  saw  were  the  groups 
Of  stragglers,  and  then  the  retreating  troops; 

What  was  done,  — what  to  do,  — a glance  told  him  both, 
And  striking  his  spurs,  with  a terrible  oath 
He  dashed  down  the  line,  ’mid  a storm  of  huzzas, 

And  the  wave  of  retreat  checked  its  course  there,  because 
The  sight  of  the  master  compelled  it  to  pause. 

With  foam  and  with  dust  the  black  charger  was  gray; 
By  the  flash  of  his  eye  and  his  red  nostril’s  play, 

He  seemed  to  the  whole  great  army  to  say, 

“I  have  brought  you  Sheridan  all  the  way 
From  Winchester  down,  to  save  the  day.” 

Hurrah!  hurrah  for  Sheridan! 

Hurrah!  hurrah  for  horse  and  man! 

And  when  their  statues  are  placed  on  high, 

Under  the  dome  of  the  Union  sky, 

The  American  soldier’s  temple  of  fame, 


236 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


There  with  the  glorious  General’s  name, 

Be  it  said  in  letters  both  bold  and  bright, 

“ Here  is  the  steed  that  saved  the  day 
By  carrying  Sheridan  into  the  fight, 

From  Winchester,  — twenty  miles  away.” 

STONEWALL  JACKSON. 

In  attempting  to  clo  justice  to  this  world-renowned  soldier 
we  feel  full)"  our  inability  to  portray,  in  the  slightest  degree, 
the  merit  which  so  honestly  belongs  to  the  undying  name  of 
General  Thomas  J.  Jackson. 

From  the  earliest  days  of  civilized  warfare  every  nation  has 
had  its  famous  chieftain.  From  the  days  of  Xerxes  and  Han- 
nibal down  to  the  present  century,  able  men  have  been  found 
who  have  led  victoriously  the  troops  under  their  command, 
and  their  name  is  legion  who  have  won  immortal  fame. 

England  boasts  of  her  Wellington,  and  France  of  her  Napo- 
leon ; America  hails  with  reverence  the  name  of  the  father  of 
his  country,  who,  a hundred  years  ago,  wrung  from  the  grasp 
of  the  oppressor  this  glorious  land  of  the  free ; yet  has  an 
entire  world  never,  with  one  accord,  l’endered  such  unbounded 
praise,  or  treated  with  such  marked  respect  the  name  of  any 
as  that  of  Stonewall  Jackson. 

A Christian,  a soldier,  a gentleman.  What  more  could  he  be  ? 

Acknowledging  the  supreme  hand  of  God  in  everything, 
he  humbly  bowed  before  His  divine  will. 

A soldier,  his  every  energy  and  his  life  were  given  his 
country.  While  others  slept,  Jackson  knelt  before  the  throne 
of  God  and  invoked  strength  and  instruction  ; while  his  oppo- 
nent tarried,  this  remarkable  man  swept  down  upon  him  like 
a tornado  from  a clear  sky. 

A gentleman ; no  one  could  assail  his  fair  fame,  or  point  at 
him  the  finger  of  discourtesy. 

Plain  and  unobtrusive,  he  wielded  a power  which,  from 
behind  the  throne,  was  “greater  than  the  throne  itself.” 

Idolized  by  his  men,  he  could  lead  them  on  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  deeds  which  no  one  else  would  dare  attempt. 

The  respect  in  which  he  was  held  by  his  troops  may  be  well 


STONEWALL  JACKSON.  237 

expressed  in  the  following  extract  from  a poem  written  in  his 
honor : 


“Silence!  Ground  arms!  Kneel  all!  Caps  off! 

Old  Blue  Lights  going  to  pray; 

Strangle  the  fool  who  dares  to  scoff  — 

Attention!  its  his  way. 

Appealing  from  his  native  sod, 

In  forma  pauperis  to  God  — 

‘Lay  bare  Thine  arm!  Stretch  forth  Thy  rod! 

Amen!’ — that’s  Stonewall’s  way.” 

At  the  hands  of  his  own  troops,  who  fired  upon  him  through 
mistake,  he  fell  upon  the  bloody  battlefield,  and  upon  that 
fatal  day,  while  the  fleeing  legions  of  the  enemy  told  that  the 
victory  of  the  day  rested  upon  the  southern  banners,  the  first 
great  and  irreparable  blow  was  struck  which  finally  culminated 
in  the  downfall  of  the  Confederacy. 

From  amid  the  galaxy  of  departed  heroes,  no  name  shines 
forth  with  a luster  greater  than  that  of  Jackson,  and  when 
other  centuries  shall  have  taken  the  place  of  this  one,  and  the 
march  of  science  has  made  mighty  strides,  even  then  the 
leaders  of  posterity  will  point  backward  to  the  name  of  the 
great  southern  hero,  as  a befitting  example  of  glory  and  honor. 

He  died  May  10th,  1863,  mourned  by  his  friends,  and 
admired  by  his  foes. 

“Ay,  toll!  toll!  toll! 

Toll  the  funeral  bell! 

So  let  its  mournful  echoes  roll 

From  sphere  to  sphere,  from  pole  to  pole, 

O’er  the  flight  of  the  greatest,  kingliest  soul 
That  ever  in  battle  fell. 

“Yes,  weep!  weep!  weep! 

Weep  for  the  hero  fled! 

For  death,  the  greatest  of  soldiers,  at  last 
Has  o’er  our  leader  his  black  pall  cast. 

From  earth  his  noble  form  hath  passed 
To  the  home  of  the  mighty  dead. 

“ Then  toll,  and  weep,  and  mourn! 

Mourn  the  fall  of  the  brave! 


238 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


For  Jackson,  whose  deeds  made  the  nation  proud 
Whose  very  name  was  a war  song  loud, 

With  the  ‘crimson  cross’  for  his  martial  shroud, 

Now  sleeps  his  long  sleep  in  the  grave. 

“ His  form  has  passed  away; 

His  voice  is  silent  and  still; 

No  more,  at  the  head  of  ‘the  old  brigade,’ 

The  daring  men  who  were  never  dismayed, 

Will  he  lead  them  to  glory  that  never  can  fade, 
Stonewall,  of  the  iron  will. 

“He  fell  as  a hero  should  fall; 

’Mid  the  thunder  of  war  he  died, 

While  the  rifle  cracked  and  the  cannon  roared, 

And  the  blood  of  the  friend  and  foeman  poured, 

He  dropped  from  his  nerveless  grasp  the  sword 
That  erst  was  the  nation’s  pride. 

“ Virginia,  his  mother,  is  bowed, 

Her  eyelids  heavy  and  low. 

From  all  the  south  comes  the  wailing  moan, 

And  mountain  and  valley  re-echo  the  groan 
For  the  gallant  chief  of  her  clans  has  flown  — 

The  nation  is  filled  with  woe. 

“ Rest,  warrior,  rest! 

Rest  in  thy  laureled  tomb! 

Thy  mem’ry  shall  live  to  earth’s  latest  years, 

Thy  name  shall  still  raise  the  despot’s  fears, 

While  o’er  thee  falls  a nation’s  tears; 

Thy  deeds  shall  not  perish  in  gloom.” 

GOUVERNEUR  K.  WARREN. 

Was  one  of  the  most  youthful  and  brilliant  commanders  in 
the  army ; one  who  deserved  much  at  the  hands  of  his  coun- 
try, and  yet  one  who  went  to  his  grave  a broken-hearted  man. 
Broken-hearted  by  the  treatment  received  from  his  superiors, 
whom  he  always  obeyed,  and  the  country  which  he  so  faith- 
fully served. 

He  was  a most  skillful  engineer,  a wise  and  safe  counselor, 
and  a brilliant,  tireless  commander. 

He  was  first  prominently  brought  before  the  world  by  the 
deeds  he  performed  at  the  ill-starred  battle  of  Chancellors- 


GOUVERNEUR  K.  WARREN. 


239 


ville,  where  he  acted  as  messenger  between  Generals  Hooker 
and  Sedgwick.  Day  and  night  he  was  in  the  saddle  without 
rest,  making  himself  familiar  with  the  country  and  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy. 

Had  his  advice  been  followed,  undoubtedly  Chancellorsville 
would  have  been  a glorious  Union  victory. 

At  Gettysburg  he  was  chief  engineer  of  the  army,  and  as 
such,  rendered  the  most  valuable  service. 

His  timely  discovery  of  the  importance  of  Little  Round 
Top,  on  the  National  left,  saved  the  victory  to  the  Union 
cause. 

In  the  campaign  which  followed  he  was  in  command  of  the 
Second  corps,  General  Hancock  being  disabled  by  wounds 
received  at  Gettysburg,  and  while  in  command  he  gained  a 
brilliant  victory  over  the  Confederates  at  Bristow’s  Station  in 
October,  1863. 

He  was  in  command  of  the  Fifth  corps  during  Grant’s  cam- 
paign in  1864,  and  was  distinguished  for  his  brave  and  brilliant 
movements.  When  the  campaign  opened  in  1865,  his  corps 
was  sent  to  co-operate  upon  the  Union  left,  Avith  the  cavalry, 
the  whole  being  under  the  command  of  General  Sheridan. 
General  Warren’s  troops  encountered  the  enemy  on  the  twen- 
ty-ninth, thirtieth  and  thirty-first  days  of  March,  in  each  in- 
stance pressing  them  backward. 

On  the  first  day  of  April  by  a dashing  movement  he  flanked 
their  position  on  the  White  Oak  road,  at  Five  Forks,  and 
gained  a complete  victory,  capturing  many  thousands  of  pris- 
oners. General  Sheridan  arrived  upon  the  field,  with  his  cav- 
alry at  the  moment  of  this  success,  and  to  the  astonishment 
and  disgust  of  the  whole  Fifth  corps,  relieved  General  War- 
ren of  his  command ; an  action  both  unjust  and  cruel,  and 
one  which  has  never  been  satisfactorily  explained. 

General  Warren  endeavored  for  seventeen  years  to  obtain  a 
hearing  before  a tribunal  of  his  countrymen,  his  entire  pri- 
vate fortune  being  expended  in  the  attempt,  and  then  died 
before  the  cherished  boon  was  granted . 

General  Sheridan  bears  many  honors  which  the  most  exalted 


240 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


may  well  covet ; he  also  bears  the  responsibility  of  that  one 
act,  which  the  most  degraded  would  gladly  be  excused  from 
assuming.  » 

In  person  General  Warren  was  of  slight  form,  black  eyes, 
which  gleamed  with  the  earnestness  and  intensity  of  Iris  active 
mind,  dark  complexion,  long  black  hair,  and  fine  Grecian  feat- 
ures. A model  soldier,  a skillful  commander,  a dead,  yet 
beloved  comrade. 


JAMES  LONGSTREET. 

One  of  the  most  noted  lieutenants  of  General  Lee  is  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  and  while  men  may  differ  in  opinion  as 
regards  the  course  which  he  pursued  after  the  cessation  of 
hostilities,  it  is  not  for  us  to  judge  of  his  private  opinions  in 
any  degree. 

Our  aim  here  is  to  speak  of  the  man  only  from  a military 
standpoint,  and  render  unto  this  able  soldier  the  meed  of 
praise  which  he  so  justly  merits,  and  to  which  he  is  so  honestly 
entitled. 

The  impression  we  have  always  associated  with  this  man’s 
name,  when  speaking  of  his  prowess  in  the  field,  has  ever  been 
coupled  with  ability  and  endurance. 

If  an  important  post  was  to  be  occupied,  or  dangerous  line 
held,  Longstreet’s  corps  was  invariably  selected  to  perform 
the  service. 

One  of  the  most  noted  characteristics  of  the  man  was  his 
bull-dog  tenacity,  when  once  he  got  hold  and  his  position  was 
established.  It  was  seldom  that  his  corps  was  driven  from 
any  position  which  it  assumed,  and  while  he  would  never  fall 
back,  unless  ordered,  singularly  he  seldom  advanced  when  the 
fortunes  of  war  gave  brilliant  opportunity  for  glorious  achieve- 
ment. His  motto  ever  seemed  to  be  obedience  of  instructions 
strictly  to  the  letter. 

In  person  James  Longstreet  was  rather  a stern  visaged  man; 
his  well-formed  head  rested  upon  a finely  developed  neck  and 
shoulders;  in  stature  he  was  tall  and  commanding;  a heavy 
sandy  beard  so  completely  covered  his  face  that  his  features 


WINFIELD  S.  HANCOCK.  241 

were  partly  concealed,  yet  his  penetrating  blue  eyes  gave  much 
expression  to  his  general  appearance. 

One  fine  opportunity  was  given  the  writer  to  study  the  man 
while  his  whole  mind  was  centered  on  a single  thought,  and  it 
was  then  that  the  impressions  which  are  here  given  were 
formed. 

In  the  hour  of  battle  General  Longstreet  never  swerved 
from  his  perilous  responsibility,  and  still  he  could  not  be 
termed  a dashing  officer.  He  would  have  sooner  been  mis- 
taken for  an  easy  going  planter,  had  his  garb  been  different, 
than  for  the  soldier  which  he  really  was. 

He  enjoyed  perfectly  the  confidence  of  his  troops  who  were 
ever  ready  to  follow  wherever  he  might  lead  them. 

His  name,  associated  with  those  of  the  brave  men  who  im- 
mortalized themselves  upon  the  bloody  battlefield  of  Gettys- 
burg, will  ever  live  in  the  respect  and  memory  of  every  true 
admirer  of  bravery  and  valor. 

When  the  final. act  of  surrender  was  being  considered,  he, 
holding  a part  of  the  Confederate  line  of  battle,  received  no- 
tice from  the  enemy  that  an  armistice  was  being  indulged  in 
on  other  parts  of  the  line,  by  order  of  the  commanding  gen- 
erals, and  was  requested  to  hold  his  fire.  This  he  refused  to 
do  unless  so  ordered  by  General  Lee,  and  did  continue  to 
hammer  away  at  the  Union  line  until  peremptorily  ordered  by 
General  Lee,  which  caused  him  to  forever  cease  firing.  As  he 
still  lives  any  words  of  eulogy  would  be  out  of  place  here  and 
we  refrain. 


WINFIELD  S.  HANCOCK. 

This  officer,  whose  name  became  so  familiar  to  the  American 
people  during  the  last  presidential  campaign,  was  one  of  the 
most  successful  leaders  in  the  army  of  the  Potomac.  He  was 
a tall,  straight,  fine-looking  man,  and  one  of  the  finest  horse- 
men in  the  service. 

The  Second  corps,  under  his  command,  became  as  gallant 
a body  of  troops  as  ever  marched  forth  to  battle,  and,  undoubt- 
edly, very  much  of  the  glory  which  they  won  on  the  field  of 
16 


242 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


carnage  can  be  traced  to  their  skillful  and  idolized  com- 
mander. 

His  services  at  Gettysburg  were  of  great  value,  and  during 
the  campaign  from  the  Rapidan  to  the  James,  he  was  one  of 
the  most  trusty  lieutenants  of  General  Grant.  The  famous 
charge  made  by  the  Second  corps  at  Spottsylvania,  was  the 
most  brilliant  event  of  the  campaign,  and  its  successful  exe- 
cution is  largely  due  to  the  skill  and  bravery  of  its  com- 
mander. 

His  military  record  is  so  bright  that  words  of  eulogy  can- 
not add  to  its  luster.  He  deserves  the  admiration  and  grati- 
tude of  the  whole  country  for  the  service  he  rendered  the 
Union  in  the  hour  of  her  travail.  May  he  live  for  many  years 
to  come,  and  enjoy  a prosperity  equal  to  the  bravery  he  dis- 
played upon  the  field  of  strife. 

AMBROSE  P.  HILL. 

General  Hill  enjoyed  much  of  the  respect  and  confidence 
of  his  commanding  general.  Being  a descendant  of  one  of 
the  oldest  families  of  Virginia,  he  early  gave  his  services  to 
his  native  state. 

Not  long  after  actual  hostilities  began,  the  name  of  this 
true  and  noble  scion  of  the  old  dominion  became  famous,  and 
his  star  of  importance  gradually  arose  toward  the  zenith  of 
its  glory. 

So  early  as  1862  General  Hill  had  become  famous,  and  the 
brilliant  record  which  he  had  achieved  during  the  campaign 
of  that  year,  never  forsook  him,  while  fresh  laurels  were  ever 
being  added  to  the  wreath  which  encircled  his  brow. 

The  finely  chiseled  features  of  this  man  were  remarkably 
striking,  and  brought  quickly  to  mind  the  quaint  old  maxim, 
vultus  est  index  animi  (the  countenance  is  an  index  to  the 
mind),  moreover,  he  Avas  a handsome  man.  Nothing  super- 
ficial marred  his  features,  nature,  seemingly,  having  especially 
perfected  his  cast,  and  stamped  upon  his  mold  the  chosen 
seal  of  God. 

Wherever  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  went,  there 


JOHX  SEDGWICK. 


243 


might  be  found  this  energetic  and  loyal  soldier.  If  his  sol- 
diers were  entrusted  with  any  responsible  undertaking,  they 
always  took  with  them  the  confidence  of  their  comrades. 

From  the  peninsula  to  Petersburg  this  gallant  son  of  the 
South  bore  a full  share  of  the  burdens  and  responsibilities  of 
that  dreadful  struggle  through  which  it  was  called  upon  to 
pass,  and  gave  up  his  life  at  the  very  hour  that  the  last 
stronghold  of  the  Confederacy  was  abandoned. 

On  Sunday  morning,  April  2d,  1865,  near  Petersburg,  this 
brave  man  fell,  fell  to  rise  no  more  on  earth.  His  corps  gave 
up  all  hope  when  their  leader  was  gone,  and  thousands  of 
those  who  had  borne  the  shock  of  a hundred  battlefields, 
wept  tears  of  bitter  sorrow  over  their  loss. 

If  the  cause  in  which  this  man  was  engaged  was  a mistaken 
idea,  so  be  it,  yet  his  sincerity  and  honor  will  live  on  unsul- 
lied, and  his  name  will  ever  find  a prominent  page  in  the  his- 
tory of  America. 

JOHN  SEDGWICK 

Was  a brave,  bluff,  able,  and  unostentatious  man,  beloved 
by  his  men  and  feared  by  his  foes,  who  had  learned  to  appre- 
ciate the  rugged  valor  of  the  man.  Imagine  a large  muscular 
man  clad  in  a simple  suit  of  blue,  and  an  old,  slouched  hat ; 
one  whose  head  and  face  were  covered  with  long  tangled  hair 
and  beard,  and  you  have  General  Sedgwick  as  he  looked  to 
the  careless  observer,  while  a closer  glance  would  have  re- 
vealed more  of  the  true  nature  of  the  man. 

A noble  brow,  broad  and  deep,  eyes  flashing  forth  an  intelli- 
gence, one  glance  of  which  would  sweep  a whole  battlefield 
and  analyze  the  situation;  his  head  erect,  and  a calm  self-pos- 
session which  won  the  hearts  of  his  men,  who  termed  him 
“Uncle  John,”  pervaded  his  entire  being. 

He  was  as  fearless  as  a lion,  a grand  fighter,  and  under  his 
leadership  the  Sixth  corps  did  noble  work  for  the  Federal 
Union. 

His  death,  at  Spottsylvania,  was  a national  calamity  which 
cast  a deep  gloom  over  the  army.  During  October,  1882, 


244 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  writer  visited  the  spot  on  which  he  was  shot,  near  the 
house  of  Mr.  Alsop.  The  place  is  unmarked  save  by  a small 
stump,  nearly  all  of  which  has  been  carried  away. 

It  is  a pity  the  survivors  of  his  old  command  do  not  inaugu- 
rate some  plan  whereby  an  enduring  monument  may  be  placed 
on  that  ridge  of  land  to  point  out  to  coming  generations  the 
spot  where  brave  “ old  John  Sedgwick  ” gave  up  his  life  to 
preserve  the  union  of  states. 

JOSEPH  E.  JOHNSTON. 

At  the  commencement  of  hostilities  every  one  in  the  South 
naturally  turned  to  General  Johnston  as  the  leader  of  the 
Confederate  forces.  Having  been  an  officer  of  the  regular 
army,  he  was  well  fitted  to  fill  this  responsible  post.  Com- 
manding in  appearance,  strict  in  military  discipline,  loyal  in 
purpose  toward  the  cause  he  had  espoused,  this  favored  son 
of  the  South  found  himself  suddenly  elevated  to  the  highest 
post  of  trust  to  which  his  admiring  countrymen  could  raise 
him. 

With  a well-equipped  army,  which  was  filled  with  enthusi- 
asm, he  faced  the  equally  defiant  forces  of  McClellan  upon 
the  historic  fields  of  the  James  river  peninsula,  from  York- 
town  to  Fair  Oaks,  and  it  has  been  said  of  him  that  his  skill- 
ful and  masterly  retreat  over  that  route  won  for  him  the  ad- 
miration of  military  men  everywhere. 

He  was  not  destined,  however,  to  lead  the  Army  of  North- 
ern Virginia  through  the  many  scenes  which  it  eventually  was 
called  upon  to  pass,  a wound  in  the  arm  so  disabling  him 
that  his  command  devolved  upon  the  shoulders  of  that  great- 
est of  the  great  men  of  the  South,  Robert  E.  Lee. 

In  appearance  this  general  was  very  marked.  The  regula- 
tion cut  of  hair  and  beard  was  most  prominently  conspicuous, 
while  in  deportment  he  was  very  exact  and  concise.  Of 
heavy  frame,  yet  light  in  weight,  he  was  what  might  have 
been  termed  a trim  man  in  physical  appearance,  as  he  was  far 
from  being  a fleshy  man.  His  expression  of  countenance 


CHARLES  GRIFFIN. 


245 


was  firm,  although  not  remarkably  attractive,  while  his  man- 
ners were  perfect  and  affable. 

He  seemed  to  fully  realize  the  dignity  and  importance  of 
his  station,  and  allowed  the  responsibilities  which  were  upon 
him  to  plainly  indicate  themselves. 

As  an  able  officer  he  will  be  ever  remembered,  and  as  one 
of  the  main  military  pillars  of  the  rebellion  his  name  will  go 
down  to  posterity  as  the  last  general  officer  who  surrendered 
to  the  Union  forces,  and  forever  furled  his  banner. 

CHARLES  GRIFFIN 

Arose  from  the  command  of  a battery,  at  the  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  until  he  commanded  the  Fifth  corps,  at  Appomattox. 
During  a large  part  of  the  interval  he  was  in  command  of  the 
first  division  of  that  corps,  and  as  such  was  distinguished  for 
his  remarkable  ability. 

A tall,  straight,  well-formed  man ; every  inch  a soldier ! 
one  would  involuntarily  exclaim  on  seeing  him.  His  head 
was  always  erect,  while  his  chin,  sharp  and  large,  extended 
well  to  the  front.  His  men  believed  in  him  and  were  ready 
to  go  wherever  “ Old  Griff  ” should  direct. 

His  presence  was  always  an  inspiration,  and  when  he  rode 
along  Iris  line,  the  air  was  filled  with  caps,  and  a wild  chorus 
of  cheers  would  arise  on  every  hand. 

He  seemed  to  bear  a charmed  life,  and  although  reckless  in 
exposing  his  form  to  the  fire  of  the  foe,  the  bullets  all  passed 
harmlessly  by  this  beloved  leader. 

With  the  corps,  during  the  campaign  of  ’63,  he  led  his  di- 
vision from  the  Wilderness  to  Hatcher’s  Run ; in  1864,  his 
flag  was  cheerfully  followed  from  thence  to  Appomattox  in 
1865,  and  then  back  through  Petersburg,  Richmond,  and 
Fredericksburg  to  Washington.  He  took  part  in  the  great 
review  which  followed,  and  bade  his  soldiers  farewell  on  Ar- 
lington Heights.  Soon  afterward  he  died  of  yellow  fever,  in 
Texas. 

The  stars  and  stripes,  during  the  civil  war,  had  no  braver 
defender  than  Major-General  Charles  Griffin. 


246 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


WADE  HAMPTON. 

This  man,  who  has  been  ever  held  in  high  regard  by  the 
people  of  his  native  state  of  South  Carolina,  took  an  active 
part  in  the  army  of  the  rebellion  as  a cavalry  leader,  first 
making  his  debut  as  the  commander  of  a famous  legion  which 
bore  his  name. 

Since  the  close  of  hostilities  he  has  ever  remained  promi- 
nently before  the  people  of  the  Union,  and  has  for  a long  time 
occupied  high  positions  in  the  state  and  national  councils. 

At  the  death  of  the  lamented  Stuart,  he  was  promoted  to 
full  generalship,  and  led  the  cavalry  arm  of  the  Confederacy 
to  the  end  of  the  war.  General  Hampton  was  an  able  officer 
and  very  daring  in  his  undertakings.  To  him  must  be  accred- 
ited the  bold  and  hazardous  feat  performed  in  the  early  fall 
of  1864,  of  raiding  around  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  and 
capturing  from  their  rear  the  immense  herd  of  cattle,  which 
came  so  opportunely  to  the  hungry  soldiers  of  the  South. 
This  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant  strokes  ever  performed  dur- 
ing the  war  by  the  cavalry  leaders  of  either  side,  and  gave  to 
Hampton  an  enviable  name  of  which  he  well  may  feel  proud. 

A graceful  horseman,  he  attracted  much  admiration.  Ever 
restless,  and  fired  with  an  indomitable  will  and  courage,  he 
was  continually  on  the  alert,  and  considering  the  condition 
of  the  Confederate  cavalry  at  the  time  he  took  command, 
his  campaigns  must  be  considered  brilliant. 

He  still  lives,  however,  and  the  fame  of  his  deeds  of  the 
past  are  engulfed  in  the  present  prowess  of  the  man.  Other 
pens,  at  some  future  date,  will  be  expected  to  do  full  credit 
to  the  man  and  his  memory,  while  thousands  yet  unborn  will 
admire  the  dashing  spirit  of  this  bold  and  chivalrous  leader. 

AMBROSE  E.  BURNSIDE. 

This  officer  possessed  many  elements  of  true  greatness,  yet 
lacked  many  which  are  necessary  in  a man  to  constitute  a 
great  soldier. 

His  command  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  should  never 
have  been  larger  than  that  of  a division.  His  promotion  was 


GEORGE  E.  PICKETT. 


247 


unsought  by  him,  however,  and  his  consent  to  accept  such  a * 
responsibility  was  not  given  until  he  was  satisfied  he  could 
no  longer  honorably  decline. 

He  was  a fine-looking  officer,  one  whose  form  was  too  fa- 
miliar with  our  readers  to  require  a description  and  his  pict- 
ures in  resembling  each  other,  are  true  likenesses  of  the 
original. 

His  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  brief,  as  also 
the  darkest  in  its  history.  The  blunder  at  Fredericksburg 
was  a terrible  blow,  made  more  disastrous  perhaps,  by  the 
lukewarmness  of  subordinates.  He,  voluntarily,  bore  all  the 
responsibility  of  that  failure,  and  when  removed,  remained  a 
loyal  and  brave  defender  of  the  country’s  flag. 

In  admiring  the  man,  forget  the  mistakes  of  the  soldier. 
At  his  death  the  nation  lost  a brave  and  able  senator.  May 
both  the  civil  and  military  arm  of  the  Union  ever  abound  in 
men  who  are  his  equals  in  all  that  makes  them  true  and  great. 

GEORGE  E.  PICKETT. 

So  long  as  the  history  of  America  lives,  just  so  long  will 
be  found  recorded  therein  the  name  of  this  man,  a division 
commander  in  the  late  war,  yet  in  the  earlier  stages  of  the 
struggle  he  commanded  a brigade,  consisting  of  the  Eighth, 
Eighteenth,  Nineteenth,  Twenty-eighth  and  Fifty-sixth  regi- 
ments of  Virginia  infantry. 

He  was  unknown  to  an  admiring  world,  who  is  ever  ready 
to  recognize  superior  genius,  until  exceptionally  brought  to 
the  front  rank  of  brave  men,  on  the  afternoon  of  July  3d, 
1863,  on  the  memorable  field  of  Gettysburg. 

The  last  line  had  been  formed,  which  constituted  the  full 
corps  of  Longstreet,  to  make  the  final  charge  upon  the  works 
of  Major-General  Hancock.  These  brave  men  felt  the  hope- 
lessness of  this  suicidal  step  deeply  and  mournfully,  yet, 
fired  -\vith  that  patriotic  fame  which  they  had  so  often 
experienced,  and  looking  only  to  the  mandates  of  their  sol- 
dierly duties,  they  began  the  ascent  of  that  terrible  hill  of 
death  and  ruin,  unflinchingly  led  on  by  George  E.  Pickett. 


248 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Kemper,  Garnett  and  Armistead  were  in  the  van,  surrounded 
on  every  side  by  the  brave  soldiers  of  their  respective  bri- 
gades, but  the  brightest  star  amid  that  galaxy  of  devoted  he- 
roes was  the  man  who  led  the  advance. 

As  volley  after  volley  belched  forth  from  the  throats  of  the 
Federal  cannon  swept  through  his  serried  ranks,  carrying 
away  whole  lines  of  living  beings  down  to  eternal  death,  his 
voice  could  be  heard  above  that  dreadful  roar.  The  din  of 
death-dealing  fury  had  no  power  to  check  the  impetuosity  of 
this  bold  and  determined  leader,  who,  upon  that  melancholy 
field,  was  to  evince  a spirit  of  manly  valor,  never  before 
reached. 

When  the  right  was  over,  and  the  ranks,  so  decimated  and 
torn,  retreated  from  the  line,  which,  for  a moment,  they  had 
wrung  from  the  flower  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  their 
gallant  leader  was  still  there,  and,  by  his  superior  skill,  with- 
drew his  shattered  legions  with  a display  of  courage  worthier 
of  a better  fate. 

The  field  of  Gettysburg,  on  which  was  spilt,  like  rain,  the 
best  blood  of  Virginia,  will  ever  be  associated  with  the  name 
of  this  famous  leader,  who  ranks  so  high  amid  the  lights  of 
the  past. 


GEORGE  B.  MCCLELLAN. 

It  was  the  misfortune  of  this  officer  to  be  placed  in  com- 
mand in  the  early  days  of  the  war,  before  the  vigorous  and 
impatient  people  learned  that  it  required  time  and  patience  to 
organize  and  discipline  an  army  of  a hundred  thousand  men. 
Another  misfortune  equally  as  great  was  that  he  evidently 
lacked  some  of  the  qualifications  necessary  to  lead  such  an 
army  successfully,  when  it  was  thoroughly  organized. 

In  appearance  he  was  the  model  soldier ; possessing  a fine 
physique  and  handsome  features ; a superb  horseman,  a skill- 
ful engineer,  thorough  disciplinarian,  and  a kind-hearted 
officer,  he  won  the  love  of  his  entire  command. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  created  by  him,  and  it  never 
ceased  to  worship  its  creator.  Many  persons,  inspired  by  the 


FITZHUGH  LEE. 


249 


heat  of  political  prejudice,  have  connected  harsh  terms  with 
his  name,  but  the  impartial  historian  must  admit  that,  while 
his  conservatism,  indecision,  lack  of  energy  and  rapidity  in 
the  execution  of  a proposed  movement,  were  all  fatal  to  the 
claims  of  rare  generalship,  yet  he  was  loyal  and  brave,  pains- 
taking in  all  his  methods  of  labor,  and  that  he  exhibited  great 
talent  in  many  directions. 

Had  the  Government  manifested  more  sympathy  in  his 
plans,  and  given  a more  cordial  support,  his  efforts  would  have 
been  more  satisfactory. 

He  is  yet  living,  and  has  the  sweet  consolation  of  knowing 
that,  so  long  as  there  are  any  survivors  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  “ Little  Mac  ” will  ever  be  remembered. 

FITZHUGH  LEE. 

Perhaps  no  other  cavalry  officer  enjoyed  more  generally  the 
confidence  and  esteem  of  his  superiors,  inferiors,  and  the  com- 
mon soldiery,  than  did  this  officer.  Second  in  command  of 
the  cavalry  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  and  a nephew 
of  the  general-in-chief  of  the  southern  forces,  he  enjoyed  a 
reputation  of  great  esteem.  In  the  early  days  of  the  war  he 
was  rather  spare  in  build;  his  countenance  was  bright  and 
pleasing,  spirits  lively,  and  thoroughly  imbued  with  the  cause 
in  which  he  was  engaged.  His  uncle  had  a very  great  confi- 
dence in  his  ability,  and  was  well  acquainted  with  his  spirit 
and  daring. 

In  being  selected  to  fill  the  post  which  he  so  deservedly 
occupied,  he  had  the  full  approval  of  the  leaders  of  the  cause, 
and  the  hearty  acquiescence  of  the  soldiers  who  constituted 
his  command. 

In  camp,  on  the  march,  or  in  the  fight  Fitz  Lee  was  always 
the  same  good-hearted,  brave  and  jovial  soul,  ever  ready  to 
indulge  in  appropriate  fun,  or  turn  to  the  stern  duties  of  the 
hour  and  face  the  foe.  He  was  thoroughly  respected  by  his 
men,  and  his  commands  were  ever  cheerfully  and  confidently 
obeyed.  Those  who  knew  him  more  intimately  enjoyed  his 
society  to  a marked  degree,  both  as  an  officer  and  a gentleman. 


250 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


The  boldness  of  his  daring  is  especially  signalized  in  his 
successful  escape  from  the  clutches  of  General  Grant  on  the 
retreat  from  Petersburg,  and  the  annoyance  which  he  created 
by  cutting  the  South  Side  railroad  behind  the  Federal  army 
while  in  pursuit  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  toward 
Appomattox. 

Since  the  cause  for  which  he  fought  was  lost,  General  Lee 
has  ever  remained  popular,  and  as  a good  and  honorable  citi- 
zen has  retained  the  respect  of  the  people  of  both  North  and 
South.  He  still  lives. 

GEORGE  G.  MEADE 

Had  won  an  enviable  reputation  as  a soldier  before  he  was 
called  to  the  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

On  the  peninsula  and  at  Antietam,  his  daring  was  very 
conspicuous.  At  Fredericksburg,  upon  the  left  of  the  Na- 
tional line,  under  General  Franklin’s  immediate  command,  it 
was  the  division  of  General  Meade,  led  by  its  brilliant  com- 
mander, which  made  the  famous  charge  upon  the  Confederate 
troops  when  their  position  was  seized,  the  only  point  where 
the  Union  forces  gained  a foothold  within  their  lines  during 
that  terrible  battle. 

'When  placed  in  command  of  the  army,  on  the  eve  of  the 
great  battle  of  Gettysburg,  the  soldiers  had  the  fullest  confi- 
dence in  his  ability,  and  during  all  the  bloody  struggles  which 
followed  he  never  forfeited  their  confidence.  No  man  ever 
appeared  to  comprehend  the  responsibility  of  his  position 
more  than  he  did. 

A tall,  spare  man,  with  large  frame,  which  seemed  to  stoop 
under  the  great  burdens  placed  upon  it ; his  countenance  was 
very  expressive  and  deeply  seamed  with  lines  of  care  ; sharp 
eyes,  high  bold  brow,  large  Roman  nose,  face  and  lip  covered 
with  full  beard  and  mustache.  His  was  a form  which,  when 
once  seen,  would  not  soon  be  forgotten.  His  dress  was  always 
plain,  and  when  he  rode  along  the  lines,  he  always  seemed  to 
be  looking  upon  the  ground,  at  a point  about  twenty  yards  in 
advance  of  him.  He  was  always  received  with  enthusiastic 


JOSEPH  HOOKER. 


251 


cheers  at  such  times.  When  seen,  that  well-known  stooping 
form,  enveloped  in  a huge  brown  overcoat,  riding  out  to  su- 
perintend the  formation  of  his  battle  lines,  a sensational  feel- 
ing of  security  was  always  felt. 

The  country  mourned  over  his  death,  and  will  always  re- 
member him  as  the  successful  commander  of  its  mightiest 
army,  in  its  hours  of  greatest  peril. 

JOSEPH  HOOKER. 

The  name  of  this  brave,  brilliant,  reckless,  and  ambitious 
officer  is  most  intimately  connected  with  the  history  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac. 

As  a division  commander  he  was  successful ; it  was  in  this 
subordinate  position  that  he  won  his  laurels,  and  the  famous 
title  of  “Fighting  Joe.”  At  Williamsburg,  on  the  peninsula, 
and  at  Antietam,  he  won  much  fame,  and  when  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  supersede  Burnside,  in  the  winter  of  1863,  much 
was  expected  of  him. 

The  army  was  reorganized  and  inspired  with  new  life  and 
hope.  The  cavalry  arm  of  the  service  was  made  effective, 
and  when  he  moved  to  open  the  spring  campaign,  at  Chancel- 
lorsville,  it  was  with  an  army  superior  in  numbers  and  disci- 
pline to  any  ever  marshaled  upon  the  continent. 

The  battle  of  Chancellorsville  was  well  planned,  but  from 
the  moment  it  began,  the  whole  management  was  most 
wretchedly  conducted,  and  notwithstanding  the  gallant  be- 
havior of  the  national  troops,  the  daring  and  skill  of  corps 
and  division  commanders,  it  resulted  in  the  most  disgraceful 
defeat  to  the  Union  arms,  of  any  field  in  Virginia.  A cloud 
of  mystery  has  always  concealed  many  events  of  this  inglori- 
ous field  from  the  public  view,  and  let  it  be  hoped,  for  the 
sake  of  the  country’s  honor,  that  that  cloud  may  never  be 
removed. 

General  Hooker  rendered  grand  service  in  the  southwest, 
after  he  resigned  his  position  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
and  did  much  to  regain  his  lost  honors.  That  tall,  erect 
form,  neatly  clad  in  the  uniform  of  a major-general,  will  be 


252 


BLUE  AMD  GRAY. 


well  remembered.  The  full,  red  face  and  prominent  feat- 
ures ! How  he  used  to  dash  around  the  lines,  far  in  advance 
of  any  of  his  staff  officers,  will  not  be  forgotten.  It  is  better 
to  forget  his  failures,  and  remember  only  his  virtues,  as  we 
say  good  by. 


GEORGE  CUSTER 

Was  the  brilliant,  dashing,  chivalrous  cavalier  of  the  Union 
army.  Young  in  years,  slight  in  form,  a face  destitute  of 
beard,  save  a slight  mustache  ; he  had  a decidedly  boyish  ap- 
pearance, yet  no  veteran  in  any  army  ever  exhibited  so  little 
fear  in  the  hours  of  danger  as  did  this  dashing  cavalryman. 
His  uniform  was  well  decorated  with  gold  lace ; his  hair  was 
long,  and  hung  in  golden  curls  far  down  upon  his  shoulders. 
As  a commander  he  was  both  restless  and  tireless  ; always  in 
the  saddle,  he  was  either  operating  upon  the  flanks  and  rear 
of  the  enemy,  or  battering  him  in  the  front.  He  was  per- 
fectly at  his  ease  in  either  place,  and  evidently  was  as  fond  of 
charging,  with  his  dashing  troopers,  upon  a battery  of  artil- 
lery, as  upon  a baggage  train. 

That  he  escaped  with  his  life  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
was  a surprise  to  every  one  who  knew  his  reckless  daring. 
His  soldiers  all  worshiped  him,  and  would  go  anywhere  he 
ordered.  Upon  one  occasion  he  was  seen  charging,  with  his 
squadrons,  upon  the  foe,  in  the  midst  of  a fearful  storm  of 
leaden  hail.  An  old  officer,  near  by,  noticing  how  his  men 
followed  the  flag  of  their  leader,  muttered,  “ Those  fellows 
would  ride  through  the  gates  of  hell  if  Custer  should  lead 
the  way.” 

His  tragic  death  near  the  Rosebud  river  sent  a thrill  of  sor- 
row through  the  whole  country. 

HENRY  A.  WISE. 

From  the  hours  of  Know  Nothingism,  down  to  the  time  of 
his  death,  there  was  not  a man  in  the  entire  South  who  figured 
more  conspicuously  in  the  annals  of  its  history  than  this  man. 

Napoleon  Bonaparte  was  said  to  be  “ grand,  gloomy,  and 


JAMES  L.  KEMPER.  253 

peculiar,”  and  of  this  man  it  might  with  equal  appropriate- 
ness be  remarked,  he  was  bright,  brave,  and  contrary. 

With  Henry  A.  Wise,  as  governor  of  Virginia,  began  the 
first  gloomy  foreboding  of  sectional  strife,  and  }-et  this  man 
did  everything  he  could  to  stave  off  the  impending  catastro- 
phe. He  counciled  moderation  in  the  administration  of  the 
punishment  which  John  Brown  underwent,  and  opposed  many 
of  the  ideas  of  brilliant  members  of  the  Virginia  legislature, 
on  the  eve  of  its  secession  declaration. 

When  the  smoke  from  the  guns  which  were  fired  on  Sum- 
ter had  cleared  away,  and  the  battle  of  Roanoke  Island  had 
deprived  him  of  his  favorite  son,  the  vials  of  resentful  wrath 
suddenly  burst,  and  there  was  not  a more  bitter  partisan 
south  of  the  Potomac. 

He  was  a noted  lawyer,  who  made  a fine  governor,  his  ex- 
ecutive ability  being  second  to  none,  but  his  military  talents 
were  never  brilliantly  displayed,  neither  did  he  especially  dis- 
tinguish himself  in  the  minds  of  men  of  great  military  skill. 
His  forensic  talents  were  a perfect  success,  his  oratorical  pow- 
ers being  wonderful,  and  his  bitter  denunciations,  when  once 
let  loose,  were  ever  afterward  felt  by  those  on  whom  they  fell. 
His  prejudice  was  very  strong,  while  his  regard  was  eternal. 

In  appearance,  he  was  tall  and  commanding  as  a Roman, 
his  sharp,  penetrating  eyes  having  fine  expression  and  deep 
significance.  His  features  were  very  regular,  his  expansive 
forehead  giving  every  indication  of  the  brain  power  which  he 
possessed.  He  was  especially  noted  for  his  overbearing  and 
vindictive  spirit,  which  weakness  made  him  less  popular. 

He  is  dead,  and  those  who  knew  him  best  can  truthfully 
claim  that  he  left  many  worse  men  behind. 

JAMES  L.  KEMPER. 

This  man  commanded  a brigade  in  General  Longstreet’s 
corps,  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia.  This  gallant  son 
of  the  Old  Dominion  was  by  profession  a lawyer,  who  early 
tendered  his  services  to  his  mother  state  in  the  hour  of  her 
peril. 


254 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


General  Kemper  took  an  active  part  in  the  campaigns  in 
which  Longstreet’s  corps  were  engaged  down  to  and  includ- 
ing the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  On  the  afternoon  of  July  third, 
he  was  severely  wounded  while  engaged,  and  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  Federals.  Being  soon  exchanged,  and  still  suf- 
fering from  his  wound,  he  took  command  of  the  defences 
around  Richmond,  the  nature  of  his  wound  being  such  as  to 
unfit  him  for  active  service.  Peace  having  been  restored  he 
retired  to  the  walks  of  civil  life,  and  soon  after  became  one  of 
the  leading  spirits  of  reconstructed  Virginia. 

By  his  wise  suggestions  much  good  was  accomplished  in  the 
restoration  of  the  affected  portions  of  the  state  to  peace  and 
harmony. 

Not  many  years  after  the  close  of  the  war  he  became  a can- 
didate and  was  elected  to  fill  the  executive  chair  of  the  state, 
a position  which  he  occupied  with  ability  and  honor  to  him- 
self and  his  state. 

When  the  statue  of  “Stonewall”  Jackson  was  unveiled,  in 
the  presence  of  thousands  of  eye  witnesses,  General  Kemper, 
who  was  at  that  time  governor,  delivered  the  dedicatory  ad- 
dress, and  showed  in  a marked  degree  his  ability  and  talent  as 
an  orator  as  well  as  a soldier.  He  still  lives  to  do  honor  to 
Virginia  as  one  of  her  noblest  sons. 

JTTBAL  EARLY. 

This  is  another  son  of  Virginia  who  figured  conspicuously 
during  the  war. 

As  a brigade  commander,  he  was  a great  success,  yet,  when 
promoted  to  a higher  station,  the  fortunes  of  war  seemed  to 
be  against  him. 

Of  his  personal  appearance  or  private  character  we  know 
very  little,  and  only  remember  his  prominent  military  ex- 
ploits at  this  writing. 

To  him  must  be  accredited  the  glorious  victory  gained  over 
the  Federal  troops  at  Cedar  Creek,  and  also  to  his  misman- 
agement must  be  ascribed  the  inglorious  defeat  of  the  Con- 
federates, after  having  won  that  splendid  battle.  A lack  of 


RICHARD  S.  EWELL. 


255 


energy,  or  a loose  method  of  taking  advantage  of  opportuni- 
ties, lost  for  him  the  most  choice  laurel  he-  had  ever  won,  and 
made  the  Union  horseman,  Sheridan,  the  king  of  cavalrymen. 
General  Early  still  lives,  and  is  more  prominently  known 
from  his  connection  with  the  Louisiana  State  Lottery,  than 
anything  else. 


RICHARD  S.  EWELL. 

This  officer  had  served  in  the  regular  army  before  the  rebel- 
lion, and  when  war  was  declared  cast  his  destiny  with  the 
South. 

In  command  of  a division,  he  was  assigned  to  duty  with 
the  lamented  “Stonewall”  Jackson,  and  on  the  death  of  that 
famous  leader  assumed  the  command  thus  made  vacant. 
There  were  many  peculiarities  about  General  Ewell,  notably 
his  quick  and  ungovernable  temper,  also  his  inveterate  habit 
of  swearing. 

It  would  seem,  on  hearing  him  indulge  in  a freak  of  profan- 
ity, that  he  had  been  especially  delegated  by  the  devil  to  fully 
express  the  actual  torments  of  hell,  as  conceived  by  man. 
When  this  torrent  of  oaths  had  subsided,  a good-natured 
laugh  would  often  take  its  place,  and  a more  social  or  agree- 
able gentleman  was  not  to  be  found. 

In  personal  appearance  he  was  a queer-looking  specimen  of 
humanity.  A very  broad  forehead  which  was  exceedingly 
high ; deep-set  yet  very  penetrating  eyes  ; a long  nose  which 
curved  on  its  ridge  ; the  mouth  was  firm,  yet  so  thickly  was 
the  upper  lip  covered  with  beard,  that  below  the  cheeks  it 
was  hard  to  tell  the  actual  appearance  of  his  features. 

As  a fighter  he  was  bold  and  fearless,  quick  on  the  move, 
and  daring  in  his  maneuvers.  To  him  has  been  given  the 
credit  of  driving  General  Banks  from  Winchester,  although 
it  was  generally  conceded  that  Jackson  planned  that  advent- 
ure, and  he  enjoyed  the  credit  of  the  feat. 

When  Jackson  died,  General  Ewell  was  promoted,  and  led 
the  corps  which  Stonewall  had  so  long  and]  so  favorably  com- 
manded. Much  good  judgment  was  displayed  by  him  in  this 


256 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


position,  but  the  corps,  seemingly,  were  never  so  successfully 
led  as  when  commanded  by  its  old  leader. 

General  Ewell  retired  to  civil  life  at  the  close  of  the  war, 
selecting  Nashville  as  liis  home. 

G.  T.  BEAUREGARD. 

During  1861  General  Beauregard  was  looked  upon  as  being 
one  of  the  finest  and  most  accomplished  engineers  in  the 
United  States. 

Having  linked  his  destinies  with  the  South,  ver}^  naturally 
he  became  prominent  as  the  leading  man  in  the  supervision  of 
breastwork  building  and  other  defences.  To  him  the  South 
was  indebted  for  the  many  intricate  obstacles  which  impeded 
the  Federal  advance  on  her  most  important  cities. 

As  a fighting  man  he  first  became  conspicuous  at  Bull  Run, 
he  having  planned  and  successfully  fought  that  battle.  He 
was  chiefly  occupied  around  Charleston,  however,  during  the 
rebellion,  seldom  leaving  unless  to  meet  some  very  urgent 
demand.  When  General  Butler  advanced  up  the  James  river 
during  the  spring  of  1864,  Beauregard  came  to  check  his 
advance  until  the  arrival  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia. 

In  person  Ave  know  but  little  of  the  man,  and  as  he  is  a 
survivor  of  the  conflict,  we  refrain  from  extended  comment. 
He  resided  at  or  near  the  city  of  New  Orleans. 

WILLIAM  MAHONE. 

One  of  the  most  gallant  of  the  many  accomplished  officers 
of  the  southern  army  was  General  Mahone. 

He  is  a native  of^Virginia,  and  for  his  military  advantages 
is  indebted  to  chance,  yet  a finer  engineer  or  better  soldier 
can  scarcely  be  found.  He  arose  to  the  command  of  a di- 
vision, and  displayed  much  tact  and  skill  as  an  executive  of- 
ficer of  the  Confederate  army. 

He  was  familiarly  known  as  “ Little  Billy,”  his  personal 
physique  being  very  limited,  although  since  the  war  he  has 
grown  to  be  a man  of  smaller  proportions.  In  the  early 
part  of  the  war  he  commanded  a brigade,  and  did  some  fine 


WILLIAM  MAHONE.  257 

service,  which  gained  an  enviable  reputation  for  both  himself 
and  his  men. 

When  hostilities  ceased  he  turned  his  attention  to  railroad- 
ing, and  eventually  became  president  of  one  branch.  This 
step  led  to  higher  honor,  and  he  became  a political  leader  of 
a faction  of  Virginia,  and  was  successfully  elected  to  the  Sen- 
ate of  the  United  States  as  the  representative  of  the  “read- 
juster element  ” of  the  state. 

In  that  position  we  find  him  at  this  date. 


258 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Chancellorsville.  Hooker  in  command.  Army  of  potomac  reor- 
ganized. Thoroughi.y  disciplined.  Plan  of  spring  campaign. 
Marcii  to  chancellorsville.  Auspicious  beginning  for  fed- 
erals.  Fatal  mistakes.  Genius  of  lee.  Jackson’s  flank 
movement.  Howard  crushed.  Federal  confusion.  Keenan’s 
charge.  Poem.  Confederates  checked.  Sedgwick  ordered  to 

ADVANCE  ON  FREDERICKSBURG.  “STONEWALL”  MORTALLY  WOUND- 
ED— GRAPHIC  DESCRIPTION  OF  HIS  LAST  HOURS.  BATTLE  OF  SUNDAY. 

Death  of  general  berry.  Hooker  knocked  senseless.  Fed- 

ERALS  DEFEATED.  SEDGWICK  OCCUPIES  FREDERICKSBURG.  ASSAULT 

on  marye’s  height.  Death  of  colonel  spear.  Confederates 

DEFEATED  AND  RETREAT.  ADVANCE  OF  FEDERALS.  BATTLE  OF 
SALEM  CHURCH.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED  WITH  HEAVY  LOSS.  CON- 
FEDERATES RECAPTURE  FREDERICKSBURG.  CRITICAL  POSITION  OF 
FEDERALS.  HOOKER  RETREATS  ACROSS  THE  RAPPAHANNOCK — LEAVES 
DEAD  AND  WOUNDED  ON  FIELD. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

The  army  rejoiced  over  the  appointment  of  General  Hooker, 
and  with  much  enthusiasm  welcomed  its  new  commander,  and 
under  the  inspiration  of  this  man  was  infused  with  new  life. 
The  first  thing  which  General  Hooker  did  was  to  throw  aside, 
as  of  no  value,  the  grand  division  system  introduced  by  Gen- 
eral Burnside,  and  reorganize  his  army,  dividing  it  into  seven 
corps.  General  Reynolds  commanded  the  First  corps,  General 
Couch  the  Second,  Sickles  the  Third,  Meade  the  Fifth,  Sedg- 
wick the  Sixth,  Howard  the  Eleventh,  Slocum  the  Twelfth. 

General  Hooker  proved  himself  to  be  an  able  and  thorough 
disciplinarian.  The  cavalry  was  fully  reorganized,  and  for 
the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  be- 
came an  effective  branch  of  the  service.  The  artillery  was 
also  readjusted  in  perfect  order.  It  was  under  this  commander 
that  the  distinctive  corps  badges  were  brought  into  general 
use.  General  Kearney  had  introduced  the  idea  at  the  battle 


CHANCELLORSVILLE. 


259 


of  Fair  Oaks,  where  he  ordered  his  men  to  sew  a piece  of  red 
flannel  upon  their  caps  that  he  might  recognize  them  in  the 
tumult  of  battle.  This  idea  Hooker  developed  into  one  of 
immense  value  to  the  army,  as  each  corps,  division  or  brigade 
could  be  recognized  by  its  badge.  The  First  corps  badge  was 
a round  globe  or  ball,  the  Second  a clover  leaf,  the  Third  a 
diamond,  the  Fifth  a maltese  cross,  the  Sixth  a Greek  cross, 
the  Eleventh  a crescent,  the  Twelfth  a star.  The  colors  red, 
white  and  blue  were  used  respectively  for  the  First,  Second 
and  Third  divisions  of  each  corps. 

At  the  close  of  the  month  of  April,  General  Hooker  found 
himself  in  command  of  one  of  the  finest  armies  ever  mar- 
shaled upon  the  globe.  The  infantry  and  artillery  numbered 
one  hundred  and  twelve  thousand  men,  beside  a body  of 
twelve  thousand  cavalry,  splendidly  equipped.  He  was  there- 
fore in  a situation  to  make  a vigorous  movement,  and  at  the 
close  of  April  he  determined  to  cross  the  Rappahannock  river, 
and  grapple  with  the  Confederate  hosts  commanded  by  Gen- 
eral Lee. 

At  this  time  Lee  seemed  but  illy  prepared  to  meet  him  ; his 
army  only  mustered  fifty  thousand  men,  as  General  Long- 
street  had  been  detailed  for  duty  south  of  the  James  river  and 
had  not  then  returned.  During  the  winter  Lee  had  made 
such  disposition  of  his  army  that  he  guarded  all  of  the  avail- 
able crossings  of  the  Rappahannock  river,  and  he  occupied  in 
force  the  heights  south  of  that  stream,  extending  from  Skin- 
ner's Creek  to  United  States  Ford,  a distance  of  about  twenty- 
five  miles.  His  forces  were  so  deployed'  that  he  could  easily 
concentrate  them  upon  any  given  point.  The  Confederate 
right  flank  was  secure  against  any  attack  from  that  direction, 
while  any  movement  upon  his  left  at  United  States  Ford  must 
involve  the  crossing  of  both  the  Rapidan  and  Rappahannock 
rivers. 

It  was  quite  a difficult  problem  which  General  Hooker  was 
called  upon  to  solve  in  his  forward  movement  upon  the  Con- 
federates, yet  with  a decision  and  boldness  that  even  surprised 
his  friends  Hooker  decided  that  the  attack  should  be  made  on 


260 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  left  flank  of  General  Lee.  This  movement  was  to  be 
made  by  a strong  column  which  should  move  up  the  Rappa- 
hannock to  Kelly’s  Ford,  twenty-seven  miles  above  Fredericks- 
burg and  pass  around  Lee’s  flank  to  Chancellorsville.  To 
mask  this  movement  he  also  determined  to  force  a crossing  of 
the  Rappahannock,  near  Fredericksburg,  and  pretend  to  make 
his  direct  attack  at  that  place.  Fie  expected  that  the  flanking 
movement  would  compel  Lee  to  fall  back  from  his  defences 
upon  the  river,  when  battle  could  be  given  him  under  very  dis- 
advantageous circumstances,  and  to  co-operate  with  this  attack 
he  had  arranged  for  a powerful  body  of  ten  thousand  horsemen 
to  assail  Lee’s  line  of  communications  with  Richmond. 

This  turning  column  was  composed  of  the  Fifth,  Eleventh 
and  Twelfth  corps.  Marching  forth  from  their  winter  quar- 
ters on  the  morning  of  Monday,  April  twenty-seven,  they 
reached  Kelly’s  Ford  on  the  following  day.  During  the 
night  of  the  twenty-eighth  and  the  morning  of  the  twenty- 
ninth  they  crossed  the  river  upon  pontoon  bridges,  the  boats 
of  which  were  made  of  canvas,  and  encountered  but  slight 
opposition  from  a small  skirmishing  party  at  the  crossing. 
These  three  columns  were  now  divided  into  two  columns, 
and  moved  along  parallel  routes  for  Chancellorsville,  to  reach 
which  place  they  must  cross  the  Rapidan  river. 

CROSSING  THE  RAPIDAN. 

The  right  column,  made  up  of  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth 
corps,  crossed  the  Rapidan  river  at  Germania  Ford,  while  the 
Fifth  crossed  the  same  stream  at  Ely’s  Ford.  The  water  was 
deep  and  the  current  swift,  but  the  men  dashed  in  with 
shouts  of  mirth  and  laughter,  and  soon  reached  the  other 
bank,  and  gayly  turned  their  faces  toward  Chancellorsville, 
where  they  concentrated  on  the  thirtieth.  While  this  move- 
ment was  being  made  by  the  way  of  Kelly’s  Ford,  the  Second 
corps,  under  Couch,  marched  to  United  States  Ford,  with 
orders  to  halt  until  the  flanking  column  should  sweep  down 
to  Chancellorsville,  and  thus  uncover  United  States  Ford. 
This  object  was  gained  the  moment  the  flanking  column 


IMPORTANT  GAIN. 


261 


crossed  the  Rapidan.  The  same  afternoon  Couch  threw  a 
pontoon  bridge  across  the  Rappahannock,  and  reached  Chan- 
cellorsville  with  his  corps  on  the  thirtieth,  where  the  four 
corps  bivouaced  for  the  night. 

IMPORTANT  GAIN. 

General  Hooker  now  established  his  headquarters  .at  Chan- 
cellorsville,  occupying  a large  brick  mansion  as  such.  He 
had  now  gained  a position  which  took  in  reverse  the  whole  of 
Lee’s  line  of  fortifications.  This  movement,  so  successfully 
made,  inspired  the  country  with  great  hope  as  to  the  results 
that  would  be  gathered  from  the  campaign,  so  auspiciously 
begun. 

In  the  meantime,  General  Sedgwick,  with  the  First  and 
Third  corps,  which,  with  the  Sixth,  had  been  placed  under 
his  command,  was  moving  to  cover,  so  far  as  possible,  the 
more  important  movements  being  made  by  his  commander. 
As  soon  as  the  flanking  column  was  well  under  way,  Sedg- 
wick was  ordered  to  cross  the  river  at  Fredericksburg,  and 
make  a direct  demonstration  at  that  place,  as  if  it  was  the 
principal  attack  of  the  whole  army. 

Moving  with  his  usual  promptness,  this  energetic  general, 
before  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty-ninth,  sent  a 
party  across  the  river,  three  miles  below  Fredericksburg,  near 
where  Franklin  had  crossed  the  December  before.  This 
party  captured  a small  squad  of  Confederates  who  were  on 
duty  there ; then  two  bridges  were  quickly  laid,  and  two  di- 
visions marched  over  the  river. 

These  demonstrations  were  kept  up  during  the  twenty- 
ninth  and  thirtieth,  until  Hooker,  with  his  four  corps,  was  at 
Chancellorsville.  The  Third  corps,  under  the  command  of 
General  Sickles,  was  ordered  to  march  and  join  Hooker ; 
Sedgwick,  with  his  two  remaining  corps,  was  to  stay  where 
he  was,  to  await  developments  upon  the  Confederate  right. 

General  Hooker  was  highly  elated  over  the  success  of  his 
movement,  and  in  the  style  for  which  he  was  distinguished, 
on  the  night  after  his  arrival  at  Chancellorsville,  issued  a 


262 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


flaming  order  to  his  men,  in  which  he  boasted  “ That  the  en- 
emy would  either  ingloriously  fly,  or  come  out  from  behind 
his  defences,  and  give  us  battle  on  our  own  ground,  where 
certain  destruction  awaits  him.”  In  his  conversation  with 
his  officers  he  also  said,  “ The  rebel  army  is  now  the  legiti- 
mate property  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.” 

lee’s  desperate  situation. 

General  Lee  now  found  himself  in  a very  desperate  situa- 
tion. There  is  no  proof  that  he  had  been  surprised  by  the 
arrival  of  Hooker's  army  at  Chancellorsville,  for  his  brilliant 
cavalry  general,  Stuart,  had  kept  him  well  posted,  while 
watching  the  fords,  as  to  the  movements  of  his  enemy.  He 
was  now  threatened  by  two  attacks,  that  of  Hooker  on  his 
left  and  that  of  Sedgwick  on  his  right. 

The  smaller  force  of  Sedgwick,  before  the  withdrawal  of 
the  Third  corps  to  reinforce  Hooker,  was  nearly  the  size  of 
Lee’s  whole  army  at  that  time. 

RARE  GENERALSHIP  OF  LEE. 

Perhaps  there  was  no  period  during  the  whole  war  when 
the  rare  generalship  of  Lee  shone  forth  to  better  advantage 
than  in  the  cool,  deliberate  manner  in  which  he  prepared 
to  meet  the  overwhelming  forces  of  General  Hooker.  He 
watched  both  of  the  movements  of  General  Hooker  until  he 
penetrated  his  design,  and  then  made  a rapid  division  of  his 
army  to  confront  him  on  two  fields  of  battle. 

On  the  twenty-ninth  of  April  he  moved  his  army  in  the  di- 
rection of  Chancellorsville,  leaving  Early’s  division  to  guard 
Marye’s  Heights  at  Fredericksburg.  When  near  Chancellors- 
ville he  learned  from  General  Anderson,  who  with  two  bri- 
gades had  been  watching  the  upper  fords  of  the  river,  that 
the  main  body  of  the  Federal  army  was  approaching  that 
point,  and  was  threatening  his  left  and  rear.  He  had  the 
tremendous  array  of  Hooker  in  his  front  and  Sedgwick  in  his 
rear,  and  was  thus  outnumbered  two  to  one.  His  infantry 
force  consisted  of  Jackson’s  three  divisions,  commanded  by 


RARE  GENERALSHIP  OF  LEE.  263 

Rodes,  Hill  and  Trimble,  and  two  divisions  of  Longstreet's 
former  command,  under  McLaws  and  Anderson. 

Chancellorsville,  where  Hooker  had  established  his  head- 
quarters, was  twelve  miles  west  and  south  of  Fredericksburg, 
with  which  it  is  connected  by  two  excellent  roads,  known*  as 
the  Orange  court-house  plank  road  and  the  old  Wilderness 
pike.  The  Chancellorsville  house  stood  in  the  midst  of  a 
large  field,  but  was  entirely  surrounded  by  a dense  forest  of 
oak  and  pine.  The  plank  road  and  the  pike  unite  in  passing- 
up  from  Fredericksburg,  just  before  reaching  this  point,  and 
pass  directly  in  front  of  the  house.  The  roads  leading  from 
several  of  the  fords  upon  the  Rappahannock  also  center  at 
this  point. 

It  was  not  the  design  of  General  Hooker  to  have  his  army 
shut  up  in  this  forest,  and  on  the  first  day  of  May  he  ordered 
a movement  to  be  made  along  these  roads  in  the  direction  of 
Fredericksburg. 

These  two  roads,  the  plank  road  on  the  right  and  the  turn- 
pike on  the  left,  unite  at  a point  known  as  Tabernacle 
Church,  about  midway  between  Chancellorsville  and  Fred- 
ericksburg. To  the  left  of  the  pike  there  is  a river  road,  ex- 
tending along  the  south  bank  of  the  Rappahannock  river  to 
Banks  Ford. 

Hooker’s  advancing  columns  were  formed  as  follows : two- 
divisions  of  Meade’s  corps  were  to  move  along  the  river  road, 
while  Sykes’  division  of  the  same  was  to  advance  along  the 
turnpike.  General  Slocum’s  corps  was  to  advance  down  the 
plank  road.  This  was  but  a preparatory  movement ; a gen- 
eral advance  of  the  whole  army  was  to  be  made  at  two 
o’clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  column  on  the  river  road,  composed  of  the  divisions  of 
Griffin  and  Humphries,  moved  on  five  miles  to  within  sight 
of  Banks  Ford  and  did  not  discover  any  of  the  Confederates. 

General  Sykes  in  moving  down  the  pike  was  supported  by 
the  division  of  General  Hancock.  When  he  had  advanced 
about  a mile,  he  came  in  contact  with  the  Confederates  whose 
advanced  line  was  composed  of  the  Eleventh  Virginia  infantry. 


264 


BLUE  AM)  GRAY. 


There  was  a sharp  conflict,  but  the  Confederates  were  pushed 
rapidly  back  and  by  noon  Sykes  occupied  the  position  which 
had  been  assigned  him.  Slocum’s  corps  advanced  along  the 
plank  road  and  did  not  encounter  any  opposition  until  they 
gamed  a point  as  far  advanced  as  that  occupied  by  the  other 
two  columns. 

The  line  thus  formed  by  these  three  columns  was  on  a ridge 
considerably  elevated,  well  out  of  the  Wilderness  and  which 
perfectly  commanded  Chancellorsville.  The  open  country  in 
the  rear  of  Fredericksburg  could  be  easily  reached. 

This  movement  had  uncovered  Bank’s  Ford,  and  shortened 
the  distance  between  Hooker  and  Sedgwick  at  least  twelve 
miles,  which  in  itself  was  a most  important  fact.  It  was  a 
position  of  the  utmost  value  to  both  armies,  one  that  General 
Lee  was  most  anxious  to  obtain,  and  yet  to  the  surprise  of  all 
of  his  subordinate  generals  upon  that  part  of  the  line  General 
Hooker  ordered  these  columns  to  be  withdrawn  to  Chancel- 
lorsville, as  he  had  decided  to  fight  a defensive  battle. 

General  Warren  urged  upon  Hooker  the  importance  of 
holding  the  position,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  The  lines  were 
withdrawn  and  from  that  moment  he  flung  away  the  golden 
opportunity  of  the  glorious  campaign  that  had  been  placed 
within  his  grasp. 

Hooker  arranged  his  line  of  battle  running,  east  and  west 
along  the  Orange  court-house  plank  road.  The  line  as  form- 
ed on  Friday  night  extended  a short  distance  east  of  Chancel- 
lorsville, and  then  westward  in  front  of  the  plank  road  for 
nearly  three  miles,  where  the  right  plank  road  bent  sharply 
back  across  the  plank  road,  in  a defensive  attitude. 

The  Fifth  corps,  aided  by  one  division  of  Couch’s  Second, 
under  General  Meade,  formed  the  left.  The  Twelfth  corps, 
assisted  by  one  division  of  Sickles’  Third,  formed  the  center, 
and  the  Eleventh  corps,  under  General  Howard,  formed  the 
right ; all  the  other  divisions  being  held  in  reserve,  as  it  was 
to  be  a defensive  battle. 

Trees  were  felled  in  front  of  the  Federal  lines  to  form  an 
abatis,  and  long  lines  of  rifle-pits  were  thrown  up. 


PREPARING  FOR  BATTLE. 


265 


PREPARING  FOR  BATTLE. 

During  the  night  the  sounds  of  thousands  of  axes,  ringing 
out  through  the  forests,  indicated  plainly  that  both  armies 
were  busily  engaged  in  fortifying  their  respective  positions. 
Saturday  morning  Hooker  stood  upon  the  defensive,  waiting 
for  the  attack  of  General  Lee.  The  latter,  with  his  trusted 
lieutenant,  General  Jackson,  was  planning  an  attack  which 
General  Hooker  little  expected.  Friday  night  these  generals 
arranged  a plan  as  bold  in  its  conception  as  it  was  brilliant  in 
its  results. 

The  Confederate  army  was  to  be  again  divided,  and  while 
General  Lee,  with  the  two  divisions  of  McLaws  and  Ander- 
son, was  to  engage  Hooker's  attention  in  front,  Jackson,  with 
his  entire  corps  of  three  divisions,  was  to  move  swiftly 
around  Hooker's  right  flank,  and  strike  him  at  that  point. 

General  Jackson  well  understood  the  importance  of  the 
movement  he  undertook  on  that  Saturday  morning ; it  ab- 
sorbed all  of  his  attention  and  genius.  His  flank  movement 
began  on  the  night  of  May  first,  and  was  continued  through 
the  early  part  of  the  second  day.  His  route  on  the  second 
day  was  along  the  Brock  road,  which  he  followed  until  it 
intersects  the  old  turnpike  near  the  Wilderness  tavern,  several 
miles  beyond  the  extreme  right  flank  of  Hooker’s  army. 

He  had  thus  passed  along  the  entire  front  of  the  Federal 
army;  his  flank  had  been  protected  by  the  cavalry  under 
General  Stuart  and  Fitzhugh  Lee;  his  march,  though  quietly 
and  quickly  done,  had  not  altogether  escaped  the  notice  of 
the  Union  soldiers,  as  we  shall  presently  see.  While  pass- 
ing over  a hill  near  the  “Furnace,”  Jackson's  column  was 
exposed  to  the  view  of  General  Sickles’  division,  and  as  the 
road  there  bends  to  the  south,  the  idea  was  conceived  that  the 
Confederates  were  retreating. 

General  Hooker  ordered  Sickles  to  advance  immediately 
and  attack  the  columns  of  the  foe,  and  wrote  a communica- 
tion to  General  Sedgwick  in  which  were  the  following  remark- 
able words:  “We  know  that  the  enemy  is  flying,  trying  to 


266 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


save  his  trains;  two  of  Sickles’  divisions  are  among  them.” 
At  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  of  May  second,  Sickles  ad- 
vanced through  the  thick  wilderness  for  a mile  and  a half, 
reaching  the  road  along  which  Jackson  had  passed,  striking 
the  rear  of  his  column,  and  capturing  some  prisoners.  Elated 
over  his  success,  which  he  immediately  reported  to  General 
Hooker,  he  asked  for  reinforcements.  General  Pleasanton’s 
cavalry  and  two  brigades  of  infantry  were  sent  to  him.  Gen- 
eral Hooker  also  notified  Generals  Slocum  and  Howard  that  a 
heavy  body  of  Confederate  troops  was  passing  along  his  front, 
and  for  them  to  secure  the  right  flank  of  the  army  against  the 
danger  of  surprise. 

General  Howard,  whose  corps  composed  the  extreme  flank, 
seemed  to  attach  no  importance  to  the  matter  and  adopted  no 
measures  to  guard  against  danger.  While  Sickles  was  follow- 
ing the  wrong  lead,  Howard  was  reposing  in  almost  criminal 
security,  and  the  commanding  general  was  rejoicing  over  the 
supposed  retreat  of  his  foe,  General  Jackson  was  as  that  mo- 
ment preparing  to  strike  a blow  that  would  be  most  fearful  in 
its  results  to  the  Federal  army. 

BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

At  five  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  of  May  second,  Jackson 
was  in  position  with  his  corps  of  twenty-two  thousand  men, 
at  a point  upon  the  extreme  flank  of  Howard’s  corps ; and  so 
imperfect  was  the  Federal  general’s  plan  of  defence,  that 
General  Jackson  actually  rode  down  through  the  oak  trees 
and  survejmd  the  flank  of  the  Federal  army  without  being 
discovered.  General  Devens’  division  was  on  the  right ; ad- 
joining him  was  that  of  Shurz,  and  then  the  division  of  Gen- 
eral Steinwehr  ; these  divisions  constituted  Howard’s  corps. 

At  this  time  Lee’s  army  was  not  only  divided,  but  many 
miles  of  dense  forest  were  between  the  two  wings.  It  was 
indeed  a most  perilous  movement  the  Confederate  chieftain 
had  undertaken  to  perform. 

Howard’s  men  were  unconscious  of  the  danger  that  threat- 
ened them ; their  guns  were  stacked  behind  the  lines  of 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLORS VILLE. 


269 


breastworks;  some  of  the  men  were  cutting  wood,  others 
cooking  their  supper,  some  were  asleep,  and  many  were  play- 
ing cards,  when,  as  suddenly  as  a bolt  from  a clear  sky,  there 
came  a crash  and  fearful  roar  from  the  forest  in  their  front, 
and  like  a tidal  wave  the  division  of  Rodes  poured  forth 
from  the  woods,  and  swarmed  over  the  breastworks.  The 
brave  men  of  the  Eleventh  corps  endeavored  to  rally,  but  all 
to  no  avail,  though  doing  all  that  any  men  could  under  like 
circumstances.  The  disaster  must  be  placed  upon  the  shoul- 
ders of  the  officers,  not  upon  the  private  soldiers.  Devens’ 
division  was  hurled  back  upon  Schurz,  and  this  in  turn  upon 
Steinwehr.  Some  brigades  fought  nobly,  but  were  powerless 
to  turn  the  tide  of  battle. 

A.  P.  Hill's  division  followed  closely  upon  that  of  Rodes, 
and  that  of  Trimble  followed  the  latter.  The  victorious  Con- 
federates swept  everything  before  them,  and  poured  down  the 
turnpike  in  the  direction  of  Chancellorsville  in  pursuit  of  the 
fleeing  Federals,  many  prisoners  and  munitions  of  war  having 
been  captured  by  the  victors.  It  was  a moment  of  the  great- 
est excitement  at  the  Chancellorsville  House.  The  infantry, 
artillery,  and  cavalry  baggage  train  of  the  Eleventh  corps, 
broken,  demoralized  and  panic-stricken,  came  rushing  down 
the  road  in  hopeless  confusion,  and  close  after  it  the  exultant, 
yelling,  victorious  Confederates.  That  terrible  advance  must 
be  checked,  or  Chancellorsville  and  the  whole  army  is  lost. 

At  the  same  time  with  his  two  remaining  divisions  General 
Lee  was  making  a most  determined  attack  upon  Hooker's  left. 
The  open  field  around  Chancellorsville  at  this  time  presented 
a terrible  appearance.  Men,  horses,  guns,  caissons,  and  bag- 
gage wagons  went  crashing  along  in  the  most  terrible  confusion 
toward  the  fords  of  the  Rappahannock.  Hooker  rushed  out 
and  with  some  of  his  old-time  fire  took  in  the  situation,  and 
looked  about  him  for  an  agent  to  check  the  advance  of  the  foe. 
Providentially  that  agent  was  in  call;  the  division  commanded 
by  Gen.  Berry  of  the  Third  corps  was  near  — it  was  Hooker’s 
old  division,  a child  of  his  own  creation  — and  in  this  moment 
of  peril  he  ordered  it  to  form  across  the  pike,  advance  and 


270 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


check  the  Confederates.  He  shouted  his  commands  to  its 
commander  in  these  words : “ Throw  your  men  into  the  breach, 
receive  the  enemy  on  your  bayonets!  don’t  fire  a shot ! thev 
can’t  see  you!  ” This  gallant  division  under  the  lead  of  Gen- 
eral Berry,  one  of  the  bravest  officers  in  the  army,  with  fixed 
bayonets  and  at  a double-quick,  moved  down  the  pike  and  took 
their  position  on  a crest  at  the  western  edge  of  the  clearing 
around  Chancellorsville.  General  Warren  also  came  to  the 
rescue  with  the  artillery  of  the  Twelfth  corps,  and  Hay’s 
brigade  of  the  Second  corps. 

At  this  moment  General  Pleasanton,  who  at  an  early  hour 
had  advanced  to  reinforce  Sickles,  was  now  returning,  and 
General  Sickles  accompanied  him,  although  his  command  re- 
mained near  the  “Furnace.”  They  learned  of  the  disaster 
which  had  befallen  the  Federal  right  and  rapidly  rode  in  that 
direction.  Their  arrival  was  providential ; they  reached  a 
point  known  as  Hazel  Grove,  which  was  the  key  to  the  whole 
position.  This  open  space  — a slight  eminence  to  the  right 
and  in  front  of  the  Chancellorsville  House — was  filled  with 
flying  men  and  horses,  being  swept  backward  as  their  line  was 
being  taken  in  reverse  by  the  advancing  Confederates.  As 
the  only  method  to  stop  the  retreat  and  get  rid  of  the  confu- 
sion, Pleasonton  ordered  his  cavalry  to  charge  upon  the  flying 
mass , Sickles  also  ordered  Pleasanton  to  take  charge  of  the 
artillery,  and  twenty-two  pieces  were  hastily  collected,  but  un- 
fortunately there  was  no  time  to  load  and  fire  as  the  Confed- 
erates were  upon  them.  If  this  eminence,  which  overlooked 
Chancellorsville  and  the  pike  were  lost,  everything  was  lost. 
The  moment  was  pregnant  with  the  destiny  of  the  armies. 

There  was  only  one  way  to  delay  the  Confederates ; some 
force  must  be  sacrificed,  and  Major  Peter  Keenan,  command- 
ing the  Eighth  Pennsylvania  cavalry,  was  ordered  to  charge 
the  great  advancing  force  in  his  front  with  his  four  hundred 
men.  He  of  course  knew  it  was  death,  but  with  a cheering 
smile  he  answered,  “ General,  I will  do  it,”  and  with  his 
brave  command  dashed  upon  the  foe  until  they  were  nearly 
impaled  upon  the  bayonets  of  the  Confederates.  It  was  one 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLORS  YILLE. 


271 


of  the  most  brilliant  deeds  of  the  war,  and  has  been  made 
immortal  in  the  following  poem,  the  writer  of  which  has  ap- 
propriately styled  it  “ Keenan's  Charge.” 


“The  sun  had  set; 

The  leaves  with  dew  were  wet; 

Down  fell  a bloody  dusk 

On  the  woods,  that  second  of  May, 

Where  Stonewall' s corps,  like  a beast  of  prey, 
Tore  through,  with  angry  tusk. 

‘They’ve  trapped  us,  boys!’ 

Rose  from  our  flank  a voice. 

With  a rush  of  steel  and  smoke 
On  came  the  rebels  straight, 

Eager  as  love,  and  wild  as  hate; 

And  our  line  reeled  and  broke, 

Broke  and  fled. 

No  one  stayed — but  the  dead. 

With  curses,  shrieks  and  cries, 

Horses  and  wagons  and  men 

Tumbled  back  through  the  shuddering  glen, 

And  above  us  the  fading  skies. 

There’s  one  hope  still; 

Those  batteries  parked  on  the  hill! 

‘Battery!  wheel!’  ('mid  the  roar) 

‘Pass  pieces!  fix  prolonge  to  fire! 

Retiring,  trot!’  Iu  the  parpc  dire 
A bugle  rings  ‘ Trot  ’ — and  no  more. 

The  horses  plunged, 

The  cannon  lurched  and  lunged, 

To  join  the  hopeless  rout; 

But  suddenly  rode  a form 

Calmly,  in  front  of  the  human  storm, 

With  a stern,  commanding  shout: 

‘Align  those  guns!’ 

(We  knew  it  was  Pleasanton’s). 

The  cannoneer  bent  to  obey, 

And  worked  with  a will,  at  his  word. 

And  the  black  guns  moved  as  if  they  had  heard, 
But  O,  the  dread  delay! 

‘To  wait  is  crime; 

O God,  for  ten  minutes’  time!’ 

The  General  looked  around; 

There  Keenan  sat,  like  a stone, 

With  his  three  hundred  horse  alone, 

Less  shaken  than  the  ground. 


272 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


‘Major,  your  men!’  — 

‘Are  soldiers,  General.’  ‘Then 
Charge,  Major!  Do  your  best; 

Hold  the  enemy  back,  at  all  cost, 

Till  my  guns  are  placed,  else  the  army  is  lost. 

You  die  to  save  the  rest!’ 

By  the  shrouded  gleam  of  the  western  skies, 

Brave  Keenan  looked  in  Pleasanton’s  eyes 
For  an  instant  — clear  and  cool  and  still; 

Then  with  a smile  he  said:  ‘I  will. 

Cavalry,  charge!’  Not  a man  of  them  shrank. 

Their  sharp,  full  cheer,  from  rank  on  rank, 

Rose  joyous,  with  a willing  breath — 

Rose  like  a greeting  hail  to  death. 

Then  forward  they  sprang,  and  spurred  and  clashed 
Shouted  the  officers,  crimson-sashed; 

Rode  well  the  men,  each  brave  as  his  fellow, 

In  their  faded  coats  of  the  blue  and  yellow; 

And  above,  in  the  air,  with  an  instinct  true, 

Like  a bird  of  war  their  pennon  flew. 

With  clank  of  scabbards  and  thunder  of  steeds, 

And  blades  that  shine  like  sunlit  reeds, 

And  strong  brown  faces  bravely  pale 
For  fear  their  proud  attempt  shall  fail, 

Three  hundred  Pennsylvanians  close 
On  twice  ten  thousand  gallant  foes. 

Line  after  line  the  troopers  came 

To  the  edge  of  the  wood  that  was  ring’d  with  flame 

Rode  in  and  saber’d  and  shot  — and  fell; 

Nor  came  one  back  his  wounds  to  tell. 

And  full  in  the  midst  rose  Keenan,  tall 
In  the  gloom,  like  a martyr  awaiting  his  fall, 

While  the  circle-stroke  of  his  saber  swung 
’Round  his  head,  like  a halo  there,  luminous  hung. 
Line  after  line;  ay,  whole  platoons, 

Struck  dead  in  their  saddles,  of  brave  dragoons 
By  the  maddened  horses  were  onward  borne, 

And  into  the  vortex  flung,  trampled  and  tom, 

As  Keenan  fought  with  his  men,  side  by  side. 

So  they  rode  till  there  were  no  more  to  ride. 

But  over  them,  lying  there,  shattered  and  mute, 
What  deep  echo  rolls?  ’Tis  a death  salute 
From  the  cannon  in  place;  for,  heroes,  you  braved 
Your  fate  not  in  vain;  the  army  was  saved; 

Over  them  now  — year  following  year  — 

Over  their  graves  the  pine-cones  fall, 

And  the  whip-poor-will  chants  his  specter  call; 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLOKSYILLE.  273 

But  they  stir  not  again;  they  raise  no  cheer; 

They  have  ceased.  But  their  glory  shall  never  cease, 

Nor  their  light  be  quenched  in  the  light  of  peace. 

The  rush  of  their  charge  is  resounding  still 
That  saved  the  army  at  Chancellorsville.” 

The  precious  time  was  gained;  Pleasanton  succeeded  in 
clearing  a space  around  his  artillery,  and  now  twenty-two  guns 
loaded  to  their  muzzles  with  grape  and  canister,  opened  upon 
the  gallant  Confederates.  Warren's  artillery  in  the  field,  in 
rear  of  Berry’s  line,  was  also  vomiting  its  thunder,  and  thus 
fifty  pieces  of  artillery  were  firing  upon  the  Confederate  lines, 
and  after  several  terrible  assaults  their  advance  was  checked. 

This  line  of  battle  was  now  formed  directly  across  the  turn- 
pike, about  one  mile  to  the  right  of  Chancellorsville.  Night 
drew  its  favoring  mantle  of  darkness  over  the  terrible  scene. 
Within  both  armies  it  was  a night  of  great  activity  and  anxi- 
ety. On  the  part  of  the  Federals  a new  line  was  formed  on 
the  right  flank,  composed  of  the  troops  of  Sickles  and  Berry. 
Ward's  brigade,  of  Sickles’  command,  made  a gallant  charge 
in  the  night,  recapturing  quite  a number  of  the  guns  General 
Howard  had  lost,  and  repossessed  quite  a portion  of  the  works 
from  which  he  had  been  driven,  and  also  strengthened  the 
position  of  General  Sickles  at  Hazel  Grove.  This  was  of 
great  importance  as  no  Confederate  line  could  advance  along 
the  turnpike  without  being  enfiladed  by  the  fire  from  that 
position. 

The  First  corps,  under  General  Reynolds,  now  arrived  and 
went  into  line  upon  the  road  leading  to  Ely’s  ford  upon  the 
Rapidan  to  Chancellorsville,  and  General  Hooker  sent  an 
order  to  General  Sedgwick  to  move  at  an  early  hour  in  the 
morning  upon  Fredericksburg. 

Within  the  lines  of  Jackson  important  events  were  also 
transpiring.  This  chieftain  elated  by  this,  the  most  successful 
movement  of  his  wonderful  career  as  a commander,  was  pre- 
paring to  make  another  upon  the  Federal  flank,  the  disastrous 
result  of  which  is  taken  from  “Life  of  General  Thomas  J. 
Jackson,”  by  Sarah  Nicholas  Randolph. 

18 


274 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“All  during  this  magnificent  charge  Jackson  was  the  im- 
personation of  military  enthusiasm.  Onward  he  dashed  at 
the  head  of  his  conquering  column,  as  much  carried  away  by 
the  brilliant  success  of  his  move  as  the  most  thoughtless 
soldier  in  the  ranks.  ‘Forward!’  ‘Press  on!’  were  his  an- 
swers to  every  question.  As  cheer  after  cheer  burst  from  the 
Confederate  line,  and  one  by  one  the  enemy’s  strongholds  fell 
into  their  hands,  the  flush  which  reddened  his  cheek  and  the 
fire  of  his  eyes  showed  how  deeply  he  was  moved  by  the  scene 
which  his  master  spirit  had,  as  it  were,  conjured  up  in  the 
heart  of  that  dense  forest,  whose  wilds  had  so  rarely  been 
trodden  by  the  foot  of  man.  Never  had  he  been  seen  to  aban- 
don himself  so  entirely  to  the  enthusiasm  of  the  moment  as 
he  did  on  this  his  last  field  of  battle.  Never  before,  while 
still  dashing  ahead  in  this  wild,  sweeping  charge,  had  his  hand 
been  seen  so  often  raised  as  his  soul  lifted  itself  up  to  God 
in  thankful  prayer.  His  most  sanguine  hopes  had  been  real- 
ized. He  had  flanked  the  enemy’s  line,  driven  back  his  le- 
gions in  hopeless  confusion,  and  with  scarcely  any  resistance 
pressed  forward  two  or  three  miles  into  his  lines.  But  Jack- 
son  knew  much  had  yet  to  be  done  before  the  victory  could 
be  complete.  He  felt  that  all  depended  on  the  first  success- 
ful blow  being  followed  up  rapidly  by  others.  He  saw,  then, 
with  bitter  regret,  the  disorder  into  which  the  first  line  had 
.almost  necessarily ' fallen.  The  men  had  now  marched 
twenty  miles,  and  fought  over  three  miles  of  ground,  and 
they  almost  involuntarily  halted,  and  broke  up  into  groups, 
as  if  the  work  of  the  day  was  done.  An  important  work 
from  which  the  enemy  had  just  fled  lay  in  front  of  them; 
at  any  moment  it  might  be  reoccupied  by  the  foe.  Jackson 
felt  that  precious  moments  were  being  lost.  He  sent  messen- 
ger after  messenger  to  different  officers,  ordering  them  to  get 
their  men  back  into  ranks,  and  press  forward.  His  staff  was 
scattered  over  the  whole  field,  urging  the  troops  forward.  A 
young  colonel  of  the  line,  who  came  to  report  to  him  at  this 
time  that  the  work  just  mentioned  was  lying  unguarded  on 
his  front,  found  him  almost  without  a staff,  and  riding  along 


BATTLE  OF  CH AFT CELLORS VILLE. 


275 


the  lines  near  the  road,  trying  to  get  them  into  order.  ‘Men, 
get  into  line  ! get  into  line  ! ’ he  was  saying.  ‘Whose  regi- 
ment is  this  ? Colonel,  get  your  men  instantly  into  line ! ’ 
Turning  to  the  colonel  who  had  just  reported  to  him,  he 
said,  ‘Find  General  Rodes,  and  tell  him  to  occupy  that  bar- 
ricade at  once  with  his  troops.’  He  then  added,  ‘ I need 
your  help  for  a time ; this  disorder  must  be  corrected.  As 
you  go  along  the  right,  tell  the  troops,  from  me,  to  get  into 
line  and  preserve  their  order.’ 

“After  thus  endeavoring  to  restore  order  to  his  lines,  and 
while  waiting  for  A.  P.  Hill,  whom  he  had  ordered  to  be 
hurried  forward,  Jackson  rode  along  the  turnpike  to  make  a 
reconnaissance.  He  found  the  enemy,  as  he  had  expected,  ad- 
vancing, and  ere  Rodes’  men  had  fully  occupied  the  barri- 
cade, a strong  line  of  fresh  troops,  sent  forward  by  Hooker, 
came  in  sight.  Jackson  meanwhile  had  advanced  a hundred 
yards  beyond  his  line  of  battle.  Accompanied  as  he  was  by 
a portion  of  his  staff,  several  other  officers,  and  a number  of 
couriers,  the  party  might  have  been  taken  by  friend  or  foe  for 
a squadron  of  cavalry.  He  had  ridden  some  distance  beyond 
the  pickets,  and  was  near  the  Van  West  House,  when  one  of 
the  party  said  to  him,  ‘ General,  you  should  not  expose  your- 
self so  much.’  ‘ There  is  no  danger,’  he  replied ; ‘ the  en- 
emy is  routed.  Go  back  and  tell  General  Hill  to  press  on.’ 
He  soon  became  aware  of  how  close  he  was  to  the  Federal 
lines  by  the  advance  of  their  pickets,  and  he  at  once  turned 
his  horse’s  head,  and  the  whole  party  rode  back  to  the  Con- 
federate troops.  On  both  sides  the  skirmishers  were  firing, 
and  Jackson’s  escort  was  mistaken  for  a body  of  Federal  cav- 
alry, and  received  a volley  from  the  Confederate  line  of  bat- 
tle. This  fire  told  with  cruel  effect,  several  of  the  party 
falling  from  their  saddles,  some  wounded,  others  killed.  The 
General  escaped,  and  now  mindful  of  the  danger  of  his  po- 
sition, turned  into  the  thicket  on  his  left,  and  advanced 
toward  his  own  troops.  By  a strange  fatalffy,  however,  his 
party  was  for  the  second  time  taken  for  the  enemy,  and  was 
fired  upon  by  a brigade  south  of  the  road,  and  not  more  than 


276 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


thirty  or  forty  yards  off.  This  time  the  General  was  struck, 
and  received  three  balls,  one  in  the  right  hand  and  two  in  the 
right  arm,  one  of  which  shattered  the  bone  and  cut  the  artery 
about  two  inches  below  the  shoulder.  Half  of  his  escort,  in- 
cluding Captain  Boswell,  of  his  staff,  fell,  killed  or  wounded. 
Their  horses  dashed  off  wildly  through  the  woods.  Jack- 
son’s, terrified  by  the  fire,  wheeled,  and  dashed  madly  for- 
ward with  his  wounded  and  almost  powerless  rider  toward 
the  enemy's  lines.  While  thus  carried  through  the  dense 
thicket,  the  brushwood  and  overhanging  limbs  struck  him, 
and  a bough  which  knocked  off  his  cap  almost  unhorsed  him 
as  it  bore  him  backward.  His  bridle-hand  was  powerless,  but 
gathering  up  the  reins  with  his  mangled  right  he  made  a des- 
perate effort,  stopped  the  terrified  animal,  and  turned  him 
back  to  his  own  lines. 

“Captain  Wilbourne,  one  of  his  escort,  and  Wynn,  his  as- 
sistant, ran  up  to  him  as  he  reined  up  his  horse  on  the  plank 
road,  near  the  spot  where  he  had  received  the  fatal  fire,  and 
stood  gazing  at  his  troops  as  if  dumbfounded  at  what  they 
had  done.  The  firing  had  ceased,  but  around  him  were  lying 
the  dead  and  wounded,  while  their  horses,  dashing  riderless 
and  terrified  through  the  woods,  added  to  the  confusion  and 
horrors  of  the  scene.  On  reaching  the  General,  young  Wil- 
bourne seized  his  bridle,  and  asked  anxiously  if  he  were 
much  hurt.  He  answered  that  he  believed  his  arm  • was 
broken,  and  he  wished  he  would  assist  him  to  dismount ; but 
the  next  moment,  attempting  to  move  the  shattered  limb,  he 
fell  fainting  from  his  horse  into  Captain  Wilbourne’s  arms. 
Quickly  disengaging  the  General’s  feet  from  his  stirrups,  Cap- 
tain Wilbourne  and  Wynn  bore  him  into  the  woods,  a few 
yards  north  of  the  turnpike.  Wynn  ran  off  for  a surgeon 
and  ambulance,  while  Wilbourne,  supporting  the  wounded 
man's  head  on  his  bosom,  hastened  to  strip  the  sleeve  from 
the  crushed  arm  as  the  blood  flowed  steadily  down  to  the 
wrist.  He  had  nothing  but  a penknife  with  which  to  rip  off 
the  sleeve,  and  seeing  just  then  General  A.  P.  Hill  and  part 
of  his  staff  ride  by,  he  called  to  him  for  aid.  General  Hill 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLORSVILLE. 


277 


threw  himself  from  his  horse,  and  took  the  General’s  body  in 
his  arms.  His  aid,  Major  Leigh,  also  dismounting,  the  three 
succeeded  in  getting  at  the  wound  and  stanching  the  blood. 

“Just  at  this  moment  Jackson's  aids,  Lieutenants  Smith  and 
Morrison,  came  up.  Young  Morrison,  his  brother-in-law,  could 
not  restrain  his  emotion  when  he  saw  his  condition.  Amid  all 
his  suffering  the  General  did  not  utter  a complaint.  ‘ I believe 
my  arm  is  broken  and  it  gives  me  severe  pain,'  he  said,  in 
reply  to  a question.  ‘Are  you  hurt  elsewhere,  General?’  he 
was  asked.  ‘ Yes ; in  my  right  arm.'  ‘ Shall  it  be  bound 
up?’  ‘No,’  he  replied,  ‘it  is  a trifle.’  When  asked  how 
he  had  received  his  wounds,  he  said  calmly,  ‘ All  my  wounds 
were  undoubtedly  from  my  own  men.’  He  asked  for  Dr.  Mc- 
Guire, and  was  told  that  he  was  busily  engaged  in  the  rear. 
‘ Then  I Avish  you  to  get  me  a skillful  surgeon,’  he  said  to 
young  Wilbourne.  While  lying  on  General  Hill’s  breast,  that 
commander  ordered  that  the  men  should  not  be  told  Avho  he 
was.  The  General  opened  his  eyes  and,  looking  steadily  at 
his  aids,  Morrison  and  Smith,  said,  ‘Tell  them  simply  you 
have  a Confederate  officer.’ 

“ General  Hill  was  asked  wnere  a surgeon  could  be  most 
quickly  found.  He  said  that  Dr.  Barr  was  close  by,  who  Avas 
at  once  summoned,  and  on  his  arrival  Jackson  whispered  to 
Hill,  ‘ Is  he  a skillful  surgeon  ? ’ When  General  Hill  replied 
that  he  stood  Avell  Avith  his  brigade,  and  was  only  wanted  to 
stanch  the  wound,  Jackson  replied,  ‘Very  good.’  But  Dr. 
Barr  found  the  blood  had  ceased  to  flow,  and  he  did  not  apply 
the  tourniquet  he  had  in  his  hand.  Just  at  this  moment, 
when  the  hemorrhage  had  stopped  and  his  arm  had  been  placed 
in  a sling,  as  the  General  lay  silent  and  suffering  in  the  arms 
of  his  friends,  tAVo  Federal  skirmishers  with  their  muskets 
cocked  approached  within  a few  feet  of  the  kneeling  group. 
General  Hill,  with  admirable  self-possession,  instantly  told  his 
orderlies  to  rise  and  demand  their  surrender.  The  orderlies 
quickly  obeyed,  and  the  men,  amazed  and  confounded,  at  once 
laid  doAvn  their  arms.  Lieutenant  Morrison  fearing  from  the 
approach  of  these  two  men  that  the  enemy  might  be  close  at 


278 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


hand,  advanced  into  the  road  to  reconnoiter.  He  found  his 
fears  realized,  for  by  the  light  of  the  moon  he  saw  a short  dis- 
tance off  the  black  mouth  of  a field-piece  pointed  toward  him, 
and  heard  distinctly  the  orders  given  by  the  officers  to  the 
cannoneers.  He  ran  back  to  the  little  group  in  the  woods 
kneeling  around  their  wounded  chief,  and,  reporting  that  the 
enemy  were  planting  cannon  in  the  road,  said  the  General 
must  be  instantly  removed.  General  Hill  was  now  forced  to 
leave  for  his  own  post.  He  sprang  into  the  saddle,  dashed  off, 
and  was  a few  minutes  later  struck  down  at  the  head  of  his 
column  and  borne,  wounded  and  stunned,  from  the  field. 
Captain  Wilbourne  had  gone  back  in  search  of  an  ambulance, 
but  none  had  as  yet  come  up,  and  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in 
removing  the  General.  His  attendants  proposed  to  bear  him 
from  the  field  in  their  arms,  but  he  said  he  could  walk  to  the 
rear  if  assisted.  He  was  accordingly  placed  on  his  feet  and, 
leaning  on  the  shoulders  of  Major  Leigh  and  Lieutenant 
Smith,  he  moved  slowly  out  into  the  road  and  toward  his  own 
troops.  A litter  having  been  brought  up  from  the  rear,  the 
wounded  man  was  being  placed  on  it  when  suddenly  a volley 
of  canister-shot  was  fired  up  the  road  by  the  enemy  and,  pass- 
ing over  the  heads  of  the  group,  cleared  the  road  of  everything 
else  that  was  upon  it.  The  General's  horse  broke  from  the 
person  who  was  leading  it  and  dashed  panic-stricken  into  the 
Confederate  lines.  Jackson’s  aids,  Morrison  and  Smith,  and 
two  soldiers  bore  the  litter.  But  they  had  advanced  only  a 
few  steps  when  a second  volley  again  swept  the  road.  One 
of  the  soldiers  was  struck,  and  fell  severely  wounded.  Major 
Leigh  sprang  forward  and  caught  the  litter  as  it  fell  with  him, 
or  the  General  would  have  been  thrown  from  it.  They  were 
now  compelled  to  set  the  litter  down,  and  scarcely  was  this 
done  when  a storm  of  lead  and  canister  swept  down  the  road 
and  crashed  through  the  trees  on  each  side.  This  was  more 
than  flesh  and  blood  could  stand.  The  party  bearing  the 
wounded  hero  fled  into  the  woods,  Major  Leigh  and  young 
Smith  and  Morrison  alone  clinging  to  him.  Beneath  this 
deadly  shower  the  General  lay  in  the  road  with  his  feet  ex- 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLOESVILLE. 


279 


tended  toward  the  enemy.  On  one  side  of  him  was  stretched 
Lieutenant  Smith,  on  the  other  Major  Leigh.  With  their  arms 
thrown  lovingly  around  their  chief  they  sought  to  protect 
with  their  own  bodies  his  prostrate  form,  and  shield  it  from 
the  missiles  now  hurling  around  them.  More  than  once  the 
balls  plowed  up  the  earth  beside  them  and  covered  them 
with  dust.  The  wounded  man,  conscious  of  the  perils  of  the 
position,  struggled  violently  as  if  to  rise,  but  the  strong  arms 
of  young  Smith  held  him  pinned  to  the  earth  as  he  exclaimed, 
‘ General,  you  must  lie  still ; it  will  cost  you  your  life  if  you 
rise.’  For  several  minutes  they  remained  thus  prostrate  be- 
neath this  fiery  ordeal,  every  one  of  the  four  expecting  each 
minute  to  be  his  last ; but  the  enemy's  fire  at  length  subsided 
and  they  were  left  untouched. 

“Another  effort  was  now  made  to  get  the  General  to  the 
rear.  The  four  rose  to  their  feet,  and  in  the  uncertain  light 
of  the  moon,  moved  along  the  edge  of  the  road,  the  General 
leaning  heavily  upon  the  brave,  strong  young  arms  thrown 
lovingly  around  him,  and  painfully  dragging  himself  and  being 
dragged  along.  They  moved  on  one  side  to  avoid  being  recog- 
nized by  the  troops  as  pressing  forward  they  hurried  on  to  the 
front.  Finding  that  in  spite  of  this  precaution  the  wounded 
chief  was  recognized,  they  turned  still  further  to  the  right 
into  the  woods.  Here  they  fell  upon  the  Confederate  line  of 
battle  held  by’ Pender’s  brigade  of  A.  P.  Hill’s  division.  The 
men  for  the  most  part  were  lying  down  to  avoid  the  enemy’s 
artillery  fire.  As  the  little  party  moved  in  the  dim  moonlight 
through  and  over  them,  the  repeated  question  was,  ‘ Whom 
have  you  there  ? ’ To  which  the  calm  and  invariable  reply 
was,  ‘A  Confederate  officer.’  Some  endeavored  to  get  a 
view  of  the  wounded  man's  face,  and  in  spite  of  Captain  Wil- 
bourne’s  efforts  to  conceal  it  they  recognized  him  and  ex- 
claimed with  horror,  ‘Great  God,  it  is  General  Jackson!’ 
The  news  now  ran  rapidly  along  the  lines,  but  the  soldiers 
were  quieted  by  the  belief  that  Jackson’s  wounds  were  slight. 
General  Pender,  whose  quick  eye  had  almost  instantly  recog- 
nized, approached  him  and,  after  expressing  his  sorrow  at 


280 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


seeing  him  wounded,  said  to  him,  ‘ The  troops  have  suffered 
severely  from  the  enemy's  artillery,  and  are  somewhat  disor- 
ganized ; I fear  we  cannot  maintain  our  position.’ 

“ For  a moment  the  old  battle  look  returned  to  Jackson’s 
pale  face,  and  the  battle  fire  flashed  from  his  eyes,  as  raising 
his  head,  and  speaking  in  his  habitual  quick  tones,  he  said, 
‘You  must  hold  your  ground,  General  Pender.  You  must 
hold  your  ground,  sir  ! ’ With  this  order  his  career  as  a gen- 
eral ended. 

“ The  little  party  now  again  moved  on.  The  General,  ex- 
hausted by  fatigue  and  suffering,  asked  to  be  allowed  to  sit 
down  and  rest ; but  he  was  still  too  near  the  enemy  to  admit 
of  this,  and  he  was  placed  on  a litter.  Litter-bearers  being 
procured  after  some  delay,  he  was  now  borne  rapidly  toward 
the  rear.  As  the  party  hurried  rapidly  through  the  dense 
and  tangled  thicket,  the  General’s  clothes  were  torn,  and  his 
face  scratched  by  the  brushwood  through  which  they  passed. 
On  they  moved,  thinking  only  of  getting  their  wounded  chief 
to  a place  of  safety,  when  suddenly  one  of  the  litter-bearers 
caught  his  foot  in  a wire,  stumbled  and  fell.  The  General  fell 
heavily,  striking  the  ground  with  his  wounded  shoulder.  For 
the  first  time  he  groaned.  His  attendants  caught  him  up  in 
their  arms,  and  as  young  Smith  laid  his  head  on  his  breast, 
and  found  the  blood  again  flowing,  he  feared  he  might  be 
expiring.  ‘General,  are  you  much  hurt?’  he  inquired. 
‘No,  Mr.  Smith;  don’t  trouble  yourself  about  me,’ was  the 
reply.  He  was  again  placed  on  the  litter,  and  the  party,  turn- 
ing from  the  wood,  bore  him  half  a mile  under  a heavy  fire 
to  the  rear,  where  they  were  met  by  Dr.  McGuire  with  an 
ambulance.  Kneeling  beside  him  the  Doctor  said,  ‘ I hope 
you  are  not  badly  hurt,  General?’  Feebly,  but  calmly,  he 
replied,  ‘lam  badly  injured,  Doctor;  I fear  I am  dying,' 
and  after  a pause  he  added,  ‘ I am  glad  you  have  come , I 
think  the  wound  in  my  shoulder  is  still  bleeding.’  His 
clothes  were  found  wet  with  blood,  which,  as  he  surmised, 
was  still  flowing.  His  cold  hands  and  clammy  skin,  and  the 
deathlike  pallor  of  his  countenance,  betrayed  the  intensity  of 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLORSVILLE. 


281 


liis  suffering.  Yet  not  a groan  or  a murmur  escaped  him. 
Only  these  signs,  together  with  the  rigidity  of  his  features,  a 
wrinkled  brow,  and  lips  so  tightly  compressed  that  the  im- 
pression of  the  teeth  was  shown  through  them,  showed  how 
great  were  his  sufferings. 

“ The  hemorrhage  was  soon  stopped,  and  after  the  General 
had  taken  some  whiskey  he  was  placed  in  the  ambulance, 
which  set  out  for  the  field-hospital  at  the  Wilderness  Tavern. 
In  the  ambulance  was  Jackson's  chief  of  artillery,  the  gallant 
Colonel  Crutchfield,  whose  promotion,  as  we  have  seen,  he 
pressed  so  earnestly,  and  who  now  lay  suffering  from  a serious 
wound  just  received  in  the  leg.  The  General  expressed  his 
sympathy  for  him.  Dr.  McGuire  sat  in  the  front  part  of  the 
ambulance,  with  his  finger  on  the  artery  from  which  the  Gen- 
eral's blood  had  flowed,  to  arrest  the  bleeding  should  it  again 
begin.  The  night  was  dark,  and  by  the  light  of  torches  the 
ambulance  moved  slowly  and  carefully  forward.  Once 
Colonel  Crutchfield  groaned,  when  Jackson  at  once  ordered 
the  ambulance  to  be  stopped,  and  asked  if  something  could 
not  be  done  to  relieve  Colonel  Crutchfield.  He  had  pre- 
viously put  his  right  hand  on  Dr.  McGuire's  head,  and 
pulling  it  down,  whispered  in  his  ear,  and  asked  if  Colonel 
Crutchfield  was  dangerously  wounded.  When  answered 
‘ No,  only  painfully  hurt,'  he  said,  1 1 am  glad  it  is  no 
worse.'  A few  moments  later  Colonel  Crutchfield  put  the 
same  whispered  question  about  the  General  to  the  doctor,  and 
when  told  that  he  was  very  seriously  wounded,  he  groaned, 
and  cried  out,  ‘ O,  my  God ! * It  was  this  groan  and  cry 
which  the  General  mistook  for  an  expression  of  physical  suf- 
fering, and  which  induced  him  to  order  the  ambulance  to  be 
stopped.  The  ambulance  finally  reached  the  hospital  in 
safety,  and  the  General  was  carefully  taken  from  it,  and 
placed  on  a bed  in  a tent  which  had  been  put  up  for  him. 

“Two  hours  and  a half  after  reaching  the  hospital  it  was 
found  that  sufficient  reaction  had  taken  place  to  warrant  an 
examination.  At  two  o’clock  Sunday  morning,  Surgeons 
Black,  Wall,  and  Coleman  being  present,  Dr.  McGuire  in- 


282 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


formed  him  that  chloroform  would  he  given  him  and  his 
wound  examined.  He  told  him  that  amputation  would  prob- 
ably be  required  and  asked  if  it  was  found  necessary,  should 
it  he  done  at  once.  He  replied,  promptly,  ‘Yes,  certainly, 
Dr.  McGuire,  do  for  me  whatever  you  think  best.’  Chloro- 
form was  then  administered,  and  as  he  began  to  feel  its  effects 
and  its  relief  to  the  pain  he  was  suffering,  he  exclaimed, 
‘ What  an  infinite  blessing ! ’ and  continued  to  repeat  the 
word  ‘ blessing  ’ until  he  became  insensible.  The  round  ball 
such  as  is  used  for  the  smooth-bore  Springfield  muskets,  which 
had  lodged  under  the  skin  on  the  back  of  his  right  hand,  was 
extracted  first.  It  had  entered  the  palm  about  the  middle  of 
the  hand,  and  had  fractured  two  of  the  bones.  The  left  arm 
was  then  amputated  about  two  inches  below  the  shoulder, 
very  rapidly,  and  with  slight  loss  of  blood.  There  were  two 
wounds  in  the  arm.  The  first  and  more  serious  one  was 
about  three  inches  below  the  shoulder-joint,  dividing  the  main 
artery  and  fracturing  the  bone.  The  second  was  several 
inches  in  length,  a ball  having  entered  the  forearm  an  inch 
below  the  elbow  and  come  out  upon  the  opposite  side  just 
above  the  wrist.  Throughout  the  whole  of  the  operation,  and 
until  all  the  dressings  were  applied,  he  continued  insensible. 
About  half-past  three  o’clock,  Colonel  (then  Major)  Pendle- 
ton, the  assistant  adjutant-general  arrived  at  the  hospital  and 
asked  to  see  General  Jackson.  At  first  the  surgeon  declined 
to  permit  an  interview,  but  the  Colonel  urged  that  the  safety 
of  the  army  and  the  success  of  the  cause  might  depend  on  his 
seeing  him.  When  he  entered  the  tent,  the  General  said, 
‘Well,  Major,  I am  glad  to  see  you;  I thought  you  were 
killed.’  Pendleton  briefly  explained  the  condition  of  affairs, 
gave  Stuart's  message,  and  asked  what  should  be  done.  Gen- 
eral Jackson  was  at  once  interested,  and  asked  in  his  quick, 
rapid  way,  several  questions.  When  they  were  answered,  he 
remained  silent  for  a moment,  evidently  trying  to  think  ; he 
contracted  his  brow,  set  his  mouth,  and  for  some  moments 
was  obviously  endeavoring  to  concentrate  his  thoughts.  For 
a moment  it  was  believed  he  had  succeeded;  his  nostrils 


BATTLE  OF  CHA^CELLORSYILLE. 


283 


dilated,  and  his  eye  flashed  its  old  fire,  but  it  was  only  for  a 
moment.  His  face  relaxed  again,  and  presently  he  answered, 
very  feebly  and  sadly,  ‘ I don't  know ; I can’t  tell ; say  to 
General  Stuart  he  must  do  what  he  thinks  best.’  Soon  after 
this  he  slept  for  several  hours,  and  seemed  to  be  doing  well. 

“ The  next  morning  he  was  free  from  pain,  and  expressed 
himself  sanguine  of  recovery.  He  sent  his  aid-de-camp,  Mor- 
rison, to  inform  his  wife  of  his  injury,  and  to  bring  her  at  once 
to  see  him.  The  following  note  was  read  to  him  that  morning 
by  Lieutenant  Smith : 

General: — I have  just  received  your  note  informing  me  that  you  were 
wounded.  I cannot  express  my  regret  at  the  occurrence.  Could  I have 
directed  events  I should  have  chosen,  for  the  good  of  the  country,  to  have 
been  disabled  in  your  stead. 

I congratulate  you  upon,  the  victory  which  is  due  to  your  skill  and 
energy. 

Most  truly  yours. 

(Signed)  R.  E.  Lee,  General. 

“ He  said : ‘ General  Lee  should  give  the  praise  to  God.’ 

“About  ten  o’clock  his  right  side  began  to  pain  him  so  much 
that  he  asked  to  have  it  examined.  He  said  he  had  injured  it 
in  falling  from  the  litter  the  night  before,  and  he  believed  he 
had  struck  it  against  a stone  or  the  stump  of  a sapling.  No 
evidence  of  injury  could  be  discovered  by  examining ; the 
skin  was  not  broken  or  bruised,  and  the  lung  was  performing, 
as  far  as  could  be  told,  its  proper  functions.  Some  simple  ap- 
plication was  recommended,  in  the  belief  that  the  pain  would 
soon  disappear. 

“At  this  time  the  battle  was  raging  fearfully,  and  the  sound 
of  the  cannon  and  musketry  could  be  distinctly  heard  at  the 
hospital.  The  General’s  attention  was  attracted  to  it  from  the 
first,  and  when  the  noise  was  at  its  height  and  indicated  how 
fiercely  the  combat  was  being  carried  on,  he  directed  all  of  his 
attendants,  except  Captain  Smith,  to  return  to  the  battlefield 
and  attend  to  their  different  duties.  By  eight  o’clock  Sunday 
night  the  pain  in  his  side  had  disappeared,  and  in  all  respects 
he  seemed  doing  well ; he  inquired  minutely  about  the  battle 


284 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


and  different  troops  engaged,  and  his  face  would  light  up  with 
enthusiasm  and  interest  when  told  how  this  brigade  acted,  or 
that  officer  displayed  conspicuous  courage,  and  his  head  gave 
the  peculiar  shake  from  side  to  side,  and  he  uttered  his  usual 
‘ Good,  good,’  with  unwonted  energy ; when  the  gallant  be- 
havior of  the  Stonewall  brigade  was  alluded  to  he  said,  ‘The 
men  of  that  brigade  will  some  day  be  proud  to  say  to  their 
children,  ‘I  was  one  of  the  Stonewall  brigade.’  He  dis- 
claimed any  right  of  his  own  to  the  name  Stonewall.  ‘It  be- 
longed to  the  brigade,  not  to  me.’  A message  was  received 
from  General  Lee  the  next  morning  directing  the  removal  of 
the  General  to  Guinea’s  Station  as  soon  as  his  wound  would 
justify  it,  as  there  was  some  danger  of  capture  by  thq  enemy 
who  were  threatening  to  cross  at  Ely's  Ford.  In  the  mean- 
time, to  protect  the  hospital,  some  troops  were  sent  to  this 
point. 

“ The  General  objected  to  being  moved  if  in  the  opinion  of 
the  surgeon  it  would  do  him  any  injury.  He  said  he  had  no 
objection  to  staying  in  a tent,  and  would  prefer  it  if  his  wife, 
when  she  came,  could  find  lodgings  in  a neighboring  house. 
‘ And  if  the  enemy  do  come,’  he  added,  ‘ I am  not  afraid  of 
them ; I have  always  been  kind  to  their  wounded,  and  I am 
sure  they  will  be  kind  to  me.’  General  Lee  sent  word  again 
late  this  evening  that  he  must  be  moved,  if  possible,  and  prep- 
arations were  made  to  leave  next  morning.  Dr.  McGuire  was 
directed  to  accompany  him,  and  to  remain  with  him,  and  his 
duties  with  the  corps  as  medical  director  were  turned  over  to 
the  surgeon  next  in  rank.  General  Jackson  had  previously 
declined  to  permit  Dr.  McGuire  to  go  with  him  to  Guinea’s 
Station  because  complaints  had  been  so  frequently  made  of 
generals  when  wounded  carrying  with  them  surgeons  belong- 
ing to  their  command.  When  informed  of  the  order  of  the 
commanding  general,  he  said,  ‘ General  Lee  has  always  been 
very  kind  to  me,  and  I thank  him.’ 

“ Very  early  Tuesday  morning  he  was  placed  in  an  ambu- 
lance and  started  for  Guinea’s  Station,  and  about  eight  o’clock 
that  evening  he  arrived  at  Chandler's  house,  where  he  remain- 


BATTLE  OF  CHANCELLORS  VILLE. 


285 


ed  until  be  died.  Captain  Hotchkiss,  with  a party  of  pio- 
neers, was  sent  in  front  to  clear  the  road  of  wood,  stones,  etc., 
and  to  order  the  wagons  out  of  the  track  to  let  the  ambu- 
lance pass.  The  rough  teamsters  sometimes  refused  to  move 
their  loaded  wagons  out  of  the  way  for  an  ambulance  until 
told  that  it  contained  Jackson,  and  then  with  all  possible 
speed  they  gave  the  way,  and  stood  with  hats  off  and  weeping 
as  he  passed  by.  At  Spottsylvania  court-house,  and  along  the 
whole  route,  men  and  women  rushed  to  the  ambulance,  bring- 
ing all  the  poor  delicacies  they  had,  and  with  tearful  eyes  they 
blessed  him  and  prayed  for  his  recovery.  . . . He  talked  freely 
about  the  late  battle,  and  among  other  things  said  that  he  had 
intended  to  cut  the  enemy  off  from  United  States  Ford,  and 
taking  a position  between  them  and  the  river,  oblige  them  to 
attack  him.  . . . Wednesday  he  was  thought  to  be  doing  re- 
markably well.  . . . Conversing  with  Captain  Smith  he  allud- 
ed to  his  wounds  and  said,  ‘ Many  would  regard  them  as  a 
great  misfortune  ; I regard  them  as  one  of  the  blessings  of  my 
life.’  . . . On  Saturday  he  said  to  Dr.  McGuire,  ‘ I see  from 
the  number  of  physicians  that  you  think  my  condition  dan- 
gerous, but  I thank  God,  if  it  is  his  will,  that  I am  ready  to  go.’ 

“About  daylight,  on  Sunday  morning,  Mrs.  Jackson  in- 
formed him  that  his  recovery  was  very  doubtful,  and  that  it 
was  better  he  should  be  prepared  for  the  worst.  He  was  si- 
lent for  a moment,  and  then  said,  ‘ It  will  be  infinite  gain  to 
be  translated  to  heaven.’  . . . He  expressed  a hope  of  his  re- 
covery, but  requested,  if  he  should  die,  to  be  buried  at  Lex- 
ington, in  the  valley  of  Virginia. 

“ His  exhaustion  increased  so  rapidly  that  at  eleven  o’clock 
Mrs.'  Jackson  knelt  by  his  bed,  and  told  him  that  before  the 
sun  went  down  he  would  be  with  his  Saviour.  He  replied, 
‘ 0 no,  you  are  frightened,  my  child ; death  is  not  so  near. 
I may  yet  get  well.’  . . . After  a moment’s  pause,  he  asked 
her  to  call  Dr.  McGuire,  who  was  standing  in  the  ante-room, 
and  said  to  him,  as  he  entered,  ‘ Doctor,  Anna  informs  me 
that  you  have  told  her  I am  to  die  to-day ; is  it  so  ? ’ When 
he  was  answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  turned  his  eyes  to  the 


286 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ceiling,  and  gazed  for  a moment  or  two  as  if  in  intense 
thought,  and  then  replied,  ‘ Very  good,  very  good  ; it  is  all 
right.’  . . . Colonel  Pendleton  came  into  the  room  about  one 
o’clock,  and  he  asked  him,  ‘ Who  is  preaching  at  headquar- 
ters to-day  ? ’ 

“ When  told  that  the  whole  army  was  praying  for  him,  he 
replied,  ‘Thank  God;  they  are  very  kind.'  He  said,  ‘It  is 
the  Lord’s  day ; my  wish  is  fulfilled.  I have  always  desired 
to  die  on  Sunday.’  . . . About  half-past  one  he  was  told  he 
had  but  two  hours  to  live,  and  he  answered  again,  feebly,  but 
very  firmly,  ‘Very  good;  it  is  all  right.’  A few  minutes  be- 
fore he  died,  he  cried  out,  in  his  delirium,  ‘ Order  A.  P.  Hill 
to  prepare  for  action  ; pass  the  infantry  to  the  front  rapidly ; 
tell  Major  Hawkes  ’ — then  stopped,  leaving  the  sentence  un- 
finished. Presently  a smile  of  ineffable  sweetness  spread 
itself  over  his  pale  face,  and  he  said,  quietly,  and  with  an  ex- 
pression as  of  relief,  ‘ Let  us  cross  over  the  river  and  rest 
under  the  shade  of  the  trees.’  And  then,  without  pain  or 
the  least  struggle,  his  spirit  passed  from  earth  to  the  God 
who  gave  it.  Thus  in  the  fortieth  year  of  his  age  (born 
1824,  died  1863)  died  General  Jackson. 

“ The  next  day  the  following  general  order  was  issued  by 
the  commander-in-chief  of  the  army. 

“ Headquarters  Army  of  Northern  Virginia. 
“General  Orders,  No.  61. 

“ With  deep  grief  the  commanding  general  announces  to  the  army  the 
death  of  Lieutenant-General  T.  J.  Jackson,  who  expired  on  the  tenth  in- 
stant, at  quarter-past  three  p.m.  The  daring,  skill,  and  energy  of  this 
great  and  good  soldier,  by  the  decree  of  an  all-wise  Providence,  are  now 
lost  to  us;  but,  while  we  mourn  his  death,  we  feel  that  his  spirit  stilMives 
and  will  inspire  the  whole  army  with  his  indomitable  courage  and  un- 
shaken confidence  in  God  as  our  hope  and  strength.  Let  his  name  be  a 
watchword  to  liij  corps,  who  have  followed  him  to  victory  on  so  many 
fields;  let  his  officers  and  soldiers  emulate  his  invincible  determination  to 
do  everything  in  the  defense  of  our  loved  country. 

R.  E.  LEE,  General. 

“ It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  grief  caused  by  Jackson's 
death.  . . . The  great  Captain’s  remains  were  shrouded  by 


BATTLE  OF  SUNDAY. 


287 


his  staff  on  Sunday  night.  ...  A committee  of  citizens  and 
prominent  men  sent  by  the  governor  to  escort  his  remains  to 
Richmond  started,  accompanied  by  his  staff,  with  them  for 
that  city  on  Monday  morning.  . . . 

“ The  face  of  the  dead  displayed  the  same  inimitable  lines 
of  firmness,  with  the  long,  slightly  aquiline  nose  and  high 
forehead  of  marble  whiteness,  but  the  cheeks  presented  a deep 
pallor.  The  eyelids  were  firmly  closed,  the  mouth  natural  and 
the  whole  contour  of  the  face  composed,  the  full  beard  and 
mustache  remaining.  . . . 

“The  next  day,  May  18,  Jackson's  faithful  body  guard,  his 
staff,  left  Richmond  for  Lexington,  by  Charlottsville  and 
Lynchburg.  At  almost  every  station  flowers  were  sent  into 
the  car  to  be  placed  on  the  great  man’s  coffin,  and  no  tribute 
that  love  and  admiration  could  suggest  was  omitted  along  the 
whole  route.  Arrived  in  Lexington,  the  remains  were  placed 
in  Jackson's  old  lecture  room  and  guarded  by  the  cadets  dur- 
ing the  night.  On  the  morrow  they  were  borne  to  the  village 
church,  Avhere  a simple  and  touching  service  for  the  dead  was 
held  over  them  by  the  dead  warrior’s  beloved  pastor.  From 
thence  they  were  borne,  amid  a weeping  throng,  to  the  village 
burying-ground  where  they  still  lie. 

BATTLE  OF  SUNDAY. 

The  battle  of  Sunday  morning  was  opened  at  daylight  by 
General  Stuart  advancing  the  corps  of  Jackson  to  assault  the 
position  at  Chancellorsville.  His  watch  word  was,  “Charge! 
and  remember  Jackson.”  Hooker's  attitude  had  now  lost  all 
resemblance  of  an  offensive  character,  and  his  movements  for 
his  own  defence  were,  to  say  the  least,  very  remarkable. 

Just  before  the  battle  was  opened  by  Stuart,  General 
Hooker  ordered  Sickles  to  abandon  his  position  at  Hazel 
Grove,  and  draw  his  lines  in  nearer  Chancellorsville.  No 
amount  of  expostulation  could  induce  him  to  change  his  mind, 
and  this  all  important  post  was  thus  abandoned  under  this 
new  arrangement.  The  corps  of  Sickles,  Berry’s  division  of 
Slocum's  corps,  and  French’s  division  of  Couch’s  corps,  formed 


288 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  right,  and  faced  westward  to  oppose  the  advance  of  Stuart, 
while  the  rest  of  Slocum's  corps,  and  Hancock’s  division  of 
Couch’s  corps,  formed  the  center  and  left,  covering  the  roads 
from  Chancellorsville  to  Fredericksburg,  to  meet  any  attack 
which  might  be  made  by  Lee  with  the  remainder  of  his  army. 
Every  soldier  saw  that  under  such  management  there  was  no 
hope  of  victory.  They  were  fighting  for  the  honor  of  their 
flag  and  were  resolved  to  do  their  best,  and  sell  their  lives  as 
dearly  as  possible. 

The  Federal  engineers  had  traced  out  a new  line  of  battle 
three-fourths  of  a mile  in  the  rear  of  Chancellorsville,  cover- 
ing the  road  to  United  States  and  Ely's  Fords,  and  to  this 
line  General  Hooker  seemed  determined  to  go.  General 
Stuart  immediately  saw  the  immense  importance  of  seizing 
the  point  known  as  Hazel  Grove,  which  the  Federals  had 
evacuated  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  General  Hooker,  and 
soon  had  its  crest  crowned  with  thirty  pieces  of  artillery  and 
opened  a tremendous  fire  upon  Chancellorsville.  At  the  same 
time  a terrible  assault  was  made  by  his  infantry  upon  the 
Federal  lines  in  the  edge  of  the  woods  just  to  the  Federal  right 
of  Chancellorsville.  The  battle  was  most  desperate,  and  raged 
terribly  on  both  sides  of  the  turnpike.  The  men  of  Sickles’, 
Berry’s,  and  French’s  divisions  fought  only  as  heroes  can, 
while  Stuart’s  men,  remembering  their  fallen  chieftain,  dis- 
played a valor  not  excelled  during  the  whole  civil  war. 

The  Federal  artillery,  placed  all  along  the  edge  of  the  field, 
in  front  of  Chancellorsville,  which  was  known  as  “ Fair- 
view,”  fired  with  great  rapidity  and  deadly  precision,  hurl- 
ing its  messengers  of  death  down  through  the  woods  where 
Stuart’s  men  were  advancing.  Again  and  again  were  the 
Confederates  repulsed;  yet  General  Stuart,  brave,  brilliant 
and  desperate,  led  them  forward  in  person  after  each  re- 
pulse, each  assault  being  more  desperate  than  the  one  which 
had  preceded  it,  and  at  last  Sickles  was  forced  back.  Stuart 
followed  him  so  rapidly  that  his  left  flank  was  exposed,  and 
French,  pouring  a galling  fire  upon  it,  threw  it  into  confusion, 
and  captured  three  hundred  prisoners.  Stuart  again  rallied, 


BATTLE  OF  SUNDAY. 


289 


and  steadily  the  Federals  were  pressed  back.  Comrades,  who 
could  be  numbered  by  tens  of  thousands,  were  within  the 
sound  of  their  guns  only  too  anxious  to  go  to  the  rescue,  but 
were  not  permitted  to  move. 

The  air  was  filled  with  screaming  shells  ; minie  bullets  flew 
like  hailstones  ; hand-to-hand  fought  the  maddened  host,  the 
around  being'  covered  with  the  slain  and  soaked  with  blood. 

o 

The  house  where  Hooker's  headquarters  were  established 
was  being  rapidly  knocked  to  pieces  by  Stuart's  shells. 
Death  and  disaster  were  apparent  on  every  side. 

While  the  battle  was  thus  raging  upon  the  Federal  right, 
another  of  equal  fierceness  was  being  fought  upon  their  left. 
Lee  had  advanced  his  two  divisions  upon  the  lines  of  Han 
cock  and  Slocum.  Anderson  moved  up  the  plank  road  and 
engaged  Slocum,  while  McLaws  desperately  assailed  Han- 
cock. The  latter  was  handsomely  repulsed  by  Hancock,  but 
Anderson  pressed  Slocum  ver}r  hard,  and  by  extending  his 
left  flank,  succeeded  in  making  a junction  with  the  troops 
under  Stuart.  This  encouraged  the  Confederates,  and  Gen- 
eral Lee  ordered  an  advance  of  the  whole  line.  Then  Sickles 
and  Slocum  were  pressed  back.  Then  the  whole  Federal  line 
began  to  melt  away ; their  ammunition  was  exhausted ; no 
reinforcements  were  sent  them  ; the  gallant  Berry  was  slain  ; 
shells  were  tearing  through  their  shattered  ranks;  Hooker 
had  been  knocked  senseless  b}r  a shell  striking  against  a post 
against  which  he  was  leaning  at  Chancellorsville.  Back  the 
brave  fellows  were  retreating.  All  save  the  divisions  of  Han- 
cock, and  a portion  of  Slocum’s  corps,  under  General  Geary, 
held  their  point  of  the  line  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  Federal 
line.  Here  Hancock  fought  until  he  was  hurled  back  to 
the  Chancellorsville  House,  where  he  again  made  a stand  in 
the  angle  of  the  roads.  His  was  the  only  command  in  the 
army  at  Chancellorsville  engaging  the  foe.  Stuart’s  artillery 
was  pushed  forward,  sharpshooters  were  picking  off  the  men, 
and  finally  Hancock  was  obliged  to  fall  back.  Chancellors- 
ville was  in  the  hands  of  the  Confederates,  and  the  battle 
had  been  won  by  them. 

19 


290 


BLUE  AxYD  GEAT. 

General  Hooker  formed  his  troops  upon  the  line  before 
mentioned.  In  the  line  of  battle  thus  formed,  were  two 
corps,  the  First  and  Fifth,  which  had  not  fired  a gun  in  all  of 
the  desperate  day’s  work.  These  contained  thirty-one  thou- 
sand men,  or  more  than  half  as  man}r  as  General  Lee  had  in 
his  entire  command,  and  yet  when  General  Slocum  was  so 
sorely  pressed,  and  sent  a message  to  his  commanding  general 
asking  for  re-inforcements,  he  returned  him  this  reply,  “ He 
could  not  make  men  and  ammunition.”  General  Lee  was 
preparing  to  follow  up  his  advantage,  confident  that  he  could 
destroy  Hooker’s  army,  but  at  that  moment  he  received  infor- 
mation that  Sedgwick  had  crossed  the  river  at  Fredericks- 
burg. 

Let  us  for  a time  leave  the  contending  hosts  at  Chancellors- 
ville  and  visit  John  Sedgwick  and  the  Sixth  corps,  on  the 
rsouth  bank  of  the  Rappahannock  river,  three  miles  below  the 
.city.  It  was  nearly  midnight  of  Saturday  when  General 
Hooker’s  order  reached  him,  by  which  he  was  commanded  to 
move  through  Fredericksburg  and  unite  with  the  main  body 
at  Chancellorsville.  He  immediately  put  his  corps  in  motion 
b}r  the  flank,  in  the  direction  of  the  city,  skirmishing  heavily 
with  the  Confederates  as  he  advanced,  they  slowly  retreating 
upon  the  city.  Before  daylight  Sedgwick  occupied  the  town. 
A small  force  was  immediately  thrown  forward  to  occupy  the 
enemy's  works  behind  the  town,  but  was  defeated.  Gibbon’s 
division  of  Couch’s  corps,  that  had  been  in  position  at  Fal- 
mouth, now  crossed  the  river  and  joined  Sedgwick. 

General  Lee  had  left  Early’s  division  of  four  brigades  and 
Barksdale’s  brigade  of  McLaws’  division  for  the  defence  of 
Fredericksburg.  Barksdale  occupied  the  heights  including 
Marye’s  Hill  and  the  stonewall  made  so  famous  in  the  battle 
fought  on  the  previous  December  by  General  Burnside.  There 
were  three  companies  of  the  Washington  artillery  upon  the 
crest  of  the  heights,  and  as  soon  as  General  Early  understood 
the  proposed  movement  he  sent  Hay’s  brigade  to  reinforce 
Barksdale.  The  force  of  this  officer  was  nearly  as  great  as 
that  which  had  repulsed  the  divisions  of  French,  Hancock, 


ASSAULT  OX  MARYE’S  HEIGHTS. 


291 


and  Humphries  in  the  previous  battle,  and  he  was  quite  con- 
fident that  he  could  repulse  any  attack  which  Sedgwick  should 
make. 


ASSAULT  ON  MARYE’S  HEIGHTS. 

Sedgwick’s  first  movement  was  to  throw  forward  his  left 
flank  and  endeavor  to  envelop  the  Confederate  right,  but  this 
movement  was  a failure.  Then  he  threw  forward  his  right, 
hoping  to  turn  the  Confederate  left,  but  this  was  equally  fruit- 
less. A slight  attack  made  in  front  was  not  more  successful, 
and  but  one  course  remained,  and  that  was  to  throw  a power- 
ful assaulting  column  upon  the  enemy’s  front  and  seize  the 
heights.  It  was  about  ten  o’clock  when  General  Warren,  who 
came  to  represent  Hooker,  and  Sedgwick  decided  to  make  the 
assault.  The  columns  were  formed  as  follows:  Colonel  Johns 
of  the  Seventh  Massachusetts,  and  two  regiments  of  Eustis’ 
brigade  were  to  make  the  direct  assault  upon  Marye’s  Hill, 
while  Shaylor’s  brigade  and  four  regiments  under  Colonel 
Spear,  of  the  Sixty-first  Pennsylvania,  was  to  move  further  to 
the  right,  and  the  light  brigade  under  Colonel  Burnham  of 
the  Sixth  Maine,  was  to  deploy  upon  the  left,  and  capture  the 
stonewall  at  the  base  of  the  hill. 

At  a given  signal  they  all  dashed  forward  and  the  Confed- 
erates opened  a terrible  fire  upon  them.  Spear’s  column  was 
nearly  all  swept  away,  and  he  was  killed.  Johns  was  obliged 
to  advance  up  a rocky  gulch  swept  by  the  Confederate  artil- 
lery, his  line  being  twice  broken,  but  he  rallied  it  each  time  and 
on  they  went,  when  Johns  was  very  badl}r  wounded.  Then 
Colonel  Welch  of  the  Thirty-sixth  New  York,  led  them  on 
over  the  Confederate  works.  The  gallant  Burnham  with  his 
splendid  light  brigade  swept  on  through  the  pelting  hail  of 
lead  and  iron  over  the  stonewall,  where  there  was  a hand  to 
hand  conflict  with  Barksdale’s  gallant  men.  It  was  brief, 
though  bloody.  The  Confederates  rushed  up  the  hill,  closely 
followed  by  the  Federals,  and  the  troops  of  Burnham  and 
Welch  reached  the  crest  at  the  same  moment.  There  was 
another  struggle  over  the  guns,  but  the  Confederates  were 


292 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


overpowered  by  their  victorious  opponents.  The  loss  on  both 
sides  was  heavy.  To  the  Sixth  Maine  regiment  belongs  the 
honor  of  being  the  first  to  plant  its  colors  upon  the  enemy's 
works.  Sedgwick’s  loss  was  more  than  a thousand  men, 
killed  and  wounded.  He  captured  one  company  of  artillery 
with  its  guns,  and  a large  portion  of  the  Eighteenth  and 
Twenty-first  Mississippi  regiments. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  on  Marye’s  Heights, 
Howe  had  carried  the  heights  below  Fredericksburg,  captur- 
ing five  guns  and  a number  of  prisoners.  The  whole  right 
was  thus  in  the  possession  of  General  Sedgwick.  General 
Early  retreated  southward  over  the  telegraph  road,  leaving 
the  plank  road  between  Fredericksburg  and  Chancellorsville, 
open  for  the  advance  of  Sedgwick,  and  the  latter  soon  had  his 
command  in  motion  toward  the  last  named  place. 

This  was  the  intelligence  which  reached  General  Lee  at  the 
time  he  was  preparing  to  strike  the  defeated  army  of  General 
Hooker  after  it  had  fallen  back,  leaving  Chancellorsville  in 
his  possession.  He  at  once  saw  that  he  must  adjust  his  com- 
mand to  meet  this  new  and  dangerous  emergency.  The  bold- 
ness with  which  he  met  this  crisis  speaks  volumes  for  General 
Lee  as  a commander.  He  felt  that  Hooker’s  command  would 
remain  passive,  for  a time  at  least,  and  he  immediately  detach- 
ed enough  men  from  Hooker’s  front  to  co-operate  with  Early, 
to  check,  if  not  destroy,  the  command  of  Sedgwick.  The 
brigade  of  Wilcox  was  already  at  Bank’s  Ford,  which  was  a 
good  position  for  the  new  emergency.  He  also  dispatched 
the  brigade  of  Mahone  from  Anderson’s  division  and  those  of 
Kershaw,  Wyford,  and  Semmes  from  McLaws  to  move  in  the 
direction  of  Fredericksburg,  to  engage  Sedgwick  in  front, 
while  Early,  with  his  five  brigades,  should  operate  upon  his 
flanks  and  rear. 

BATTLE  OF  SALEM  CHURCH. 

The  advance  lines  of  Sedgwick  and  McLaws  came  in  con- 
tact near  Salem  Heights  about  midway  between  the  two 
places,  at  about  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon.  A Confederate 


BATTLE  OF  SALEM  CHURCII. 


293 


brigade  under  Wilcox,  was  already  in  position  at  the  Salem 
church,  and  McLaws  proceeded  to  form  his  line  upon  the 
right  and  left  of  this  brigade.  Sedgwick  immediately  moved 
upon  this  line.  Brook's  division,  supported  by  that  of  New- 
ton, went  in  vigorously,  and  for  a time  were  successful  in 
pressing  back  the  Confederates  until  the  church  and  school- 
house  near  it,  were  in  the  possession  of  the  Federals,  but  the 
Confederates  rallied;  there  was  a sharp  struggle,  and  the  Fed- 
erals were  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.  The  Federal  retreat  was 
covered  and  the  Confederate  advance  cheeked  by  the  Federal 
artillery,  skillfully  commanded  by  Colonel  Tompkins.  Sedg- 
wick could  go  no  further  ; he  had  now  lost  five  thousand  men 
during  the  day,  and  when  darkness  covered  the  scene,  the 
wearied  soldiers  of  both  armies  threw  themselves  upon  the 
ground  to  sleep. 

Monday  morning  found  both  armies  in  a most  singular  situ- 
ation. Hooker  stood  squarely  upon  the  defensive,  Lee  did 
not  dare  to  attack  him  unless  he  could  do  it  with  his  whole 
force,  and  he  could  not  concentrate  his  army  without  opening 
the  way  for  Sedgwick  to  fall  upon  his  rear.  On  the  other 
hand  Sedgwick  could  not  advance  unless  he  was  reinforced, 
and  to  add  to  the  complex  character  of  the  situation,  General 
Early  advanced  and  recaptured  Fredericksburg  and  the 
heights  in  the  rear,  and  thus  cut  off  Sedgwick's  retreat  in 
that  direction  and  left  him  hemmed  in  on  three  sides  by  the 
Confederates. 

Lee  decided  that  the  most  promising  way  for  him  to  solve 
the  problem  was,  to  reinforce  the  troops  which  were  fighting 
Sedgwick,  destroy  or  drive  him  across  the  Rappahannock, 
and  thus  remove  at  least  one  troublesome  factor  from  the 
problem.  He  dispatched  Anderson,  with  his  remaining  bri- 
gade, to  reinforce  McLaws.  They  reached  Salem  Heights  at 
noon,  but  their  assault  upon  Sedgwick  was  not  made  for  sev- 
eral hours.  The  Sixth  corps  was  then  formed  in  three  sides 
of  a square,  enclosing  Banks’  Ford,  with  either  flank  resting 
upon  the  river.  Howe's  division  faced  east  toward  Freder- 
icksburg against  Early,  with  his  left  on  the  river ; Newton’s 


294 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


division,  with  Russell's  brigade  of  Brooks’  division,  faced  Mc- 
Laws  on  the  west,  with  their  right  upon  the  river.  The  bri- 
gades of  Bartlett  and  Torbert  faced  south,  touching  the  other 
sides  of  the  square,  and  fought  with  the  troops  of  Anderson. 
This  line  was  long  and  very  thin. 

General  Sedgwick’s  position  was  a most  critical  one ; his 
line  was  six  miles  in  length,  and  if  broken  it  must  result  in 
the  destruction  of  his  whole  force.  The  Confederates  made 
several  distinct  assaults  with  great  gallantry,  but  the  Feder- 
als  stood  firmly,  and  frequently  followed  up  the  repulsed  Con- 
federates. Back  and  forth  through  the  dense  forest  the  aw- 
ful tides  of  battle  rolled ; the  roar  of  the  guns  could  be  dis- 
tinctly heard  by  Hooker,  yet  no  effort  was  made  to  reinforce 
the  gallant  men  of  Sedgwick. 

Darkness  put  a stop  to  the  conflict.  That  night  Sedgwick 
drew  back  his  men,  and  formed  a new  line  nearer  the  ford. 
A pontoon  bridge  was  placed,  and  preparations  were  made  for 
crossing  the  river.  The  Confederates  did  not  attack  this  new 
line  of  defense,  and  during  the  night  Sedgwick  escaped  across 
the  river. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  May  fifth,  Lee  saw  that  his  rear  was 
secure,  and  he  immediately  recalled  the  divisions  of  Ander- 
son and  McLaws,  and  determined  to  concentrate  his  troops, 
and  once  more  present  his  compliments  to  General  Hooker. 
During  the  fifth  he  made  all  necessary  preparations  to  assault 
Hooker’s  position  at  daylight  of  the  sixth,  but  Hooker  had 
no  taste  for  battle  now,  and  determined  to  recross  the  river, 
although  a majority  of  his  corps  commanders  were  in  favor  of 
a fight. 

In  the  darkness  of  Tuesday  night  the  recrossing  began : a 
terrible  storm  came  on ; the  swollen  waters  of  the  river 
threatened  to  sweep  the  pontoons  away ; and  in  the  dense 
gloom  of  that  dark,  wet  night,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  re- 
turned to  the  northern  bank  of  the  Rappahannock,  and 
marched  through  the  mud  to  their  old  camps. 

On  no  battlefield  of  the  war  did  that  army  perform  more 
heroic  service  for  the  Union  cause  than  at  Chancellorsville. 


BATTLE  OF  SALEM  CHURCH. 


295 


In  no  battle  did  brigade,  division,  or  corps  commanders,  with 
few  exceptions,  display  more  genius  or  bravery ; and  yet 
Chaneellorsville  is  to  the  Federal  army  the  most  disgraceful 
battlefield  of  the  war.  Further  comment  is  unnecessary. 
The  losses  were  very  heavy  on  both  sides.  That  of  General 
Hooker  is  estimated  at  seventeen  thousand  men,  and  Lee’s  at 
thirteen  thousand.  Hooker’s  killed  and  wounded  were  left 
upon  the  field.  He  lost  fourteen  pieces  of  artillery  and 
twenty  thousand  stand  of  small  arms ; Stoneman’s  cavalry, 
from  whom  so  much  was  expected,  accomplished  but  little. 
In  fact,  there  was  but  little  they  could  do,  as  Hooker  was  de- 
feated before  they  could  reach  Lee's  line  of  communications. 
They  had  several  encounters  with  the  Confederate  cavalry, 
raided  across  the  country  in  many  directions,  portions  even 
going  down  to  Richmond  and  on  the  peninsula. 

Thus  the  curtain  drops  over  Chaneellorsville,  a field  made 
glorious  by  the  brave,  brilliant  deeds  of  the  contending 
soldiers. 


296 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES  AND  POEM. 

AN  APPRECIATIVE  TEXAN. 

After  one  of  tlie  desperate  battles  on  the  peninsula,  in 
which  the  Federals  were  defeated,  many  of  their  dead  were 
left  on  the  field. 

The  lines  were  so  near  each  other  that  the  dead  could  not 
be  removed.  A tall  Texan  soldier,  ragged  and  hungry,  decid- 
ed to  venture  over  the  Confederate  line  of  breast-works  to 
search  for  something  to  eat  and  wear.  His  comrades  reminded 
him  of  the  danger  he  would  thus  incur,  but  all  to  no  avail. 
He  advanced  a short  distance,  after  crossing  the  breastworks, 
and  soon  discovered  the  body  of  a Federal  soldier,  which  he 
carried  back  to  the  Confederate  lines. 

The  Texan  was  much  delighted  to  find  that  he  had  thus 
come  into  possession  of  an  excellent  pair  of  boots,  a good  suit 
of  clothes,  and  a well-filled  haversack.  Upon  putting  his 
hand  into  the  dead  man's  pocket,  his  joy  was  much  increased 
by  finding  sixty  dollars  in  gold. 

At  that  moment  he,  for  the  first  time,  espied  the  man’s  can- 
teen, which  he  hastily  seized  and  found  to  be  well  filled  with 
whiskey.  He  immediately  dropped  the  rations,  money,  and 
all  else  and  quickly  pressed  the  canteen  to  his  lips  and  half 
drained  it  before  it  was  removed.  Then  sitting  down  beside 
the  dead  man,  he  began  to  soliloquize  as  follows : — 

“ Poor  fellow,  he  has  gone  as  many  a good  fellow  has  before 
him,  but  I tell  you  boys,  he  was  a gentleman ; no  ordinary 
slouch.  His  outfit  stamps  him  as  a gentleman,  the  kind  of 
fellow  that  I like  to  encounter.  Good  boots  and  good  pants ; 
lots  to  eat ; plenty  of  money,  and  better  than  all  the  rest,  he 
was  no  mean  judge  of  whiskey.” 


IF  WE’ US'S  HAD  BEEN  TEXICANS. 


297 


FURLOUGHS  ONLY  WHEN  DEATH  IS  IN  THE  FAMILY. 

An  order  had  been  issued  from  headquarters : “Furloughs 
only  when  death  is  in  the  family.” 

A soldier,  an  Englishman,  who  had  no  relatives  in  this 
country,  applied  for  leave  of  absence.  His  application  read, 
“ I have  lost  my  grandmother.” 

It  was  approved,  and  as  he  was  leaving  the  tent  his  colonel 
said,  “ I am  sorry  to  hear  of  your  affliction  ; when  did  your 
grandmother  die?”  “She  was  very  old,  colonel,  and  could 
not  have  lasted  long.”  “ But,  when  did  she  die  ? ” he  again 
inquired.  “It  is  quite  an  affliction,  sir,  and  we'll  miss  her,” 
said  the  soldier,  moving  away.  “ Are  you  hard  of  hearing?  ” 
yelled  the  officer.  “ She’s  been  dead  forty  years,  sir  ; I can’t 
lie  about  it,  but  I ought  to  get  a furlough  on  it.” 

The  colonel  had  to  break  out  in  a laugh  as  the  soldier  dog- 
gedly returned  to  his  quarters.  A few  days  after  the  poor 
fellow  received  a ball  in  his  leg ; as  it  struck  him  he  slapped 
the  limb  and  shouted,  “ Thirty  days,  and  no  death  in  the 
family !” 


IF  WE’UNS  HAD  BEEN  TEXICANS. 

A North  Carolina  regiment  in  Hood’s  division,  at  the  first 
engagement  in  which  they  participated,  became  demoralized, 
and  retreated  in  confusion.  For  this  they  were  jeered  most 
mercilessly  by  the  Texans,  whose  valor  had  so  often  been 
shown  on  the  field  of  battle. 

In  the  next  fight  the  “ Tar-heels,”  stung  to  desperation,  de- 
termined to  retrieve  their  reputation.  When  an  advance  was 
ordered  they  charged  with  great  fierceness,  their  impetuosity 
carrying  them  far  in  advance  of  the  rest  of  the  line.  The 
force  in  their  front,  borne  down  by  the  fury  of  their  assault, 
gave  way  rapidly,  while  with  wild  yells  the  North  Carolini- 
ans followed. 

General  Hood,  fearing  that  their  advanced  position  would 
expose  them  to  an  attack  on  the  flanks,  which  would  be  dis- 
astrous, sent  a courier  after  them,  with  peremptory  orders  to 


298 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  colonel  to  bring  his  men  back.  Slowly  and  sullenly  they 
obeyed,  growling  and  cursing  as  they  came. 

The  Texans  greeted  them  with  a hearty  cheer.  One  indig- 
nant Tar-heel,  who  thought  the  order  for  their  return  was 
prompted  by  the  jealousy  of  the  general,  yelled  out, 

“ Yess,  if  we’uns  had  been  Texicans,  we  mout  a bin  goin’ 
till  yit.” 

YOU  TINKS  I PESE  A PLAMED  PHOOL. 

At  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville  a member  of  a Mississippi 
regiment  captured  a burly  Dutchman.  Withdrawing  a little 
way  from  the  line,  he  said,  “ Come,  old  Germany,  shell  out.” 
“ Shell  out  vat  ? ” said  Dutchy.  “ Why,  greenbacks,”  said  the 
rebel.  “ Greenbacks  ! ” exclaimed  the  Teuton  ; “ you  tinks  I 
pese  a planted  phool  to  pack  greenbacks  aroundt  for  you  Shon- 
nies  ? Not  much,  I don’t ; I send  them  all  home  to  mine  frau.” 

SHOOTERS  BEFORE  TOOTERS. 

While  Lee’s  army  was  in  winter  quarters,  in  Orange  county, 
only  a limited  number  of  furloughs  Avere  granted. 

The  regimental  band  of  one  of  the  commands  applied  for  a 
furlough.  The  application  was  approved  by  the  colonel  and 
brigade  commander,  but  when  it  reached  the  division  head- 
quarters old  Ed.  Johnson  sent  it  back  with  the  following  in- 
dorsement: “Respectfully  returned  ; disapproved.  Shooters 
must  have  furloughs  before  footers.”  There  was  no  music  by 
the  band  that  evening. 

what’s  in  a name. 

A soldier  who  bore  a war-like  name  was  renowned  for  shirk- 
ing in  time  of  battle.  Dodge  he  would  in  spite  of  everything. 

At  Gettysburg  he  vowed  he  would  go  with  his  company  to 
the  last,  but  in  the  charge  on  Culp’s  Hill  he  was  missing. 
His  comrades  saw  him  no  more  until  the  retreat  began. 

When  twitted  for  his  shirking,  he  said,  “Well  I did  intend 
to  go,  but  when  the  Yankees  began  to  throw  railroad  ties,  afire 
at  both  ends,  flesh  and  blood  could  not  stand  it,  I had  to 
leave.” 


DON’T  MAKE  ME  MARK  TIME. 


299 


It  was  insisted  that  no  such  missile  had  been  hurled  at 
the  lines,  but  nothing  could  convince  him.  He  swore  that 
one  had  come  very  near  his  head,  that  it  was  seven  or  eight 
feet  long,  and  on  fire  at  both  ends. 

A GAL  BABY. 

During  the  terrible  battle  of  the  Wilderness  the  captain 
of  a company  of  Confederates  found  a recruit  standing  be- 
hind a tree,  trembling  with  fright,  and  crying  as  if  his  heart 
would  break. 

“ Come  out  from  behind  that  tree,”  thundered  the  captain. 
“Aren’t  you  ashamed  of  yourself,  hiding  here  in  the  rear, 
and  crying  like  a baby  ? ” 

“ 0 Lordy ! ” blubbered  the  recruit,  “ I wish  I was  a baby, 
and  a gal  baby  at  that ! ” 


jim’s  bad  fix. 

One  old  reb  was  questioned  about  his  brother,  and  thus  de- 
livered himself: 

“Well,  Jim  is  in  a right  bad  way;  fighting  don’t  agree 
with  him.  If  it  were  not  for  the  honor  of  the  family  he 
would  desert ; and  if  it  were  not  for  fear  of  hell  he  would 
cut  his  throat.” 


don’t  MAKE  ME  MARK  TIME. 

One  peculiarity  of  the  veteran  “ forager  ” was  the  facility 
with  which  he  could  extricate  himself  from  a tight  place. 
On  one  occasion  he  went  off  on  a private  expedition,  and 
stayed  away  so  long  that  he  was  reported  absent  without 
leave. 

When  he  returned  the  boys  gathered  around  him  and  began 
as  usual  to  inquire  where  he  had  been,  and  the  success  of  his 
raid.  To  these  questions  he  made  no  answer,  but  proceeded 
to  the  quarters  of  the  company  officers,  and  asked  the  captain 
whether  he  had  been  reported  absent  without  leave.  “You 
have,  sir,”  said  the  captain,  speaking  as  sternly  as  he  could. 

The  “ forager  ” struck  a bee-line  for  the  colonel’s  tent. 


300 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“ Colonel,”  he  began,  “ I have  been  reported  absent  without 
leave  ; I have  nothing  to  say  in  extenuation  of  my  unsol- 
dierly  conduct , I deserve  to  be  punished,  and  I am  willing  to 
bear  any  punishment  you  may  inflict.  Put  me  on  double 
duty,  confine  me  in  the  guard-house,  put  me  in  a barrel-shirt, 
send  me  to  work  in  the  trenches, — anything  of  the  sort, — but, 
colonel,  for  heaven’s  sake  don’t  make  me  ‘mark  time.’  I 
think  I should  die  of  mortification  and  sorrow,  if  in  years  to 
come  the  cruel  taunt  should  be  flung  at  my  innocent  little 
children  ‘ Your  father  had  to  mark  time  in  the  army.’  ” 

“ Go  to  your  quarters,”  said  the  good-hearted  colonel,  “you 
shall  not  be  punished  for  this  offense.” 

“Boys,”  said  the  wily  strategist,  “I  fixed  him  ; the  colonel 
is  a man  of  discernment ; he  can  appreciate  a soldier’s  jealous 
regard  for  his  honor.” 

He  never  did  tell  where  he  had  been  during  his  absence, 
but  some  of  his  comrades  reported  that  he  had  been  into  the 
camp  of  an  artillery  battalion,  and  raised  a row,  and  upon 
being  arrested  had  been  made  to  mark  time  by  the  hour. 

FORAGING. 

Foraging  was  the  convenient  term  used  to  describe  those 
doubtful  expeditions  enterprised  by  the  private  soldier  for  the 
replenishment  of  his  haversack.  When  “Johnny”  started 
out  in  search  of  substantial  comfort  he  usually  meant  business. 
The  promptings  of  the  inner  man  were  urgent,  and  often  it  is 
to  be  feared,  overpowered  the  voice  of  conscience.  The 
object  to  be  attained  was  all  absorbing.  If  the  honest  farmer, 
made  suspicious  by  sad  experience,  could  not  be  beguiled  by 
doleful  stories  of  long  fasts,  nor  persuaded  to  exchange  his 
bacon  and  vegetables  for  Confederate  money,  some  other  plan 
was  devised  by  which  he  would  be  relieved  of  his  surplus 
stores, — plans  which  were  not  always  in  accordance  with  the 
laws  of  morality,  or  the  usages  of  civilized  warfare.  Three 
Confederates  once  undertook  to  “ go  through  ” a sweet  potato 
patch,  in  which  the  owner  stood,  accompanied  by  a soldier 
who  had  been  detailed  to  guard  the  premises.  Two  of  the 


GENERAL  LEE’S  SON. 


301 


men  approached  the  front,  while  the  third  made  his  way  to 
the  rear.  The  two  in  front  entered  into  a conversation  with 
the  owner,  and  proposed  to  buy  some  of  the  potatoes  ; he 
refused  to  sell.  They  then  threatened  to  take  them  by  force. 
Upon  this  he  called  to  the  guard,  who  left  his  position  in  the 
center  of  the  lot,  and  came  to  the  fence,  where  a dispute  arose 
as  to  the  authority  by  which  he  occupied  the  place.  While 
this  was  going  on,  the  third  man  on  the  other  side  of  the  lot, 
was  busily  engaged  in  filling  his  sack  with  the  luscious  tubers. 
When  he  had  gotten  through  and  left,  his  companions  sud- 
denly withdrew,  leaving  the  farmer  in  possession  of  the  field. 

Some  of  the  men  had  reduced  “foraging”  to  a science. 
In  almost  every  company  there  might  have  been  found  one  or 
more  who  never  failed  to  make  a raise,  whenever  they  under- 
took to  gather  supplies.  These  experts  gloried  in  overcoming 
difficulties,  and  no  field  was  more  inviting  to  them  than  one 
from  which  the  ordinary  forager  would  be  sure  to  return 
empty  handed. 

GENERAL  LEE’S  SON. 

One  of  the  boys  excelled  in  this  department,  such  being 
his  address,  and  unblushing  impudence,  that  he  often 
succeeded  where  others  had  failed. 

On  one  occasion,  having  encamped  in  a certain  locality  in 
Culpepper,  as  usual,  it  was  not  long  before  every  house  in  the 
neighborhood  had  been  visited  and  the  hospitality  of  the  in- 
habitants tested.  An  evil  report  was  brought  of  one  place  ; 
it  was  a fine,  brick  residence,  an  abundance  of  vegetables  were 
in  the  garden,  and  numerous  servants  about  the  place,  but 
every  soldier  had  been  turned  off  in  the  most  summary  man- 
ner. One  after  another  had  tried,  and  all  agreed  that  it  was 
the  hardest  place  that  they  had  yet  encountered.  “Boys,” 
said  our  champion,  “I’m  going  to  eat  and  sleep  in  that  house 
to-night.”  “It  is  no  use  to  try,”  was  the  answer,  “you  can’t 
get  inside,  we’ve  tried.” 

Nothing  daunted,  he  washed,  combed  his  hair  and  whiskers, 
put  on  a clean  shirt  and  sallied  forth.  He  was  met  at  the 


302 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


door  by  a servant  who  told  him  that  he  could  not  enter.  “ Call 
your  mistress,”  said  he  in  a tone  of  authority.  The  lady  came, 
scowling.  Making  a most  courtly  bow,  he  thus  addressed 
her:  “Madam,  I am  sorry  to  trespass  on  your  hospitality,  but 
my  health  is  frail,  and  the  old  gentleman  insisted  on  my  com- 
ing here  to  stay  all  night.”  “What  old  gentleman?”  asked 
the  lady  in  astonishment.  “My  father,  madam,  General  Lee.” 
“Are  you  General  Lee’s  son?”  “Yes  ma’am.”  “Well,  come 
in  Mr.  Lee,  I will  do  the  best  I can  for  you.”  The  result  was 
that  the  indomitable  bummer  got  a fine  supper,  a good  bed,  a 
hot  breakfast  and  his  haversack  well  filled.  The  lady,  if  still 
living,  is  doubtless  yet  under  the  impression  that  she  enter- 
tained the  gentlemanly  son  of  the  great  chieftain. 

CONFEDERATE  MONEY. 

The  financial  operations  of  the  Confederate  government 
afford  a very  interesting  study  for  those  whose  taste  would 
lead  them  in  that  direction,  but  for  the  ordinary  reader  a his- 
tory of  the  methods  adopted  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  gov- 
ernment for  money,  would  be  very  dry  reading. 

The  confederacy  had  no  financial  system,  unless  that  can  be 
called. a system  which  amounted  simply  to  an  additional  issue 
of  notes,  instead  of  the  sale  of  bonds.  As  a necessary  con- 
sequence the  country  was  soon  flooded  with  a paper  currency 
which  rapidly  depreciated  in  value,  until  the  price  of  the 
common  comforts  of  life  were  simply  astounding. 

An  ordinary  black  felt  hat  sold  readily  for  three  hundred 
dollars,  a pair  of  boots  for  five  hundred ; twenty-five  dollars 
for  a meal,  at  the  Exchange  Hotel  in  Richmond,  was  what  a 
private  soldier  whose  pay  was  only  eleven  dollars  per  month 
paid  in  the  spring  of  1865.  He  didn’t  eat  often.  Butter  sold 
for  twenty  dollars  per  pound,  and  other  things  in  proportion. 

The  question  may  be  asked,  what  did  the  soldiers  do  for 
money?  They  had  but  very  little  use  for  it,  while  such  was 
its  abundance  in  the  country  that  it  was  very  easy  to  get  it  if 
one  would  only  make  an  effort  in  that  direction.  Spoils  from 
the  battlefield  could  be  sold  for  enough  to  last  a long  time. 


CONFEDERATE  MONEY. 


303 


A horse  captured  and  converted  into  cash  has  made  a cavalry- 
man feel  like  a millionaire.  Moreover  the  Union  troops  were 
often  supplied  with  a bogus  issue  of  “ corn-fed,”  which  they 
very  liberally  circulated  whenever  an  opportunity  allowed. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  the  tasty  housewives  of  Virginia 
papered  their  fire-boards  with  Confederate  notes,  and  for  many 
years  this  worthless  “promise  to  pay”  was  often  seen  stuffed 
in  the  wallets  of  the  little  boys,  “playing  merchant." 

The  following  quaint  lines  are  apropos  of  this  currency : 

[Written  on  the  back  of  a Confederate  §20  bill  by  Major  S.  A.  Jones,  of 

Louisiana.] 

Representing  nothing  on  God’s  earth  now, 

And  naught  in  the  water  below  it; 

As  a pledge  of  a nation  that's  dead  and  gone, 

Keep  it,  dear  friend,  and  show  it. 

Show  it  to  those  who  will  lend  an  ear 
To  the  tale  this  paper  can  tell; 

Of  Liberty  horn,  of  the  patriot’s  dream, 

Of  the  storm-cradled  nation  that  fell. 

Too  poor  to  possess  the  precious  ores, 

And  too  much  a stranger  to  borrow; 

We  issued  to-day  our  promise  to  pay 
And  hope  to  redeem  on  to-morrow. 

The  days  rolled  on  and  the  weeks  become  years, 

But  our  coffers  were  empty  still; 

Coin  was  so  rare  that  the  treasury  quaked 
If  a dollar  should  drop  in  the  till. 

But  the  faith  that  was  in  us  was  strong,  indeed, 

And  our  poverty  well  discerned, 

And  those  little  checks  represented  the  pay 
That  our  suffering  volunteers  earned. 

We  knew  it  had  hardly  a value  in  gold, 

Yet  as  gold  our  soldiers  received  it; 

It  gazed  in  our  eyes  with  a promise  to  pay, 

And  each  patriot  soldier  believed  it. 

But  our  boys  thought  little  of  price  or  pay, 

Or  of  hills  that  were  over-due; 

We  knew  if  it  brought  us  bread  to-day, 

’Twas  tho  best  our  country  could  do. 


304 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Keep  it  — it  tells  the  history  over 

From  the  birth  of  its  dream  to  the  last; 

Modest  and  born  of  the  angel  and  hope, 

Like  the  hope  of  success,  it  has  passed. 

WHY  DIDN’T  HE  SHELL  ’EM? 

Sometimes  even  the  chaplains  made  mistakes,  and  in  so  do- 
ing laid  themselves  liable  to  ridicule. 

Soon  after  the  war  closed  one  of  these  was  preaching  one 
morning  in  one  of  the  rural  districts  of  Virginia,  and  among 
his  audience  were  many  ex-rebel  soldiers.  The  preacher  was 
far  better  famed  for  his  moral  excellence  than  his  learning, 
and  sometimes  committed  grave  blunders,  badly  exjiosing  his 
ignorance  of  the  Bible.  He  was  discoursing  in  a high  key 
upon  the  merciful  deliverance  of  the  children  of  Israel  from 
the  hand  of  Pharaoh,  and  graphically  described  their  flight 
across  the  Red  sea.  Among  the  congregation  was  a fellow 
better  known  for  his  intelligence  than  good  breeding,  and 
from  the  rear  of  the  church  he  was  taking  in  everything  the 
minister  was  saying.  “Moses  conducted  them  to  the  shore 
of  the  sea,”  said  the  preacher,  “ and  with  his  rod  smote  the 
waters,  and  they  separated.  Now  they  passed  over  on  dry 
land,  while  closely  behind  them  came  Pharaoh  rvith  his  hosts 
to  destroy  them.  His  cavalry,  his  infantry,  his  spearsmen 
and  artillery.”  Just  here  the  soldier  from  the  rear  of 
the  house  cried  out,  “ Why  didn’t  he  shell  ’em  ?”  It  is  need- 
less to  say  what  effect  this  had  on  the  audience  ; it  can  better 
be  imagined  than  described.  The  services  abruptly  ended, 
while  the  people  were  convulsed  with  laughter. 

PLAYING  OLD  SOLDIER. 

This  was  a habit  into  which  men  often  fell,  and  is  familiar 
to  many.  By  the  term  is  meant,  pretending  to  be  unfit  for 
duty,  while  in  reality  they  were  well,  and  able  to  render  ser- 
vice. Under  this  head  hundreds  of  cases  might  be  cited, 
some  of  which  rvere  extremely  well  planned,  whereby  the 
surgeon  might  be  fooled. 

One  fellow,  tired  of  the  duties  pertaining  to  his  line,  sue- 


POKER  PLATING. 


305 


cessfully  played  this  game  for  two  years,  nor  was  he  ever 
detected.  His  assumed  complaint  was  acute  rheumatism  in 
the  knee  joint.  This  could  not  he  detected  by  the  shrewdest 
man  alive.  He  pretended  to  suffer  great  pain,  and  actually 
the  muscles  of  his  limb  were  contracted.  He  would  limp 
about  camp,  his  knee  badly  bent,  and  from  all  appearances 
was  really  unfit  to  render  service. 

This  trick  was  never  discovered,  and  only  when  the  war 
closed  and  he  went  home  did  he  confess  the  truth.  He  had 
so  habituated  himself  to  the  fraud,  however,  that  he  never  re- 
covered elasticity  in  that  joint,  and  was  still  lame  when  he 
died,  ten  years  after. 

POKER  PLATING. 

Anything  to  kill  time  was  often  resorted  to  in  the  army, 
card  playing  being  one  of  the  most  favored  methods  adopted 
by  the  soldiers. 

One  Sunday  morning  many  thousands  of  men  were  listen- 
ing to  the  chaplains  on  one  side  of  the  military  road,  near  Pe- 
tersburg, while  on  the  other  side  there  were  as  many  more 
playing  cards, — poker,  seven-up,  euchre,  and  many  other 
games  were  not  unfamiliar  indulgences, — but  on  this  especial 
morning  rather  an  unusual  occurrence  took  place.  General 
Lee  chanced  to  ride  along  the  road  and  saw  the  whole  thing. 
He  promptly  forbade  card  playing  while  the  chaplains  were 
holding  sendee,  and  next  morning  issued  similar  orders. 

This  brings  to  mind  the  story  of  the  two  soldiers  who  were 
in  an  engagement,  side  by  side.  One  had  a testament  in  his 
breast  pocket,  the  other  a pack  of  cards.  The  Bible  was 
struck  by  a bullet  which  forced  with  it  fragments  of  the  leaves, 
and  in  passing  through  his  body,  killed  him.  The  fellow 
who  had  the  pack  of  cards  was  also  struck,  but  the  paste- 
boards being  loose,  caused  the  ball  to  glance  and  so  saved  him. 

When  everything  was  quiet  on  the  lines,  the  opposing 
pickets  would  often  indulge  in  friendly  interchanges  of  such 
commodities  as  tobacco,  coffee,  sugar,  or  anything  else  which 
they  might  elect.  Two  soldiers  thus  met  one  day,  and  one  of 
20 


306 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


them  proposed  a little  game  of  poker.  This  was  accepted,  it 
being  agreed  that  the  Yank  should  put  up  greenbacks  against 
plugs  of  tobacco.  The  Confederates  were  supplied  with  the 
weed,  often  many  pounds  being  wasted  by  those  who  drew 
this  ration,  yet  who  did  not  use  it. 

For  an  hour  the  Reb  continued  to  win  from  the  Yank,  until 
he  had  about  fifty  dollars,  equal  to  the  price  of  as  many  plugs 
of  tobacco.  Then  the  luck  changed,  the  Reb  losing  all  he 
had  won,  and  the  Yank  began  to  win  tobacco.  When  the 
hour  arrived  for  these  fellows  to  return  to  their  posts,  the 
Yankee  carried  with  him  all  the  tobacco  the  Reb  had  of  his 
own,  beside  what  he  had  borrowed  from  his  comrades. 

HOW  A YANK  AND  JOHNNY  FRATERNIZED  AT  SHILOH. 

JOHN  TUCKER,  CO.  D,  14tH  ILL. 

While  so  many  are  giving  their  recollections  of  Pittsburg 
Landing,  through  the  soldiers’  mouthpiece,  The  National 
Tribune,  it  occurs  to  me  that  my  experiences  of  that  terrible 
affray  might  not  be  void  of  interest. 

I was  a private  of  Company  D,  Fourteenth  Illinois  Infan- 
try, and  about  twenty  minutes  after  ten  on  that  fatal  Sunday 
morning,  was  the  recipient  of  a ball,  which  entered  under  the 
left  shoulder,  and  brought  me  to  the  earth.  Our  position 
when  I fell  was  from  sixty  to  eighty  rods  north  of  Shiloh 
church,  on  the  old  Corinth  road.  When  I was  struck  I was 
just  conscious  of  a severe  shock,  and  though  I felt  no  pain  I 
knew  I was  wounded,  and,  as  I thought,  fatally.  As  I fell, 
and  before  I reached  the  ground,  consciousness  departed.  I 
think  I must  have  staggered  back  a step  or  two  before  falling, 
as  I remember  clearly  to  this  day  that  two  of  my  comrades 
started,  as  if  to  support  me. 

Ben  Johnson,  the  nearest  one,  I think,  reached  me,  and 
placed  his  hand  on  my  right  shoulder.  As  to  what  happened 
then  my  memory  is  a perfect  blank.  The  next  thing  I real- 
ized was  that  I was  half  or  three-quarters  of  a mile  from 
where  I fell,  but  how  I came  there  I never  could  find  out. 
Whether  I had  been  carried  or  been  assisted  to  walk,  I will 


STONE  DEAD. 


307 


never  know.  However,  I am  inclined  to  the  latter  theory,  as 
the  first  object  that  attracted  my  attention  when  I became 
conscious  was  Ben  Johnson,  lying  across  my  feet  and  legs, 
with  the  top  of  his  head  cut  completely  off. 

STONE  DEAD. 

He  was,  of  course,  stone  dead.  I turned  partially  on  my 
right  side  to  work  myself  clear  of  his  bod}r,  and  when  I had 
assumed  as  easy  a position  as  was  possible  under  the  circum- 
stances, I began  to  think  over  the  situation,  and  calculate  my 
chances  of  recovery.  By  this  time  you  may  be  sure  the  pain 
from  my  wound  had  become  severe  enough.  It  must  have 
been  an  hour,  or  perhaps  two,  after  I was  first  shot,  that  the 
experience  I am  about  to  relate  occurred. 

As  I say,  I had  got  into  as  comfortable  a position  as  pos- 
sible, when  I heard  a groan  and  long-drawn  sigh  to  the  left 
and  back  of  me;  I could  not  see  exactty  where  it  came  from, 
though  I waited  until  I heard  it  repeated.  I then  called  as 
loudly  as  I could,  which  was  just  above  a whisper,  “ hello  ! ” 
I waited  a short  time  and  as  there  was  no  response  called  out 
again,  “who  is  there?”  The  answer  came,  “a  friend.”  Said 
I,  “are  you  wounded?  ” “Both  my  legs  are  broken,”  was  the 
answer.  I asked  him  what  was  his  command,  and  he  said 
“the  Twentieth  Mississippi,”  and  added,  “but  for  the  love  of 
God,  Yank,  for  I know  you  are  a Yank,  as  I saw  you  just  be- 
fore you  fell,  have  you  any  water?  ” “ I think  so,”  I replied, 

“and  if  I can  only  get  my  canteen  around,  I will  take  a pull  at 
it  myself,  for  I think  it  will  do  me  good.”  In  fact  mj'  canteen 
was  full,  for  I had  returned  from  filling  it  not  ten  minutes 
before  I was  struck. 

The  first  thing  I thought  of,  when  I came  to,  was  my  can- 
teen, but  I did  not  feel  strong  enough  then  to  carry  it  to  my 
mouth.  However,  when  the  Johnny  called  for  water  so  piti- 
fully, I did  make  the  effort,  and  succeeded.  I must  have 
drunk  with  a hearty  good  will,  and  made  some  noise,  for  after 
awhile  I heard  him  call  out,  “ Oh  Lord,  pard,  leave  me  a 
little!  ” “Don’t  be  uneasy,  Johnny,”  I rejoined,  “it  is  more 


308 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


than  half  full  yet,  but  I cannot  see  what  good  it  will  do  you, 
as  I certainly  cannot  walk,  and  you  say  both  your  legs  are 
broken.”  “Well,”  said  he,  “let  us  try  to  get  together  some 
way;  you  crawl  as  well  as  you  can,  and  I will  do  the  same, 
and  may  be  I will  yet  get  a drink  before  I die.” 

A NEPHEW  OF  JEFF  DAVIS. 

We  were  about  five  rods  apart  and  separated  by  a sharp 
ridge,  but  we  went  to  work,  and  at  the  end  of  five  minutes  I 
saw  a grayback  with  the  collar  bearing  the  insignia  of  a C.  S. 
A.  captain,  on  the  top  of  the  ridge.  There  he  stopped,  and  I 
thought  him  dead,  but  as  I was  then  quite  near  to  him,  I 
crawled  on,  and  when  I had  reached  him,  found  he  had  only 
fainted.  A little  water,  which  I managed  to  pour  down  his 
half-open  mouth,  soon  enabled  him  to  speak  again,  and  finally 
a good  draught  entirely  revived  him. 

He  was  quite  a young  man,  not  over  twenty  years,  I think. 
I did  not  ask  him  his  age,  but  I did  ask  his  name  and  learned 
that  it  was  Davis.  He  was  a son  of  old  Joe  Davis,  of  Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi,  and  a nephew  of  the  notorious  Jefferson 
Davis,  president  of  the  Southern  Confederacy.  His  first 
name,  too,  was  Jefferson.  He  had  been  a medical  student 
when  the  war  broke  out,  and  in  the  first  months  of  the  war- 
had  been  connected  with  the  medical  department ; now,  how- 
ever, he  was  on  the  staff  of  General  Albert  Sidney  Johnston. 
He  had  been  sent  with  an  order  by  that  General  to  Bragg, 
and  had  just  reached  the  spot  where  poor  Ben  Johnson  was 
shot,  when  his  horse  fell  with  a bullet  through  his  head.  He 
had  then  proceeded  on  foot,  and  had  just  gotten  over  the 
ridge,  when  a heavy  missile  struck  both  of  his  legs.  He  was 
also  severely  hurt  across  the  abdomen,  but  whether  this  was 
done  by  a piece  of  shell  or  by  the  fall  from  his  horse,  neither 
he  nor  I could  tell. 

After  we  had  both  rested  we  proceeded  to  do  what  we 
could  for  each  other,  and  also  began  to  discuss  politics  and 
the  war,  with  its  causes  and  probable  consequences.  After 
awhile  he  said  : “ Comrade,  your  wound  is  by  no  means  nec- 


THE  FRIENDLY  ACT  OF  A FALLEN  FOE.  309 

essarily  fatal,  but  unless  we  can  stop  the  hemorrhage,  and 
that,  too,  very  soon,  it  is  all  day  with  you. 

THE  FRIENDLY  ACT  OF  A FALLEN  FOE. 

As  for  myself,  I think  I am  a goner.  If  I could  have  these 
mangled  limbs  skillfully  amputated  at  once,  I might  pull 
through,  but  then  I would  rather  die  right  here  than  to  live 
and  be  such  a cripple.  Then  again,  I don’t  altogether  under- 
stand that  numbness  in  the  lower  part  of  my  body.  I think 
the  hurt  across  my  bowels  is  perhaps  worse  than  the  other. 
But  the  flow  of  blood  from  your  wound  must  be  stopped.” 

By  this  time  he  had  me  pretty  well  undressed,  and  looking 
wistfully  at  my  shirt,  said:  “Now,  if  this  shirt  was  like 
most  of  those  your  contractors  palm  off  on  the  Government 
for  the  best  of  flannel,  when,  in  fact,  there  is  only  a little 
wool  on  the  outside  of  the  body  of  the  cloth,  I would  be  glad, 
as  then  I could  make  a compress  and  bandage  of  it,  and  per- 
haps save  your  life,  but  unfortunately  in  this  case,  your  shirt 
is  all  wool.”  I was  by  this  time  gettting  angry,  and  told  him 
to  stop  his  remarks  about  my  shirt  and  my  Government,  — 
which  was  bound  to  be  his  Government,  too,  — and  if  he 
thought  he  could  do  anything  for  me,  to  do  it  without  further 
words,  or  let  me  alone,  and  roll  over  to  the  west  and  die,  and 
I would  turn  over  to  the  east  and  try  to  do  the  same  thing. 
At  this  he  smiled  — that  ghastly  smile  I shall  never  forget  — 
and  calmly  tore  off  his  own  shirt,  which  was  not  cotton,  but 
good  linen,  made  a compress  and  bandage,  and,  with  a little 
water  from  my  canteen,  gave  my  wound  a fair  dressing. 

He  then  told  me  to  drink  what  I wanted  of  the  water  and 
give  the  rest  to  him.  I tasted  sparingly,  for  by  this  time  it 
was  quite  low,  and  handed  him  the  canteen,  which  he  drained, 
and  then  let  it  drop  on  the  ground. 

“Now,”  said  he,  “let  me  rest  and  you  do  the  same.”  In 
two  minutes  I heard  him  snoring,  and  he  continued  to  sleep 
for  nearly  or  quite  an  hour,  after  which  I no  longer  heard  his 
hard  breathing. 

Just  as  the  sun  was  setting,  one  of  our  ambulances  came 


310 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


along  and  picked  me  up.  I told  tliem  for  God's  sake  to  assist 
tlie  poor  Johnny,  who  lay  just  beyond,  when  one  of  the  boys 
said:  “What  assistance  can  we  give  him?  He  is  dead,  and 
has  been  so  for  a good  while.”  Yes,  poor  Davis  had  gone. 
His  last  act,  if  not  a labor  of  love,  was  at  least  a labor 
of  humanity. 

Comrades,  drop  a tear  to  his  memory.  But  for  his  disin- 
terested kindness,  this  would  never  have  been  written. 

PRIVATE  HALL. 

Sometimes  soldiers  are  called  upon  to  perform  personal  acts 
of  daring  which  are  full  of  sacrifice  and  danger,  and  yet  men 
volunteer  to  do  or  die,  without  flinching. 

A man  was  once  called  for  to  take  a dispatch  across  an 
open  field  to  another  part  of  the  line,  then  in  great  danger  of 
being  cut  off.  This  field  was  over  a mile  long  and  half  that 
distance  in  width;  the  enemy  were  occupying  a position  in 
full  view,  and  had  an  enfilading  range  upon  the  track  over 
which  one  must  pass  in  bearing  the  dispatch.  It  was  a very 
dangerous  way,  and  yet  some  one  must  perform  this  task.  A 
soldier  had  been  detailed  from  the  ranks  to  bear  this  impor- 
tant order.  JusT  then  another  rode  out  of  the  line  and,  ad- 
dressing his  commander,  said : “ I ask  of  you  permission  to 
bear  that  dispatch,  not  the  soldier  whom  you  have  detailed. 
We  are  neighbors  at  home ; he  lias  a wife  and  little  ones  whom 
he  loves,  and  if  I fall  it  will  be  of  no  consequence,  while  if  he 
should  be  lulled,  think  of  the  misery  it  would  bring  upon 
them.”  The  officer  was  struck  with  the  unselfish  spirit  of  the 
soldier,  who  was  thus  willing  to  sacrifice  his  life  for  that  of 
his  friend,  and  did  as  he  was  requested. 

He  placed  in  his  keeping  the  urgent  message,  and  as  the 
soldier  moved  off  to  what  seemed  his  certain  doom,  the  officer 
exclaimed  in  touching  tones,  “Was  ever  such  heroism  known 
before.” 

Dashing  onward,  the  courier  had  gone  over  half  the  distance 
so  exposed  before  the  enemy  fired  a shot.  All  eyes  were  on 
the  lone  horseman,  as  volley  after  volley  broke  the  stillness  of 


SIXTEEN-SHOOTERS. 


311 


the  air.  Although  the  line  was  reached  and  the  brave  man 
was  safe,  while  cheer  after  cheer  burst  from  the  throats  of  his 
admiring  comrades,  thrice  had  his  faithful  horse  been  struck, 
and  once  had  the  rider  felt  the  sting  of  death  close  to  his 
vitals;  but  the  divinity  that  animated  that  soul  with  such 
nobility,  guarded  it  from  harm,  that  in  after  years  it  might  be 
looked  up  to  with  pride  and  honor. 

CAUGHT  IN  HIS  OWN  TRAP. 

A certain  colonel  once  issued  orders  that  no  one  of  his 
command  should  be  found  outside  of  the  limits  of  a given 
line,  and  if  they  were  so  found  after  nightfall,  that  they  should 
be  punished. 

Shortly  after  this  order  had  been  issued  the  colonel  was  one 
night  roaming  around  liis  camp  and  accidentally  overstepped 
the  line  of  the  forbidden  space.  He  was  soon  halted  by  the 
guard,  and  taken  under  arrest  to  his  own  quarters  quite  a dis- 
tance away.  He  protested  against  his  arrest,  at  the  same  time 
telling  the  soldiers  whom  he  was,  but  this  the  sentinels  pre- 
tended not  to  believe,  and  so  paid  no  attention  to  him.  He 
was  marched  between  two  of  his  own  men  through  the  camp, 
and  not  until  the  officer  of  the  watch  came,  to  his  relief  was 
he  released.  The  next  morning  that  order  was  rescinded ; or 
at  least,  no  one  was  ever  afterward  molested  during  their  stay 
in  that  camp. 

SIXTEEN-SHOOTERS. 

When  the  arm  of  the  service  known  as  sixteen-shooters  was 
first  introduced  into  the  northern  army,  it  was  not  only  a great 
curiosity  to  the  troops  who  bore  it,  but  held  in  great  fear  by 
the  Confederates.  It  was  always  very  hard  to  tell,  when  en- 
gaged in  a fight,  how  many  troops  were  being  encountered, 
and  sometimes  very  mortifying  blunders  were  the  result  of 
miscalculation. 

A company  of  Federal  cavalry  dismounted,  and  drawn  up 
in  ambush,  stampeded  an  entire  regiment  of  Confederates 
near  Stony  Creek,  a station  on  the  Weldon  railroad.  After 


312 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  Confederates  had  regained  their  presence  of  mind,  and 
driven  the  enemy  back,  everything  soon  became  quiet. 

That  night  an  advanced  rebel  picket  called  to  the  Yank 
doing  similar  service:  “I  say,  Yank,  will  you  answer  a civil 
question  ? ” “ Yes,  Johnny,  what  is  it  ? ” “ Will  you  tell  me 

whether  or  not  you  fellows  don’t  load  all  night  that  you  may 
fire  all  the  next  day  ? ” 

RETURNING  THE  COMPLIMENT. 

When  the  Confederates  were  in  the  act  of  evacuating  Rich- 
mond, as  the  last  of  the  troops,  under  General  Ewell,  were 
passing  along  the  streets,  the  Federals,  under  General  Weit- 
zel,  were  close  upon  its  outskirts.  Some  more  daring  than 
discreet  really  ventured  amongst  them.  Prominent  among 
these  was  an  officer  of  high  rank.  This  general  was  soon 
captured,  and  taken  along  on  the  retreat.  He  was  assigned 
to  the  escort  of  a Confederate  of  equal  rank,  and  so  enter- 
tained until  Appomattox  court-house  was  reached. 

When  the  surrender  took  place,  this  facetious  Federal  offi- 
cer said  to  his  former  escort : “ General,  you  have  very  kindly 
and  courteously  entertained  me  as  your  prisoner  guest  for  the 
past  week,  and  I feel  under  many  obligations  to  you  for  so 
doing,  and  now  that  you  are  my  prisoner  I hope  I may  be  al- 
lowed to  return  the  compliment ; ” and  he  did. 

FRATERNIZING. 

A cavalry  officer,  together  with  a squad  of  his  command, 
all  of  whom  had  been  paroled  at  Appomattox,  was  passing 
along  en  route  to  his  former  home,  below  Petersburg.  Farm- 
ville  was  reached  two  days  after  the  journey  began,  and  here 
the  little  company  halted  to  rest  and  feed  their  jaded  horses. 

The  Federal  commissary  supplied  the  paroled  prisoners 
with  rations,  only  requiring  of  those  making  application  for 
supplies,  that  they  exhibit  their  paroles.  These  being  forth- 
coming, an  abundant  supply  of  rations  for  both  man  and 
beast  was  promptly  furnished.  While  the  horses  were  be- 
ing fed,  many  of  the  Federals  about  the  village  talked  to  this 


/ 


SOMEBODY’S  DARLING. 


313 


squad.  During  tlie  conversation,  an  officer  of  equal  rank 
with  the  Confederate  asked  him  if  he  had  any  money,  and 
upon  being  answered  in  the  negative,  drew  from  his  pocket  a 
roll  of  bills,  which  he  thrust  into  the  hand  of  the  reb,  remark- 
ing at  the  same  time,  “I  am  lieutenant , of  the 

Pennsylvania.  My  address  is  Philadelphia.  Take  this,  and 
if  you  ever  feel  able,  send  it  to  me  at  that  place.” 

This  friendly  act  on  the  part  of  one  stranger  toward  an- 
other, under  such  circumstances,  was  deeply  appreciated,  nor 
will  it  ever  be  forgotten.  Every  dollar  was  in  due  time 
repaid. 


somebody’s  darling. 

[From  “"War  Lyrics  of  the  South.”] 

Into  a ward  of  the  whitewashed  walls, 
Where  the  dead  and  dying  lay, 

Wounded  by  bayonets,  shells  and  halls, 
Somebody’s  darling  was  borne  one  day. 

Somebody’s  darling,  so  young  and  so  brave, 
Wearing  yet  on  his  pale,  sweet  face, 

Soon  to  be  hid  by  the  dust  of  the  grave, 
The  lingering  light  of  his  boyhood  grace. 

Matted  and  damp  are  the  curls  of  gold, 
Kissing  the  snow  of  that  fair  young  brow, 

Pale  are  the  lips,  of  delicate  mold  — 
Somebody’s  darling  is  dying  now. 

Back  from  his  beautiful  blue-veined  brow 
Brush  all  the  wandering  waves  of  gold; 

Cross  his  hands  on  his  bosom  now, 
Somebody’s  darling  is  stiff  and  cold. 

Kiss  him  once  for  somebody’s  sake, 

Murmur  a prayer  soft  and  low; 

One  bright  curl  from  its  fair  mates  take  — 
They  were  somebody’s  pride,  you  know. 

Somebody’s  hand  had  rested  there; 

Was  it  a mother’s,  soft  and  white? 

And  have  the  lips  of  a sister  fair 
Been  baptized  in  the  waves  of  light? 

God  knows  best.  He  has  somebody’s  love, 
Somebody’s  heart  enshrined  him  there; 

Somebody  wafted  his  name  above, 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Night  and  noon,  on  the  wings  of  prayer. 
Somebody  wept  when  he  inarched  away, 
Looking  so  handsome,  brave  and  grand, 
Somebody’s  kiss  on  his  forehead  lay, 
Somebody  clung  to  his  parting  hand. 

Somebody’s  waiting  and  watching  for  him, 
Yearning  to  hold  him  again  to  their  heart, 
And  there  he  lies,  with  his  blue  eyes  dim, 
And  the  smiling,  child-like  lips  apart. 
Tenderly  bury  the  fair,  young  dead, 

■ Pausing  to  drop  on  his  grave  a tear; 

Carve  on  the  wooden  slab  at  his  head, 
“Somebody’s  darling  slumbers  here.” 


VAIN  GLORY. 


315 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  AND  POEM. 

VAIN  GLORY. 

Every  man  inspired  by  patriotic  motives  did  everything 
in  his  power  to  serve  faithfully  the  cause  in  which  he  was 
engaged. 

To  the  minds  of  such,  occasional  visions  of  personal  service 
would  come  which  produced  a feeling  of  self-importance  that 
none  disliked  to  cultivate.  Sometimes  one’s  self-conceit  got 
badly  stepped  on,  however,  and  then  only  disgust  filled  the 
void  where  vanity  had  reigned. 

A picket  of  three  men  were  stationed  near  the  banks  of  the 
Rapidan,  adjacent  to  a ford,  the  officer  in  charge  being  a boy 
lieutenant.  It  was  night,  and  the  enemy’s  lines  were  near  by ; 
a ceaseless  watch  was  being  kept  up;  just  as  the  day  was 
breaking  a horseman  was  discovered  in  the  attempt  to  evade 
the  picket  post  by  crossing  the  line  and  going  in  the  direction 
of  their  rear.  Immediate  chase  was  made,  and  the  horseman 
captured — an  officer  dressed  in  the  uniform  of  the  Federals. 
How  proud  of  that  act  was  the  picket  commander  and  the 
men!  No  effort  was  left  untried  to  draw  out  the  “major,” 
but  not  one  word  would  he  tell  in  explanation  of  his  being 
found  in  the  position  which  he  was,  and  the  lieutenant  came 
to  the  immediate  conclusion  that  he  was  a spy.  The  post 
would  not  be  relieved  for  several  hours,  and  during  the  inter- 
val the  “major”  took  things  easy,  and  chatted  freely  with  the 
pickets. 

All  of  this  time  the  lieutenant  was  building  air-castles,  and 
could  see,  in  his  mind’s  eye,  the  big  head  lines  with  which  the 
press  would  teem  on  the  morrow,  mingled  with  which  would 
be  his  own  name  prominently  displayed. 


316 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


At  the  proper  hour  the  relief  came,  and  he  returned  to  his 
camp  accompanied  by  his  prisoner.  O,  what  a sensation  he 
would  create  on  reporting  this  important  capture  to  his  com- 
mander ! How  his  brother  officers  would  envy  him ! 

The  camp  being  reached  he  went  immediately  to  headquar- 
ters, but  lo  ! conceive  of  his  disgust  when  the  general  came 
out  of  his  tent,  and  upon  recognizing  the  “ major  ” as  one  of 
his  best  scouts,  exclaimed,  “ Hello,  Harry ! where  the  devil 
did  you  come  from  ? ” 

STINGY  JOE. 

In  one  of  the  light  batteries  attached  to  the  cavalry  com- 
mand of  a prominent  Confederate  general,  was  a soldier  who 
was  familiarly  known  among  his  comrades  as  “ Stingy  Joe.” 
This  man,  while  he  was  a good  soldier,  so  far  as  his  duties 
were  concerned,  was  still  greatly  disliked  by  the  boys,  who 
denounced  his  mode  of  life  as  too  mean  for  anything. 

Joe  never  spent  a cent  in  his  whole  time  of  service.  On 
the  contrary,  he  would  hoard  his  money  received  from  the 
Government,  and  do  anything  else  beside  to  earn  an  extra 
dollar ; blacking  the  officers’  boots,  selling  newspapers,  steal- 
ing vegetables  and  selling  them,  in  short,  anything  to  accu- 
mulate money.  He  often  debarred  himself  of  the  necessaries 
of  life  in  his  sordid  greed.  Thus  matters  went  on  through 
the  entire  period  of  his  enlistment,  down  to  tire  final  surren- 
der of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  on  that  memorable 
ninth  of  April,  nearly  three  years  after  his  term  of  enlist- 
ment began. 

The  day  after  General  Lee  capitulated,  stingy  Joe,  having 
in  his  possession  every  cent  of  the  money  he  had  striven  so 
hard  to  earn,  and  which  he  had  so  earnestly  and  zealously 
guarded,  spread  it  out  upon  his  blanket,  at  Appomattox,  and 
began  to  count  it. 

Of  course  it  was  then  worthless,  yet  that  fellow  shed  more 
bitter  tears  over  his  financial  loss  of  several  thousands  of  dol- 
lars, than  he  did  over  the  downfall  of  the  Confederacy. 
While  his  defunct  cash  was  thus  spread  before  him,  several 


THE  PLANTER'S  LITTLE  GAME. 


317 


members  of  liis  command,  coming  in  his  tent,  seized  the 
greater  part  of  it,  and  distributed  it  among  the  men  of  the 
Federal  guard,  close  by,  telling  them  that  there  was  a man  in 
that  battery  who  had  been  hoarding  up  this  present  to  give 
them  for  three  long  years,  and  that  they  hoped  the  Union 
soldiers  would  keep  it,  in  fond  remembrance  of  the  meanest 
man  in  the  Confederate  army.  Poor  Joe  wept  and  swore, 
while  his  comrades  smiled  at  his  grief.  There  is  a moral 
which  would  not  be  inapplicable  here,  — Don’t  be  too  penuri- 
ous or  mean. 


THE  PLANTER’S  LITTLE  GAME. 

The  people  living  in  the  sections  through  which  the  armies 
moved  were  greatly  harrassed  by  both  friend  and  foe.  No 
one  knew  one  day  what  would  be  seized  on  the  next. 

A regiment  of  Federal  cavalry,  while  passing  through  one 
of  the  lower  counties  of  the  James  river,  rode  up  to  the  house 
of  a planter  by  the  roadside  and  halted  before  his  door.  Two 
officers  dismounted  and  were  about  to  enter  the  house  as  the 
old  planter  met  them  and  cordially  invited  them  to  enter. 
“We  are  in  search  of  horses,”  said  the  colonel;  “learning  that 
you  have  several,  we  are  here  to  take  them.” 

“ I have  some  horses,  and  as  I am  powerless,  must  submit,” 
said  the  planter;  “but,  gentlemen,”  he  continued,  “it is  very 
warm  this  morning  and  you  must  be  fatigued.  Let’s  take  a 
drink ; ” and  he  led  the  way  into  his  dining  room  where  a 
bountiful  supply  of  apple-jack  and  cool  water  was  found  wait- 
ing. “ That  you  may  know  my  liquor  is  not  poisoned,  gentle- 
men, I will  drink  first,”  and  filling  a glass  he  turned  it  off, 
inviting  the  troopers  to  do  likewise. 

The  thirsty  soldiers  soon  followed  his  example,  and  all  three 
were  in  a few  minutes  enjoying  themselves  as  heartily  as 
though  they  had  been  old  acquaintances.  “ Take  another 
drink,  don’t  be  bashful ; you  are  perfectly  welcome,”  said  the 
sly  old  Virginian.  Thus  matters  went  on  for  nearly  an  hour, 
and  then  the  soldiers  arose  to  go. 

As  they  were  about  to  leave  the  house,  one  of  them  said ; 


318 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“ Old  man,  I will  be  d — d if  you  aren’t  the  best  rebel  I have 
ever  met,  and  I wouldn't  take  your  horses  if  there  was  not 
another  one  to  be  found  in  Old  Virginia !”  They  then  bade 
him  a warm  adieu,  and,  mounting  their  horses,  the  whole  regi- 
ment moved  on,  while  the  old  planter  chuckled  over  his  little 
game. 


THE  BULLY  OF  BATTERY  B. 

Battery  B occupied  one  of  the  heavy  works  constituting  a 
part  of  the  Richmond  defenses.  One  member  of  the  com- 
pany was  a man  of  powerful  physique,  who  had  the  reputa- 
tion of  being  not  only  able  to  successfully  cope  with  any  two 
men  in  his  company,  but  boasted  his  willingness  to  tackle  any 
man  in  the  Confederate  army.  He  was,  however,  a great 
blower,  and  liked  to  hear  himself  talk  ; beside,  he  was  not  al- 
ways over  polite  in  his  manner  of  address. 

Standing  near  the  fort  on  one  occasion,  with  many  others 
of  his  command,  viewing  the  various  lines  of  old  veterans- 
then  marching  by,  en  route  to  the  front,  he  began  to  black- 
guard different  ones,  and  soon  accosted  a rather  tall,  muscular 
looking  man  belonging  to  a “ Tar-heel  ” regiment  — North 
Carolinians. 

The  infantryman  had  strapped  to  his  shoulders  his  knap- 
sack, beside  being  burdened  by  his  canteen,  haversack,  fry- 
ing-pan and  musket.  Being  accosted  by  the  bully,  he  made 
reply  in  language  which  aroused  the  ire  of  the  fighter, 
who  declared  with  an  oath  that  he  could  thrash  any  man  in 
the  Carolina  regiment. 

“Well,”  said  the  veteran,  “If  you  think  you  can  do  that 
thing,  you  shall  have  a chance  to  try  it,”  and  suiting  his  ac- 
tion to  his  words,  he  quickly  divested  himself  of  his  frying- 
pan,  canteen  and  gun,  and  made  a pass  at  the  bully.  Soon 
the  two  men  were  engaged  in  a frightful  assault,  for  which 
the  artillerist  was  entirely  to  blame. 

It  lasted  about  three  minutes,  and  was  witnessed  by  both 
commands.  The  Carolinian  knocked  the  bully  out  of  time 
so  quickly  that  one  could  scarcely  comprehend  it,  and  after 


WRESTLE  WITH  THE  LORD. 


319 


pounding  him  as  long  as  he  liked,  picked  up  his  frying-pan, 
canteen  and  gun,  at  the  same  time  remarking,  had  he  known 
how  easily  the  fellow  could  be  thrashed,  he  would  not  have 
taken  off  these  little  things,  he  resumed  his  march,  amid  the 
cheers  of  every  other  member  of  the  battery,  while  his  antag- 
onist slunk  away  to  his  quarters. 

ATTENTION,  world! 

An  amusing  story  is  told  at  the  expense  of  a private  sol- 
dier of  the  Confederate  army  while  serving  in  the  west,  which 
deserves  a place  in  history  as  an  evidence  of  the  general  im- 
pression the  southern  troops  had  of  the  ability  of  the  Federal 
Government  to  recruit  her  armies. 

This  picket  was  posted  at  an  isolated  point  on  Lookout 
Mountain,  and  from  his  position  had  a fair  and  full  view  of 
the  camps  of  the  national  forces. 

One  Sunday  morning  he  left  his  post  and  returned  to  the 
main  picket  line  without  orders,  and  was  arrested  for  so  doing. 
At  his  trial,  in  extenuation  of  the  act,  he  gave  this  as  an  ex- 
cuse : he  was  quietly  gazing  down  in  the  valley,  when  sud- 
denly there  appeared  before  his  vision  that  mighty  host  on  dress 
parade.  He  was  struck  dumb  with  admiration  of  the  splen- 
didly organized  thousands,  and  only  awoke  to  a sense  of  his 
perilous  position  and  that  of  his  comrades,  when  the  following 
command  fell  plainly  and  distinctly  on  his  astonished  ear, 
“Attention,  world!”  “By  nations  right  wheel!”  “By 
states  fire  ! ” 

This  was  too  much  for  his  weak  courage ; he  left  his  post 
and  hastened  back  to  apprise  his  associates  of  what  he  had 
seen  and  heard. 


"WRESTLE  WITH  THE  LORD. 

After  the  terrible  field  of  carnage  had  been  cleared  of  the 
wounded  of  both  armies,  and  the  Union  flag  waved  peacefully 
over  the  surrounding  hills  that  crowned  the  historic  city  of 
Gettysburg,  many  of  the  Confederate  wounded  were  very  hu- 


320 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


manely  cared  for  by  the  sanitary  commission  of  tbe  loyal 
states. 

In  a Union  hospital,  several  weeks  after  the  battle,  lay  a 
soldier  of  a Georgia  regiment,  being  kindly  cared  for  by  his 
enemies.  The  poor  fellow,  who  had  been  stricken  down  by 
the  emaciating  hand  of  dysentery,  had  become  as  thin  as  a 
shadow,  and  lay  upon  his  couch,  sadly  bewailing  his  fate. 

The  thought  of  his  home  and  those  whom  he  loved  came 
vividly  before  him,  and  drew  from  the  fast-dying  man  sighs 
of  bitter  anguish.  At  his  home  he  had  been  taught  but  little 
of  the  Bible,  and  therefore  knew  nothing  of  its  teachings, 
neither  did  he  appreciate  its  quotations. 

While  thus  bewailing  his  fate,  a chaplain  of  the  hospital, 
on  hearing  it,  and  in  the  sense  of  true  Christianity  doubtless, 
strove  to  cheer  his  dying  hour  by  pointing  him  to  a higher 
power. 

“You  should  not  so  complain,”  said  the  kind-hearted  man 
of  God,  “but  wrestle  with  the  Lord.” 

The  soldier  entirely  misconstruing  the  meaning  of  these 
words,  raised  himself  upon  his  elbow,  and  drawing  one  of  his 
emaciated  limbs,  which  had  been  reduced  to  nothing  but  skin 
and  bone,  from  beneath  the  coverlid,  disgustingly  ejaculated, 
“ What ! wrestle  with  the  Lord  with  these  legs  ? He  would 
fling  me  to  hell  the  first  fall.” 

GENERAL  GREGG’S  HORSE. 

Somebody  has  said  that  the  horse  was  the  noblest  work  of 
God,  next  to  man.  There  are  many  fine  traits  of  character 
often  exhibited  in  his  nature.  An  instance  of  this  kind  was 
once  prominently  displayed  by  a magnificent  stallion,  which 
deserves  a place  in  history. 

Brigadier  General  Gregg,  commanding  Texans,  was  shot 
from  the  saddle,  on  the  Charles  City  road,  one  morning  dur- 
ing the  fall  of  1864.  He  had,  in  company  with  a reconnoi- 
tering  party,  ventured  outside  of  the  picket  line,  and  been 
fired  on  by  the  enemy,  who  were  concealed  in  ambush. 

The  horse  above  alluded  to  seemed  instinctively  to  know 


BOTTOM  RAIL  OX  TOP. 


321 


that  its  master  had  been  killed,  and  would  not  be  comforted. 
On  the  contrary,  at  variance  with  his  general  habit,  becoming 
very  docile  and  quiet.  He  was  the  General's  especial  favorite, 
and  as  the  rider  admired  the  animal,  so  did  the  horse  show 
evidences  of  regard  for  his  master. 

At  the  proper  time  the  funeral  of  the  officer  took  place 
from  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  city  of  Richmond, 
with  very  imposing  ceremonies.  The  muffled  drums  and  sol- 
emn dirges  of  the  band  threw  over  all  a feeling  of  melancholy 
awe  which  is  so  often  felt.  The  coffin,  containing  the  remains 
of  the  dead  soldier,  was  placed  on  a caisson,  and,  escorted  by 
the  old  brigade  which  so  often  he  had  led,  left  the  church 
and  proceeded  to  Hollywood  Cemetery. 

Just  behind  the  caisson,  the  horse  of  the  dead  man  nad 
been  placed. 

The  saddle  and  bridle  were  on  him ; the  arms  and  accou- 
trements placed  on  these,  while  the  reins  were  allowed  to 
carelessly  hang  over  his  neck.  He  seemed  to  fully  compre- 
hend the  situation  and,  as  the  line  of  march  was  inaugurated, 
the  horse,  with  his  head  bowed  down  almost  to  the  paving 
stones,  formed  a picture  which  can  never  be  erased  from  the 
minds  of  those  who  beheld  it,  and  drew  tears  of  sympathetic 
admiration  from  eyes  unused  to  weep.  Thus,  riderless,  he 
followed  his  master  to  his  last  resting  place,  and,  when  all 
was  over,  allowed  himself  to  be  calmly  led  away. 

BOTTOM  RAIL  OX  TOP. 

The  Federals  established  a prison  at  Point  Lookout,  off  the 
Maryland  coast,  and  often  many  thousands  of  captured  Con- 
federates were  there  confined  at  one  time.  Colored  troops 
did  guard  duty  there,  among  the  soldiers  being  many  who 
were  at  one  time  slaves.  A Confederate  officer  happened  to 
see  a sentinel  whom  he  recognized  as  one  of  his  former  slaves. 
Going  up  to  the  negro  he  spoke  to  him  and  was  at  once  recog- 
nized. “Are  you  here,  John?”  said  the  officer.  “Yessah,  I 
is  heah,  sah,”  said  the  soldier;  “how  do  you  get  along,  sail,” 
he  continued.  Being  told  by  the  officer  that  he  was  doing  as 
21 


322 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


well  as  could  be  expected,  tlie  negro  replied : “ Master,  when 
you  was  at  home,  sail,  an’  I was  wid  you,  you  treated  me  good 
an’  guve  me  a plenty  to  eat,  an’  now  dat  you  am  heali  I will 
help  you;”  with  this  he  drew  from  his  pocket  a roll  of  bills 
and  thrust  them  into  the  officer's  hand,  “but,  sail,”  he  contin- 
ued, “thar  are  one  thing  you  must  not  forgit,  sah,  and  dat  am, 
‘ dat  de  bottom  rail  am  on  top ! ’ ” 

THAT  YANKEE  TRICK. 

General  Lee  sent  all  of  the  artillery  which  could  be  spared 
from  immediate  use  in  advance  of  his  retreating  army,  and 
attempted  to  get  it  to  Lynchburg  out  of  reach  of  the  Federals. 
Near  Buckingham  court-house  a score  of  batteries  were  being 
hurried  along  in  the  wildest  confusion,  under  the  escort  of 
broken  regiments  of  his  panic-stricken  troops. 

It  was  well  known  that  Sheridan  was  in  hot  pursuit,  though 
none  knew  the  exact  locality  which  he  had  reached,  nor  at 
what  hour  he  would  turn  up  across  the  path  of  the  retreating 
forces.  The  least  rumor  of  his  close  proximity  created  the 
greatest  alarm,  and  threw  the  artillerists  into  confusion. 

About  this  time,  while  the  train  was  scattered  along  the 
pike  for  a distance  of  two  miles,  a horseman  dashed  down  the 
road,  crying  “ Yankees ! ” “ Sheridan ! ” at  the  top  of  his  voice, 
and  as  he  rushed  by  he  gave  orders  to  the  men  to  dismount 
and  spike  the  guns,  and  flee  with  the  horses,  or  else  all  would 
soon  be  captured.  He  was  dressed  in  the  uniform  of  a Con- 
federate officer  of  rank,  and  no  one  doubted  the  truth  of  his 
statement. 

Soon  many  pieces  of  artillery  were  dismounted  and  left  in 
the  road,  worthless,  while  the  wheels  of  the  caissons  were  cut 
down ; the  drivers  unhitched  their  horses  and  bounded  away. 
The  teamsters  blocked  the  roads  with  army  wagons  and  left 
them  to  the  mercies  of  the  expected  foe.  Soon  after  this 
• event,  which  transpired  in  less  time  than  it  takes  to  record  it, 
the  men  began  to  be  suspicious  of  the  alarm  and  soon  found 
that  it  was  all  a hoax  — a genuine  Yankee  trick,  which,  for 
cheek  and  daring,  could  not  be  surpassed. 


SUFFERING  IN  THE  SOUTH. 


323 


A scout  had  impersonated  a Confederate  officer  and,  hav- 
ing got  within  the  lines  of  the  timorous  foe,  had  produced, 
single  handed,  a panic  the  like  of  which  has  never  been  known. 
Sheridan  was  not  even  in  pursuit  of  the  troops  fleeing  on  that 
road,  and  a more  disgusted  set  of  fellows  never  wore  a 
uniform,  or  called  themselves  men. 

.BUSHWHACKERS. ' 

Nothing  was  more  annoying  to  the  ladies  of  the  South, 
who  were  so  unfortunate  as  to  reside  in  the  districts  raided 
by  the  Union  scouts,  than  to  have  these  fellows  searching 
their  houses  unceremoniously.  A scout  went  into  a gentle- 
man's house  one  morning  and,  after  looking  over  several 
rooms,  wended  his  way  to  the  chamber  of  a young  lady,  the 
daughter  of  the  owner  of  the  premises. 

Only  a few  days  previous,  the  Union  cavalry  had  been 
ambushed  by  the  Confederates,  who  severely  handled  them. 
The  young  lady  pluckily  followed  the  scout  in  his  rambles 
through  the  house,  and  closely  watched  him  as  he  would 
carelessly  handle  any  little  ornament  which  he  chanced  to  see. 
At  last  he  came  to  the  mantel,  on  which  were  several  small 
china  cups,  and  proceeded  to  lift  the  cover  of  one  of  them. 
At  this  stage  of  his  investigation,  she  spoke,  and  inquired 
what  he  was  “looking  for  in  there?”  When  he,  facing  her, 
good  naturedly  exclaimed,  “ Bushwhackers  ! ” 

SUFFERING  IN  THE  SOUTH. 

In  their  peaceful  northern  homes  where  the  red  hand  of  war 
and  famine  were  not  felt,  little  was  known  of  the  suffering  of 
the  southern  people. 

The  well  fed  and  finely  clad  Union  soldiers  little  dreamed 
that  the  men  who  faced  them  on  the  picket  line,  and  in  the 
bloody  front  of  battle,  were  actually  starving  for  bread.  It 
was  hard  to  conceive  the  condition  of  the  people,  and  there- 
fore much  sectional  feeling  existed,  which  might  have  been 
turned  to  humane  sympathy.  These  people  believed  in  the 
righteousness  of  their  cause  and  suffered  heroically,  while  they 


324 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


never  murmured  at  any  sacrifice  which  they  were  called  upon 
to  endure.  Ladies,  reared  amid  the  luxuries  of  wealth  and 
ease,  readily  performed  the  most  menial  service  for  their 
countrymen.  Fortune,  position,  and  the  actual  means  of  sup- 
port were  promptly  heaped  upon  the  altars  of  their  country, 
while  mothers  sent  their  sons  of  tender  age  to  stand  before 
the  bullets  of  the  common  foe,  without  a murmur.  Wives 
gave  up  their  husbands  and  urged  them  on  with  a smile,  only 
trusting  to  God  for  their  protection  and  care.  Who  can  re- 
count the  many  harrowing  ordeals  through  which  they  passed 
without  admiring  the  heroism  of  the  hour  ? or  raise  their 
voice  in  tones  of  harshness  against  these  people  who  were  the 
victims  of  a mistaken  idea?  All  must  admire  the  courage 
and  fortitude  displayed,  and  render  that  respect  so  justlv  due 
them. 

Husbands  and  fathers  were  the  daily  recipients  of  missives 
of  pain  and  anguish ; their  children  were  starving,  their  do- 
mestic altars  going  to  wreck.  Perchance  the  tender  wife, 
whom  they  had  sworn  to  love  and  cherish,  lay  dying  upon  a 
poverty-stricken  couch,  with  no  tender  hand  to  soothe  her 
brow  or  minister  to  her  wants  in  the  hour  of  her  dissolution. 
Perhaps  some  little  one  lay  dying,  and  at  the  last  moment  was 
crying  for  bread,  or  father.  These  were  often  the  nature  of 
their  domestic  communications,  and  yet  those  men  stood  up 
to  be  shot,  without  a sigh.  Often,  with  their  meager  ration 
and  trusty  rifle,  on  some  lonely  post  of  duty,  a tear  would 
gush  from  those  eyes  unused  to  weep,  but  would  be  quickly 
brushed  away,  and  principle  would  usurp  its  sway  over  the 
natural  yearnings  of  the  heart. 

A soldier  received  word  from  his  distant  home  that  his  wife 
and  children  were  starving.  He  made  his  way  to  the  head- 
quarters of  his  colonel,  and  sent  to  him  the  letter  he  had 
received.  Soon  he  was  ordered  to  come  into  the  tent  and  was 
told  very  kindly  that  his  case  and  his  letter  should  be  laid 
before  the  general.  The  answer  came  back:  “The  request 
cannot  be  granted,  a soldier’s  first  duty  is  to  his  country,  and 
in  this  hour  his  place  is  at  his  post.”  This  man  returned  to 


PRIVATE  K.  325 

duty,  nobly  bearing  the  vicissitudes  which  oppressed  him, 
while  the  family  of  his  bosom  died. 

PRIVATE  K. 

In  an  infantry  regiment,  about  the  time  McClellan  crossed 
the  Chickahominy  river,  was  a private  soldier,  who,  from 
some  cause,  had  been  marked  by  his  comrades  as  being  a 
coward.  This  stain  the  sensitive  young  soldier  bore  in  pa- 
tient silence,  indicating  no  desire  to  resent  the  charge. 

When  the  fearful  battle  of  Gaines  Mill  was  in  progress,  the 
regiment  to  which  he  belonged  was  drawn  up  in  line,  to 
charge  the  enemy’s  works  across  an  open  field.  Just  at  this 
crisis,  when  the  solemn  silence  preceding  such  an  event  is 
most  oppressive,  he  calmly  stepped  to  the  front,  and  address- 
ing his  commander,  asked  permission  to  carry  the  colors  into 
the  fight.  His  request  was  granted  by  the  officer  in  com- 
mand, who  had  heard  of  his  cowardice,  although  an  opportu- 
nity to  display  it  had  never  been  given  him. 

On  receiving  the  flag,  the  soldier  said,  “ This  hour  will 
prove  the  truth  or  falsity  of  your  charge,  and  I hope  that 
none  of  you  will  act  more  cowardly  than  I do  this  day.” 
The  fearful  moment  arrived  when  the  order  to  advance  was 
given,  and  across  the  open  plain,  where  the  missiles  of  death 
swept  like  a hurricane,  sped  the  color-bearer  far  in  advance 
of  the  regiment,  defiantly  bearing  the  battle-flag. 

The  brave  daring  of  the  man  was  so  great  that  a loud  and 
prolonged  cheer  broke  from  his  companions,  while  his  foes 
seemed  paralyzed  with  admiration.  On,  on  he  went,  until  at 
last  he  gained  the  hostile  line,  and  valiantly  mounting  their 
works,  planted  his  flag  in  their  very  midst,  while  murmurs  of 
applause  escaped  from  the  lips  of  men  whose  instinctive 
bravery  forbade  them  shooting  him. 

The  Avorks  were  carried,  and  many  prisoners  were  captured, 
and  although  many  of  the  assaulting  column  had  fallen,  the 
man  who  bore  the  colors  Avas  untouched.  This  act  forever 
Aviped  from  his  name  the  falsehood  which  had  been  so  un- 
justly put  upon  it,  and  placed  upon  his  shoulder  the  insignia 
of  a captaincy. 


326 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ADVANCE  BOTTLE,  AND  DRAW  STOPPER. 

In  camp,  soldiers  worked  many  schemes  to  get  something 
to  drink,  when  liquor  selling  was  forbidden.  The  sentinels 
would  even  fail  to  watch  their  posts  closely,  when  they  knew 
that  a messmate  was  to  run  the  “blockade”  after  dark,  and 
go  to  the  nearest  place  where  liquor  was  to  be  had.  Of  course 
these  fellows  did  not  have  the  countersign,  yet  arrangements 
with  the  sentinels  would  often-times  be  made,  and  some  sign 
given  which  allowed  them  to  return  to  camp  unmolested. 

It  is  told  of  an  Irishman,  who  was  on  post  at  the  time, — 
whose  messmate  was  on  a whiskey  foraging  expedition,  that 
upon  his  return  the  usual  command  was  given,  “Halt!  Who 
comes  there  ? ” “ Bottle,”  replied  the  man  addressed.  “ Ad- 

vance bottle,  and  draw  stopper ! ” quickly  responded  the 
guard,  and  all  was  right.  Loaves  of  bread  were  utilized  for 
the  purpose  of  smuggling  whiskey.  A loaf  would  be  split 
lengthwise,  — the  crumb  removed;  a bottle  put  inside  the 
crust  and  again  closed ; this  looked  harmless  enough  and  often 
passed  unobserved.  Watermelons  rendered  similar  service, 
and  often  a drag  load  of  this  fruit  contained  many  gallons  of 
whiskey. 

“I  DO.” 

Near  White  Oak  swamp  a battery  of  artillery  had  got 
so  complete  a range  of  the  Federal  position,  that  an  effort 
was  made  to  dislodge  it.  Bravely  the  Union  men  stormed 
the  position  it  occupied,  while  as  determinedly  the  Confeder- 
ates defended  themselves.  At  length  every  gun  was  silenced, 
save  one,  and  the  Federals  made  a terrible  rush  at  that.  An 
officer  dashed  up  to  where  the  piece  was  planted,  and  seeing 
but  one  man,  exclaimed,  “ Who  commands  this  battery  ? ” 

“I  do,”  coolly  replied  the  man. 

“ Where  are  your  officers  and  men?  ” asked  the  Federal. 

“ There  they  are,”  replied  the  soldier,  pointing.  And  sure 
enough,  there  they  were,  all  dead  or  wounded,  while  that  one 
man  had  been  fighting  single-handed  against  such  fearful 
odds. 


CAPTAIN  HENRY  HUNT.  327 

This  is  but  one  of  the  many  thousands  of  instances  of  indi- 
vidual gallantry  which  was  displayed  during  the  war. 

TRADING  ON  THE  BLACK  WATER. 

During  the  spring  of  1863,  while  the  opposing  forces  occu- 
pied positions  on  the  Black  Water  river  near  Franklin  and 
Suffolk,  a trading  post  was  established  between  the  picket 
lines  which  it  was  not  intended  should  be  known  throughout 
the  North  or  South. 

The  narrow  river,  whose  waters  had  the  appearance  of  lye, 
separated  the  pickets,  and  on  this  was  kept  a scow  capable  of 
bearing  several  tons  burden. 

By  whose  orders  it  was  not  exactly  known,  but  here  the 
men  kept  up  a regular  interchange  of  commodities  after 
nightfall.  The  scow  would  be  laden  with  cotton  bales,  and 
ferried  across  to  the  Union  side  of  the  stream,  and  upon  be- 
ing hailed,  the  men  would  respond  to  the  inquiry,  “ Who 
comes  there  ? ” by  simply  answering,  “ Cotton.”  This  was 
satisfactory,  and  the  produce  would  be  landed. 

The  scow  would  then  be  freighted  with  pork,  flour  and 
sugar,  or  something  else  of  a like  nature,  and  return  to  the 
Confederate  side.  Here  the  countersign  was  “ rations.” 

In  this  way  for  weeks,  it  is  said,  this  interchange  was  kept 
up,  until  thousands  of  bales  of  cotton  had  been  exchanged 
for  rations.  These  the  Confederates  got,  but  who  can  tell 
what  became  of  that  cotton  ? It  was  all  understood  between 
the  officers  and  men,  yet  nothing  definite  was  ever  heard 
about  it.  When  the  Confederates  withdrew  from  that  sec- 
tion they  had  more  supples  than  when  they  went  there,  and 
somebody  on  the  other  side  had  lots  of  cotton. 

CAPTAIN  HENRY  HUNT. 

On  the  morning  of  May  16th,  1864,  near  Port  Walthall 
Junction,  an  Ohio  regiment  had  been  engaged  in  the  hottest 
part  of  the  fight,  and  had  failed  to  care  for  their  dead,  being 
forced  to  retire  from  the  field,  with  others  of  the  Union  line 
of  battle.  The  Confederates,  left  in  quiet  possession,  were 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


engaged  in  burying  the  dead  of  the  enemy.  An  officer,  su- 
perintending this  melancholy  duty,  espied  a Union  officer 
lying  dead  near  the  foot  of  a tree,  and  going  up  to  him,  rec- 
ognized in  his  hand  an  open  letter.  There,  clutched  between 
his  fingers,  he  held  the  missive,  which  doubtless  his  last  expir- 
ing gaze  had  rested  on.  The  dead  man,  young  and  handsome 
in  appearance,  lay  calm  in  death.  Reaching  forward,  the 
Confederate  took  the  letter,  opened  it,  and  the  first  lines 
which  caught  his  attention  read  thus : 

Dear  Henry: — As  you  lie  down,  by  your  camp  fire  to-night,  reflecting 
upon  the  many  promises  which  you  made  me  before  you  went  away,  think 
just  once  of  the  wayward  girl  whose  only  thought  for  years  has  been  of 
you.  Let  your  meditations  be  kind,  but  do  not  pity  me.  Your  love  I 
adore,  but  your  pity  I despise. 

This  letter  was  signed  “ Lucy,”  and  dated  at  Cleaveland, 
Ohio,  only  a few  days  before.  The  person  to  whom  it  was 
addressed  was  “ Captain  Henry  Hunt.” 

Nothing  else  upon  the  person  of  the  dead  man  indicated 
his  identity  save  his  shoulder  straps.  The  Captain  was  de- 
cently buried,  under  the  immediate  eye  of  the  Confederate, 
and  the  letter  to  which  he  had  so  tenaciously  clung  during 
his  last  hours  was  interred  with  him,  the  officer  placing  it  on 
his  bosom. 

Perhaps  in  scanning  these  pages,  some  one  who  knew  Cap- 
tain Hunt  may  chance  to  see  this  record,  or,  perchance,  Lucy 
may  yet  be  living,  and  if  fate  should  so  decree,  may  recognize 
in  the  above  quotation  the  girlish  sentiments  of  long  ago,  and* 
learn  from  this  that  her  truant  lover,  in  giving  up  his  life  for 
his  country,  clung  to  her  letter  to  the  last,  and  with  his  ex- 
piring breath  lisped  her  name. 

THE  FASCINATION  OF  THE  PICKET  POST. 

There  was  something  about  a picket  post  which  was  always 
attractive,  no  matter  how  great  the  pei'il  or  hardship. 

It  is  very  difficult  for  any  of  us  to  decide  as  to  what  that 
something  consisted  of,  and  yet  it  was  nevertheless  true. 


THE  COOL  DARING  OF  A REBEL  SOLDIER. 


329 


In  camp  the  men  never  liked  to  hear  the  bugle  notes  which 
called  them  to  “saddle  up  ” for  that  duty,  and  still,  when  once 
on  post,  any  disposition  to  return  to  quarters,  until  the  hours 
of  service  were  rendered,  seldom  occurred. 

Some  unexplainable  influence  surrounded  the  spirit  of  the 
men  on  this  dangerous  and  responsible  duty,  which  kept  them 
in  good  heart  amid  all  of  its  lurking  perils. 

THE  COOL  DARING  OF  A REBEL  SOLDIER. 

The  cool  daring  of  men  is  sometimes  be}rond  conception, 
and  unless  one  is  an  eye  witness,  it  is  difficult  to  believe  that 
the  deeds  of  valor  often  related  are  possible.  In  the  camp, 
and  in  the  fight,  after  continued  carnage,  some  deed  is  done 
amid  the  storm  of  death  and  ruin  by  some  man  who,  out- 
wardly, would  shrink  from  the  trying  ordeals  which  fate  de- 
crees ; and  although  no  thought  of  fame  nor  vain  glory  animates 
his  breast,  he  rushes,  heedless  of  death,  amid  the  dangerous 
missiles  and  accomplishes  that  which  in  liis  calmer  senses  he 
would  shrink  from  attempting.  Many  deeds  of  individual 
achievement  are  worthy  of  especial  record,  and  should  ever 
be  enshrined  upon  the  mind  and  in  the  hearts  of  alL  true  ad- 
mirers of  heroic  service. 

Conspicuous  among  these  is  the  story  of  a private  soldier 
who  risked  his  life  in  a successful  effort  to  alleviate  the  suffer- 
ings of  a wounded  Federal  who  had  fallen  between  the  lines 
of  the  contestants,  on  the  memorable  field  of  Gettysburg. 
When  the  battle  raged  the  hottest,  when  the  thundering  roar 
of  artillery  and  the  continual  rattle  of  musketry  told  their 
tale  of  horror,  and  thousands  were  falling  beneath  the  uner- 
ring aim  of  death ; at  a time  when  the  least  panic,  the  slightest 
dismay,  would  have  unnerved  those  martialed  thousands,  the 
faint  cry  of  distress  fell  upon  the  ear  of  a war-worn  Confed- 
erate veteran,  who,  looking  beyond,  saw  a fallen  man,  faint 
from  heat  and  loss  of  blood,  writhing  in  agony. 

Without  a thought  save  that  instinctively  prompted  by  the 
dictates  of  humanity,  he  leaped  over  the  breastworks  — the 
only  bulwark  that  shielded  him  from  immediate  death  — and 


330 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


bravely  facing  the  storm  of  leaden  hail  made  his  way  to  the 
wounded  Federal.  Gently  raising  his  head  upon  his  knee,  he 
gave  him  to  drink  from  his  canteen  the  water  for  which  he 
was  famishing,  then  making  a pillow  for  his  foe,  he  deliber- 
ately began  to  retrace  his  steps. 

This  unselfish  and  humane  act  had  been  witnessed  by  the 
hostile  line,  and  cheer  upon  cheer  arose  amid  the  echoing 
noise  of  battle  along  their  front.  Their  fire  immediately 
ceased  in  that  direction  that  the  brave  man  might  regain  his 
covert,  and  only  after  he  had  disappeared  did  they  resume  it. 

BEARING  HIS  BROTHER’S  DEAD  BODY. 

On  the  battlefield  men  are  often  called  upon  to  perform  the 
most  harrowing  duties,  — nor  can  any,  save  those  who  have 
undergone  such  trials,  appreciate  the  melancholy  ordeals 
through  which  they  were  forced  to  pass. 

During  the  Gettysburg  fight,  one  brother,  in  the  infantry 
branch  of  the  service  was  killed  in  a charge.  Another,  a few 
hours  afterward,  learning  of  it,  got  permission  to  ride  to  that 
part  of  the  field  to  look  after  his  body.  On  learning  where  it 
lay,  he  rode  into  the  fight  and  found  it.  A cannon  ball  had 
swept  his  head  from  his  shoulders,  not  a vestige  being  left 
above  his  neck. 

Dismounting,  the  cavalryman,  with  the  assistance  of  a com- 
rade, placed  the  headless  body  of  his  own  brother  on  his 
horse,  and  again  mounting,  bore  it  to  the  rear,  while  the  liquid 
blood  freely  flowed  over  his  clothing. 

This  is  no  exception  to  thousands  of  instances  of  a kindred 
nature,  and  many  who  have  had  to  pass  through  scenes  of  a 
similar  character  will  appreciate  the  act,  and  corroborate  it. 

noah’s  ark. 

There  was  a store  in  that  part  of  the  city  of  Richmond 
known  as  Rocketts,  kept  by  a German  Jew.  This  place, 
where  anything  from  a cambric  needle  to  a camp  kettle  could 
be  found,  was  familiarly  styled,  among  the  soldiers,  “Noah’s 
Ark,”  nor  was  it  an  inappropriate  name,  as  anything  asked 


NOAH'S  ARK. 


331 


for  could  always  be  found  there,  including  dry  goods,  gro- 
ceries, small  wares,  boots  and  shoes,  firearms,  earthen  ware, 
and  in  short,  anything  conceivable.  The  peculiar  little  man 
who  kept  this  establishment  was  a mystery  to  every  one,  and 
how,  and  from  where,  he  got  his  goods  was  a still  greater 
wonder.  Anything  which  could  not  be  found  in  the  fashion- 
able or  business  precincts  of  the  city,  might  always  be  got 
here,  and  hence,  this  free  and  easy  sort  of  a place  was  a 
general  resort  for  the  soldiers. 

It  was  customary  for  any  soldier  entering  the  city  on  short 
leave  to  be  burdened  with  errands.  One  would  want  thread, 
another  a frying  pan,  or  tin  pail,  a third  a pair  of  shoes,  or 
hat;  while  maybe  a fourth  would  send  for  a dime  novel.  All 
of  these  articles,  and  many  more,  could  be  found  at  the 
“ Ark,”  and  to  this  miscellaneous  storehouse  would  the  soldier 
repair. 

Often  several  men  would  go  together,  and  seldom  would 
they  leave  without  having  stolen  something, — just  for  the 
fun  of  it.  It  made  no  difference  whether  the  article  taken 
was  of  any  service  to  the  man  taking  it  or  not. 

Once  several  soldiers  called  at  the  “ Ark,  ” ostensibly  to 
purchase  thread,  etc.  While  the  attention  of  the  proprietor 
was  engaged  in  exhibiting  this  article  to  one  of  the  men,  the 
others,  in  another  part  of  the  store,  were  helping  themselves 
to  all  sorts  of  things  which  could  be  of  no  possible  benefit  to 
them.  The  Jew  would  complain,  and  the  men  would,  from 
all  appearances,  sympathize  with  him. 

Said  he,  “ I fills  mine  ouse  mit  goods,  und  ven  a veek  hab 
gone  avay,  dey  am  all  gone,  and  I hab  not  ash  much  monish 
ash  pwhat  I gib  for  dem.  De  dampt  sogers,  dey  stole  ebbery 
ting  pwhat  I hab,  and  ven  I tells  dem  dot  I vill  tole  General 
Lee,  dey  laughs,  and  dey  laughs,  and  ven  I gots  so  dampt  mad 
mit  mine  selve  dot  I says  to  mine  selve,  I vill  got  mine  pis- 
volver  and  shot  some  bodies,  den  dey  laughs  avile,  and  goes 
avay  and  tooks  some  tings  mit  dem  vonce  more.” 

This  was  the  daily  complaint  of  Heisenberger,  and  yet  that 
store  had  no  limit  to  its  resources  in  the  line  to  which  refer- 
ence has  been  made. 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


SCENE  AT  APPOMATTOX. 

When  the  Confederates  surrendered  at  Appomattox,  amid 
all  of  the  melancholy  surroundings  and  regrets  of  the  soldiers 
of  the  “lost  cause”  over  their  overthrow,  little  things  would 
happen  which  momentarily  banished  sadness,  and  brought  a 
smile  to  their  grim  visage.  For  instance,  — during  that  sol- 
emn scene,  which  none  of  those  who  witnessed  can  ever  for- 
get, when  the  actual  formula  of  surrender  was  being  enacted 
which  made  the  Confederate  veterans  of  Lee  simply  citizens, 
an  amusing  incident  took  place,  which  temporarily  assuaged 
their  grief. 

These  men,  who  had  been  either  fighting  or  retreating  for 
ten  days  and  nights,  with  no  time  to  do  anything  else,  were 
very  many  of  them  black  in  the  face  from  powder  smoke  and 
dust.  The  sad  misfortune  through  which  they  were  passing 
naturally  bore  heavily  on  their  hearts,  and  the  consequence 
was,  that  relief  through  the  agency  of  tears  was  the  result. 
These,  in  coursing  down  their  soiled  cheeks,  had  washed  away 
the  powder  stains  and  dirt,  in  streaks,  as  they  rolled.  This 
queer  looking  sight,  when  observed  by  one  soldier,  would 
cause  a laugh,  which  invariably  attracted  the  attention  of 
another,  and  so  on,  until  thousands  were  laughing  at  one 
another. 

Soon  after  the  terms  of  surrender  had  been  agreed  upon, 
and  no  more  powder  was  being  burnt,  the  Federal  and  Con- 
federates, in  keeping  with  the  natural  instincts  of  the  Amer- 
ican people,  began  to  talk  politics  and  to  speculate  upon  the 
result  of  the  overthrow  of  Lee’s  army.  These  disputes, 
which  were  purely  individual,  in  every  case  resulted  in  a row. 
One  side  or  the  other  would  sajr  something  which  exceptions 
would  be  taken  at,  and  then  physical  force  would  be  resorted 
to,  that  the  opposite  party  might  be  convinced  of  the  fallacy 
of  his  side  of  the  argument. 

It  was  ludicrous  to  see  old  soldiers,  who  had  stood  up  to  be 
shot  at  for  four  long  years,  upon  the  very  eve  of  returning  to 
their  homes,  quarreling  over  a mental  speculation  which 
could  not  be  solved  at  that  time  by  any  living  mortal. 


VANDALISM. 


333 


FALSE  IMPRESSIONS. 

The  masses  of  the  people  in  the  north  labored  under  the 
impression  that  the  negroes  were  hostile  toward  their  masters 
when  the  war  broke  out,  and  that  they  showed  no  sympathy 
for  them  when  the  army  was  being  organized.  This,  however, 
is  a vast  mistake. 

When  war  was  first  declared,  and  before  a thought  of  being 
freed  had  ever  been  entertained  by  the  colored  people,  they 
were  quite  anxious  to  enlist  in  the  army  and  fight  for  their 
homes.  The  mistaken  idea  of  their  masters,  however,  pre- 
vented this,  and  soon  the  natural  zeal  which  inspired  their 
breasts  was  crushed,  and  a longing  to  forsake  the  homes  of 
their  nativity  predominated  every  other  thought,  and  thou- 
sands began  to  flee  to  the  Union  lines.  Then,  for  the  first 
time,  the  southerners  saw  the  fatal  error  which  they  had  made, 
and  felt  the  effects  of  such  a blunder  most  keenly. 

Many  of  the  colored  people,  however,  were  true  to  their 
homes  and  their  masters’  families,  and  it  was  a noticeable 
fact  that  wherever  a home  had  suffered  by  the  master  having 
been  slain,  that  some  negro  remained  loyal  to  the  domestic 
circle  and  endeavored  to  support  the  family. 

VANDALISM. 

In  every  army  there  are  men  who  are  ready  to  commit  any 
and  all  kinds  of  mischief,  deeds  of  vandalism ; and  while 
whole  commands  have  to  suffer  from  the  stigma,  only  those 
who  perpetrate  these  acts  of  wanton  destruction  should  be 
blamed  for  them.  It  is  true  that  the  mere  fact  of  converting 
citizens  into  soldiers  produces  often-times  an  evil  effect,  and 
they  are  guilty  of  acts  of  mischief,  which,  as  sober  members 
of  society,  they  would  never  think  of  doing.  Seldom,  how- 
ever, are  the  better  elements  of  an  army  engaged  in  acts  of 
lawlessness  which  are  discreditable  even  in  the  eyes  of  the 
enemy. 

The  army  of  General  McClellan  should  not  be  held  respon- 
sible for  the  ruthless  acts  which  the  “bummers  and  skulkers  ” 
of  his  command  committed  at  Jamestown  Island,  and  yet 


334 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


that  General's  forces  irrespectively  will  be  ever  held  to 
account  by  the  people  of  Virginia  for  the  deeds  there 
perpetrated. 

Upon  the  island  named  was  situated  the  old  brick  mansion 
once  occupied  by  the  first  colonial  governor  of  the  colony  of 
Virginia,  Sir  William  Berkeley.  This  old  house,  made  of 
material  brought  from  England  in  the  sixteenth  century,  was 
ever  held  in  high  regard  by  the  people  of  Virginia  as  a relic 
of  their  primitive  ancestry,  and  as  being  closely  connected 
with  the  national  history  as  well.  The  old  house  was 
guarded  from  decay  with  a zealous  care,  any  evidences  of  its 
crumbling  being  promptly  repaired.  As  property  it  was  com- 
parativel}'  worthless,  but  as  a reminder  of  olden  times  it  was 
invaluable. 

When  the  Federal  army  marched  up  the  peninsula  in  1862, 
many  stragglers  from  its  ranks  remained  about  the  island, 
which  is  onty  a few  miles  from  Williamsburg.  After  the 
evacuation  of  the  peninsula,  these  fellows  applied  the  torch 
of  destruction  to  this  last  relic  of  primitive  Virginia,  laying 
it  in  ashes.  The  property,  at  the  time,  belonged  to  Major 
William  Allen,  a member  of  the  Confederate  array,  but  the 
entire  island,  of  many  hundreds  of  acres,  was  unoccupied  by 
the  Confederates,  and  there  was  no  excuse  for  the  perpetra- 
tion of  this  most  dastardly  act. 

Near  the  old  mansion  stood  the  little  church,  in  which  Sir 
John  Rolfe  and  the  Indian  maiden,  Pocahontas,  were  mar- 
ried, surrounded  by  the  first  graveyard,  in  Virginia,  in  which 
a white  man  had  ever  been  buried.  Nor  did  this  sacred  spot 
escape  the  hand  of  the  despoiler.  Many  tombstones  were 
broken  to  fragments,  and  scattered  in  various  directions. 

Neither  the  commander  or  the  true  soldiers  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  should  be  censured  for  this  deed  of  willful  dese- 
cration, but  the  wanton  men  who  would  thus  defame  the  his- 
toric relics  of  their  own  early  greatness,  nationally  speaking, 
are  not  fit  material  to  fill  the  ranks  of  honorable  soldiery  of 
which  a nation  should  feel  proud. 


EXTRA  BILLY  SMITH. 


335 


THE  FLOWER  OF  SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Among  the  first  troops  who  came  to  Richmond,  from  the 
distant  South,  when  hostilities  began,  was  a full  regiment  of 
South  Carolineans,  made  up  of  the  aristocratic  flower  of  the 
Palmetto  State. 

Nearly  every  man  in  the  command  had  brought  along  his 
servant,  and  in  truth,  a more  thoroughly  equipped  organiza- 
tion, or  a finer  looking  set  of  men  could  not  be  found. 
Splendidly  uniformed,  and  supplied  with  every  personal  con- 
venience, they  seemed  to  have  imagined  that  they  were  off  on 
a pleasure  excursion,  and  nothing  more.  Alas  ! alas  ! How 
often  do  we  realize  the  truth  of  the  old  adage,  “ Man  pro- 
poses but  God  disposes.” 

This  fine  regiment  was  sent  down  the  Peninsula  and  was 
engaged  in  the  battle  of  Williamsburg.  Over  half  of  it  was 
killed,  wounded,  or  captured,  and  the  remainder  were  driven 
back  in  dismay. 

The  boast  of  chivalry,  and  pomp  of  power,  had  been 
snatched  from  them  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  and  these 
scions  of  wealth  realized,  in  the  deepest  sense,  the  fatal  mis- 
take under  which  they  had  labored. 

EXTRA  BILLY  SMITH. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  one  of  those  characters  who 
may  be  often  found  in  various  parts  of  the  Union,  and  are 
commonly  known  as  self-made  men. 

This  man  had  worked  himself  up  in  the  world  from  the 
position  of  mail  contractor  to  steamboat  captain,  and  from  one 
step  to  another  until  he  had  gained  a seat  in  the  national 
councils,  and  was  afterward  called  upon  to  preside  over  the 
public  affairs  of  his  native  state  in  the  hour  of  her  sorest  trial. 

William  Smith  succeeded  the  famous  John  Letcher  as  Gov- 
ernor of  Virginia,  and  was  familiarly  known  as  “Extra  Billy” 
throughout  her  borders.  At  the  time  he  became  the  governor 
the  civil  war  was  at  its  height,  and  many  trying  ordeals  were 
inflicted  upon  the  chief  executive.  In  the  midst  of  all  this 
conflict  “Extra  Billy”  kept  up  a cheerful  spirit  and  an  earnest 


336 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


heart,  and  endeavored  to  cheer  the  forlorn  people  over  whom 
he  had  been  called  to  preside,  with  a manly  devotion,  second 
to  none. 

An  amusing  incident  is  told  of  him  which  will  bear  out  the 
assertion  that  he  was  properly  called  “ Extra.” 

One  morning  during  the  summer  of  1864,  some  hundreds 
of  ladies  and  gentlemen,  including  many  soldiers,  had  assem- 
bled upon  Capitol  square,  at  Richmond,  to  offer  their  sympa- 
thy and  greetings  to  several  hundred  exchanged  men  who  had 
just  been  sent  up  the  James  river  from  Point  Lookout,  a Union 
prison.  The  Confederate  President  was  present,  surrounded 
by  his  cabinet  members,  as  also  this  facetious  Governor  of  the 
mother  of  American  statesmen. 

Mr.  Davis  had  offered  an  address  of  welcome  to  the  soldiers 
who  had  thus  been  exchanged,  and  had  extended  his  hand  to 
many  of  the  “boys,”  when  a call  was  made  for  “Extra  Billy.” 
This  he  smilingly  responded  to,  and  after  offering  them  greet- 
ings of  happy  and  heartfelt  sympathy,  he  continued  in  this 
strain:  “They  say  that  I am  three-score  and  ten  years  of  age, 
and  I guess  it  is  about  so,  but  when  the  Yankees  and  the 
women  are  around  I want  you  to  understand  that  Billy  Smith 
is  not  twentv-five.”  This  gallant  reference  to  the  ladies  drew 
forth  a hearty  laugh,  and  raised  the  drooping  spirits  of  the 
soldiers  more  than  did  the  powerful  words  of  stunning  rhetoric 
which  had  fallen  from  the  lips  of  Jefferson  Davis. 

THE  GEORGIA  PICKET. 

A good  story  is  told  of  a Georgian  who  was  on  picket  near 
Deep  Bottom  one  very  cold  day  in  the  fall  of  the  year.  By 
some  mischance  he  had  not  been  relieved  at  the  proper  hour 
and  was  very  cold.  Suffering  fearfully,  he  hailed  the  oppos- 
ing picket,  and  asked  him  if  he  had  anything  to  drink.  Being 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  continued,  “ I will  give  you  a 
plug  of  tobacco  for  a swig  at  your  canteen.”  “Agreed!” 
exclaimed  the  Yank. 

These  men  then  left  their  posts  and  met  between  the  lines. 
After  passing  the  customary  salutations,  the  Reb  produced 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  LAST  RETREAT.  337 

the  tobacco,  and  the  Yank  handed  over  his  canteen  which 
contained  over  a pint  of  whiskey. 

“ Here  is  wishing  that  the  Bottom  was  a mile  off,”  said  the 
rebel,  and  straightway  he  placed  it  to  his  lips. 

When  he  returned  it  to  its  owner,  it  was  entirely  empty. 
This  so  disgusted  the  Yank  that  he  immediately  exclaimed, 

1 will  be  d d if  you  can’t  drink  more  whiskey  than  my 

whole  company,”  and  turning  on  his  heel,  he  departed. 

INCIDENTS  OF  THE  LAST  RETREAT. 

None  of  those  who  were  with  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia on  its  retreat  from  Petersburg  to  Appomattox  court- 
house, can  ever  realize  the  sufferings  through  which  the  sol- 
diers passed  for  want  of  food.  The  men  had  nothing  to  eat 
for  several  days  at  a time,  and  many  of  them  fell  exhausted 
by  the  roadside  from  sheer  starvation.  An  instance  is  nar- 
rated by  a member  of  the  cavalry  branch  of  the  army,  whose 
command  was  in  the  rear  guard,  which  fully  corroborates  the 
truthfulness  of  their  needs  and  the  hardships  which  they 
endured.  From  the  lips  of  this  soldier  the  following  is  an 
extract. 

u We  left  the  city  before  the  dawn  of  April  third.  Our 
haversacks  were  empty,  and  there  were  no  supplies  to  be 
found  in  the  vicinity.  The  enemy  came  in  sight  shortly  after 
dajr,  and  we  were  thrown  in  line  to  check  his  advance.  With 
tobacco  we  who  used  it  checked  the  temporary  gnawings  of 
hunger,  and  stubbornly  held  our  position  until  orders  came 
to  continue  the  retreat.  Thus  the  day  passed,  and  night 
brought  us  no  rations.  The  next  morning  came,  and  with  it 
also  came  the  unwelcome  tidings  that  the  wagon  train  had 
been  captured  while  fleeing  on  another  route. 

“ Then  we  made  up  our  minds  to  starve  to  death,  but  never 
to  surrender,  although  the  want  of  food,  on  the  part  of  both 
man  and  beast,  was  rapidly  telling  on  the  command.  The 
horses  cropped  the  young  buds  which  were  just  beginning  to 
shoot  from  the  trees,  while  the  men  continued  to  chew  tobac- 
co. Thus  we  went  on  for  four  days. 

22 


338 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


“ A scanty  ration  of  meal  and  molasses  now  came  to  our 
relief,  the  men  eating  it  without  any  preparation  whatever. 
Nothing  else  passed  our  lips  until  the  army  surrendered  at 
Appomattox,  when  an  ear  of  corn  was  served  to  each  man, 
and  was  most  ravenously  devoured.  The  south  side  railroad 
having  been  cut  in  the  rear  of  the  Union  army  by  the  cav- 
alry force  of  Fitz  Lee,  the  Federals  were  unable  to  bring  up 
any  supplies  from  Petersburg  until  it  was  repaired.  As 
quickly,  however,  as  the  road  could  be  put  in  order,  rations 
arrived,  and  the  rebel  soldiers  were  issued  the  first  square 
meal  which  many  of  them  had  tasted  for  months. 

“ In  justice  to  the  Federal  soldiers  it  should  be  said,  that 
in  thousands  of  instances  they  shared  the  meager  rations 
which  they  had  with  the  starving  prisoners,  thus  showing  by 
their  acts  of  humanity  their  sympathy. 

“The  Confederates  had  no  money  of  any  value,  yet  in 
many  instances  the  Union  troops  would  exchange  rations  for 
it,  simply  to  keep  as  a curiosity.  It  was  nothing  strange  for 
the  rebs  to  pay  twenty,  fifty,  or  even  a hundred  dollars  in 
their  money  for  a single  hard  tack,  and  one  instance  was 
known  where  a soldier  gave  a thousand  dollars  for  one  drink 
of  whiskey.*’ 

THE  MULE  BRIGADE. 

The  “ Mule  brigade  ” was  composed  of  cavalrymen  who 
had  been  dismounted  at  various  times,  and  who  were  unable 
to  procure  horses.  They  were  made  famous  in  the  Valley  of 
the  Shenandoah,  and  will  ever  be  held  in  ludicrous  remem- 
brance by  many. 

Any  one  who  knows  the  natural  propensities  of  the  mule, 
will  readily  perceive  how  difficult  a thing  it  is  to  make  it 
submissive  to  the  will  of  its  rider,  and  further,  they  know 
that  the  obstinate  animal,  being  akin  to  the  horse,  will  follow 
his  lead  invariably. 

At  one  time,  there  were  about  five  hundred  men  in  Stuart’s 
cavalry  command  mounted  on  mules,  and  all  of  them  were 
placed  in  one  regiment,  known  by  the  above  title.  When 


I FIGHTS  MIT  SIGEL. 


339 


these  animals  thought  proper,  they  behaved  very  well,  but 
when  they  had  a notion  to  be  stubborn,  nothing  definite  could 
be  done  with  them,  nor  could  any  reliance  be  placed  on  them. 
Once  the  “ brigade  ” was  sent  to  the  front  and  became 
engaged  with  the  Union  horsemen.  The  Federals  were  drawn 
up  in  line  a short  distance  off,  and  the  brigade  had  orders  to 
reconnoiter,  and  if  they  found  the  enemy’s  advance  too  strong, 
to  fall  back.  This  order  they  moved  forward  to  obey,  and  all 
went  well  until  the  mules  caught  the  scent,  and  got  sight  of 
the  enemy’s  horses,  and  then  the  fun  began.  Music, — such 
as  only  a braying  mule  can  make,  resounded  far  and  near. 

When  the  order  to  charge  was  given  the  whole  line  dashed 
forward,  and  becoming  unmanageable,  pressed  right  on  among 
the  Federals,  which  the  latter  captured  without  a gun  being 
fired.  This  charge  was  afterwards  most  humorously  immor- 
talized in  song — under  the  title  of  “The  Charge  of  the  Mule 
Brigade.” 


“I  FIGHTS  MIT  SIGEL.” 

[The  following  poem  was  written  by  an  officer  of  the  Pontoon  train  of 

Sigel’s  army.] 

I met  him  again;  he  was  trudging  along, 

His  knapsack  with  chickens  was  swelling, 

He’d  “Blenkered”  those  dainties,  and  thought  it  no  wrong, 
From  some  absent  secessionist’s  dwelling. 

“What  regiment's  yours,  aud  under  whose  flag 
Do  you  fight?”  said  I,  touching  his  shoulder. 

Turning  slowly  around,  he  smilingly  said — 

For  the  thought  made  him  stronger  and  bolder — 

“ I fight  mit  Sigel.” 


The  nest  time  I saw  him  his  knapsack  was  gone, 

His  cap  and  canteen  were  missing; 

Shell,  shrapnel  and  grape  and  the  swift  rifle  ball 
Around  him  and  o’er  him  were  hissing. 

“How  are  you,  my  friend,  and  where  have  you  been, 
And  for  what  and  for  whom  are  you  fighting?  ” 

He  said,  as  a shot  from  the  enemy’s  gun 
Sent  his  arm  and  his  musket  a-kiting, 

“I  fights  mit  Sigel.” 


840 


BLUE  AiSTD  GRAY. 


AdcI  once  more  I saw  him  and  knelt  by  his  side, 

His  life-blood  was  rapidly  flowing; 

I whispered  of  home,  wife,  children  and  friends, 

The  bright  land  to  which  he  was  going; 

“And  have  you  no  word  for  the  dear  ones  at  home, 
The  ‘wee  one,’  the  father  or  mother?” 

“Yaw,  yaw!”  said  he,  “tell  them,  oh,  tell  them  I fights 
Poor  fellow,  he  thought  of  no  other — 

“ I fights  mit  Sigel.” 

We  scooped  out  a grave,  and  he  dreamlessly  sleeps 
On  the  banks  of  the  Shenandoah  river. 

His  home  and  his  friends  alike  are  unknown, 

His  reward  in  the  hands  of  the  Giver. 

We  placed  a rough  board  at  the  head  of  his  grave 
“And  left  him  alone  in  his  glory,” 

But  on  it  we  marked,  ere  we  turned  from  the  spot, 

The  little  we  knew  of  his  story: 

“I  fights  mit  Sigel.” 


CAMPAIGN  OF  GETTYSBURG. 


341 


CHAPTER  XY. 

The  invasion  of  Pennsylvania  by  confederates.  Hooker  pursues  ; 
resigns.  Meade  takes  command  of  federal  army.  Forces 
NEAR  GETTYSBURG.  PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  FIRST  DAY’S 

fighting.  Death  of  general  Reynolds.  Gallant  conduct  of 

TROOPS.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED.  GETTYSBURG  IN  POSSESSION  OF  CON- 
FEDERATES. Generals  barlow  and  paul  wounded.  General. 
SCHIMMELPFENNIG  CAPTURED.  HEAVY  LOSS  ON  BOTH  SIDES.  HAN- 
COCK IN  COMMAND  OF  THE  FIELD.  TURNS  IT  OVER  TO  GENERAL 
slocum.  Battle  of  july  second.  , Both  sides  reinforced.  In 
POSITION.  LONGSTREET  BEGINS  THE  ATTACK.  FlGHT  ON  ROUND  TOP. 

Graphic  description  of.  Death  of  generals  weed  and  Vin- 
cent. Of  captain  hazlett.  Federals  successful.  Peach  or- 
chard fight.  Generals  cross  and  zook  mortally  wounded. 
General  brooke  severely  wounded.  Desperate  fighting  and 

HEAVY  LOSS  ON  BOTH  SIDES.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  BARKSDALE. 

Death  of  general  willard.  Sickles  wounded.  Confederates 
victorious.  Dreadful  loss  of  life.  Arrival  of  pickett’s  Vir- 
ginia BRIGADES  FROM  CHAMBERSBURG.  BATTLE  OF  JULY  THIRD. 
Terrific  artillery  fire  at  two  o’clock.  Pickett’s  charge. 
Death  of  general  garnett.  Generals  armistead  and  kemper 
wounded.  Hancock  wounded.  Terrible  loss  of  life.  The 

GALLANTRY  OF  THE  VIRGINIANS.  CONFEDERATES  DEFEATED.  GEN- 
ERAL LEE  RECROSSES  THE  POTOMAC.  GENERAL  IMBODEN’S  ACCOUNT 
OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  RETREAT.  POEM.  ROSTER. 

CAMPAIGN  OF  GETTYSBURG. 

After  the  brilliant  success  at  Chancellorsville  it  was  decided 
in  the  Confederate  councils  to  transfer  the  war  to  the  soil  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  without  dwelling  upon  any  of  the  prelimi- 
nary movements  made  by  either  army  in  Virginia,  to  inaugu- 
rate this  all-important  campaign,  we  follow  them  in  their 
respective  order  as  they  cross  the  Potomac  river  and  take  up 
their  line  of  march  for  Pennsylvania. 

On  the  twenty-second  of  June  the  army  of  General  Lee 
had,  by  a series  of  rapid  and  brilliant  movements,  whereby 
they  captured  quite  a Federal  force,  under  Wilson,  at  Win- 


342 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Chester,  marched  through  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  and  began 
to  cross  the  Potomac  at  Williamsport  and  Shepherdstown. 
General  Imboden,  at  the  head  of  a cavalry  command,  cut  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  also  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio 
canal.  General  Jenkins,  with  another  small  mounted  force, 
had  already  dashed  north  as  far  as  Chambersburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania, capturing  many  cattle  and  horses,  and  spreading  terror 
and  dismay  in  every  direction. 

Ewell  led  the  van  of  Lee’s  infantry,  moving  out  of  the 
Valley  of  the  Cumberland  by  the  way  of  Hagerstown,  until 
they  reached  Chambersburg.  The  whole  country  was  open 
to  the  invaders;  the  only  force  in  their  front  being  some 
Pennsylvania  militia,  and  it  was  not  of  a character  to  send 
much  terror  to  the  veteran  ranks  of  Ewell’s  command. 

From  Chambersburg  Ewell  moved  to  the  north,  sending 
the  division  of  General  Rodes  to  Carlisle,  while  General  Ear- 
ly’s division,  moving  to  the  east  side  of  the  South  Mountain 
range,  passed  through  Gettysburg  to  York,  and  from  that 
point  to  Wrightsville,  on  the  Susquehanna  river.  The  militia 
fell  back  before  his  advance,  but  as  they  burned  the  bridge 
at  Wrightsville,  Early  could  advance  no  further  in  that 
direction. 

Longstreet  crossed  the  Potomac  at  Williamsport,  and  Hill 
at  Shepherdstown,  on  the  twenty-fourth,  and  joined  General 
Ewell  at  Chambersburg.  Thus  the  whole  Confederate  force 
of  seventy  thousand  men,  with  its  artillery  and  cavalry,  were 
now  in  the  most  fertile  section  of  the  great  state  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  war  was  in  reality  transferred  to  northern  soil. 

When  General  Hooker  became  satisfied  that  Lee’s  army 
had  crossed  the  Potomac,  he  moved  toward  the  same  river  as 
rapidly  as  possible.  Hooker’s  entire  army  crossed  the  Poto- 
mac river  on  the  twenty-fifth  and  twenty-sixth,  at  Edwards’ 
Ferry,  and  concentrated  at  Frederick  City,  from  which  point 
Hooker  could  easily  pass  to  the  Cumberland  Valley,  through 
the  South  Mountain  passes,  or  move  northward  along  the  east- 
ern side  of  those  mountains,  and  follow  the  Confederates  to 
the  Susquehanna  river.  General  Hooker  evidently  intended 


GENERAL  HOOKER  RESIGNS. 


343 


to  cut  Lee's  lines  of  communications,  and  with  this  view  he 
threw  his  left  well  out  to  Middletown,  which  is  west  of  Fred- 
erick City. 

General  Slocum,  with  the  Twelfth  corps,  was  ordered  to 
march  to  Harper's  Ferry,  where  he  would  be  reinforced  by 
the  garrison  of  eleven  thousand  men,  and  with  this  force  he 
was  to  make  a movement  toward  Chambersburg,  and  thus 
threaten  the  Confederate  rear.  This  plan  interfered  with  the 
wishes  of  General  Halleck,  who  was  not  willing  that  the 
troops  at  Harper's  Ferry  should  be  removed,  and  this  was  the 
beginning  of  trouble  which  resulted  in  the  resignation  of 
General  Hooker. 

At  this  time  the  Federal  forces  were  distributed  in  inde- 
pendent commands  in  a most  lamentable  manner.  General 
Heintzelman  was  in  command  of  the  department  of  Wash- 
ington, with  thirty-six  thousand  men ; General  Schenck  com- 
manded the  middle  district,  east  of  the' Cumberland,  including 
the  garrisons  of  Harper’s  Ferry  and  Winchester,  while  Gen- 
eral Dix,  with  a considerable  force,  for  no  conceivable  pur- 
pose, lay  on  the  peninsula. 

When  General  Lee  crossed  the  Potomac,  Halleck  began  to 
see  the  folly  of  his  pet  idea  of  independent  commands,  and 
placed  Heintzelman  and  Schenck  under  the  control  of  Hooker. 
When  the  latter  undertook  to  remove  the  troops  from  Har- 
per’s Ferry,  Halleck  objected,  for  fear  it  would  endanger 
Washington. 

If  there  was  any  one  element  in  the  nature  of  Halleck  that 
excelled  his  stupidity,  it  was  his  stubbornness. 

GENERAL  HOOKER  RESIGNS. 

In  vain  Hooker  reasoned  with  him,  declaring  that  with  the 
whole  Army  of  the  Potomac  between  Lee  and  Washington, 
that  city  was  quite  well  defended.- 

On  the  twenty-seventh  of  June  General  Hooker  resigned 
his  command  of  the  army. 


344 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


GENERAL  MEADE  TAKES  COMMAND. 

Oil  the  twenty-eighth  Major-General  George  G.  Meade, 
commanding  the  Fifth  corps,  was  appointed  to  till  that  posi- 
tion. This  officer  was  well  known  in  the  army  he  was  to 
command,  and  was  considered  able,  prudent  and  brave. 
When  he  assumed  command  the  army  was  lying  near  Fred- 
erick, its  left  rested  upon  Middletown,  and  all  he  knew 
of  the  Confederate  position  was  that  General  Lee  had 
marched  up  the  Cumberland  Valley  ; that  Ewell’s  corps  was 
at  York  and  Carlisle,  and  was  attempting  to  cross  the  Sus- 
quehanna at  Columbia. 

There  was  but  one  course  for  him  to  pursue,  and  that  was 
to  march  toward  the  North,  east  of  the  South  Mountain 
range,  until  he  should  meet  Lee,  or  cause  him  to  relinquish 
his  hold  upon  the  Susquehanna  river. 

THE  FEDERAL  ARMY  IN  MOTION. 

His  army  was  immediately  put  in  motion  and  moved  in 
three  columns.  The  First  and  Eleventh  corps  were  ordered 
to  Emmittsburg,  the  Third  and  Twelfth  to  Taneytown, 
the  Second  to  Frizzleburg,  the  Fifth,  commanded  by  General 
Sykes,  to  Union,  and  the  Sixth  to  Windsor. 

When  General  Meade  thus  began  his  advance  toward 
Pennsylvania,  General  Lee,  apprised  of  the  movements  which 
General  Hooker  had  undertaken  in  the  direction  of  Harper's 
Ferry,  began  to  concentrate  his  army.  Longstreet  and  Hill, 
with  their  corps,  were  then  at  Chambersburg ; Ewell’s  corps 
being  at  Carlisle  and  York.  It  had  undoubtedly  been  the 
original  plan  of  the  Confederate  chieftain  to  move  with  his 
whole  force  across  the  Susquehanna  and  seize  Harrisburg,  but 
learning  of  Meade’s  advance  along  the  eastern  base  of  the 
South  Mountains,  he  changed  his  plans,  and  arranged  to  con- 
centrate his  army  in  Meade’s  front.  Therefore  instead  of 
ordering  Longstreet  and  Hill  to  join  Ewell  in  the  designed 
movement  upon  Harrisburg,  he  ordered  them  to  march 
through  the  South  Mountain  passes  toward  Gettysburg, 


FEDERALS  CONGREGATE  ON  PIPE  CREEK.  345 

twenty  miles  to  the  east,  and  instructed  Ewell  to  counter- 
march from  Carlisle  and  York  toward  the  same  point. 

On  the  night  of  the  thirtieth  of  June  Meade  became  satis- 
fied that  Lee  had  moved  back  from  the  Susquehanna  and  was 
preparing  to  give  him  battle. 

FEDERAES  CONCENTRATE  ON  PIPE  CREEK. 

When  and  where  the  storm  would  burst  forth  he  had  no 
means  of  knowing,  yet  comprehending  the  vast  importance  of 
being  prepared  for  it,  he  ordered  his  engineers  to  prepare  a 
line  for  battle  aloiig  Pipe  Creek,  in  Maryland,  near  the  Penn- 
sylvania line,  and  here  he  began  to  concentrate  his  army. 

The  Sixth  corps,  forming  the  right  wing  of . it,  was  ordered 
to  move  on  the  first  of  J uly  to  Manchester,  in  the  rear  of  Pipe 
Creek.  Meade’s  headquarters  and  the  Second  corps  were 
moved  to  Taneytown.  The  Fifth  and  Twelfth  corps  were  or- 
dered to  “ Two  Taverns  ” and  Hanover,  somewhat  in  ad- 
vance of  Pipe  Creek.  The  left  wing  of  the  army,  formed 
of  the  First,  Third  and  Eleventh  corps,  was  thrown  for- 
ward toward  Gettysburg,  to  which  point  it  was  afterward 
transferred. 

General  Lee  was  also  marching.  Gettysburg  was  of  consid- 
erable importance  to  General  Lee,  as  it  was  the  first  point  he 
could  reach  after  crossing  the  South  Mountain,  which  gave 
access  to  direct  lines  of  retreat  to  the  Potomac.  It  had.  not 
the  same  value  to  General  Meade,  especially  if  he  was  to  act 
upon  the  defensive.  At  that  time  the  topographical  features 
of  Gettysburg,  which  made  it  of  such  value  to  the  Federals 
during  the  battle,  were  unknown  to  both  commanders, 
and  Meade’s  move  upon  Gettysburg  was  more  as  a mask  to 
cover  the  formation  upon  Pipe  Creek  than  any  thing  else. 

While  the  left  wing  of  Meade’s  army  was  moving  forward, 
Buford's  division  of  cavalry  moved  from  Middletown  on  the 
twenty-ninth  and  occupied  Gettysburg  on  the  thirtieth  of 
June,  which,  will  be  observed,  was  the  day  before  Reynolds’ 
was  ordered  to  occupy  that  place.  Buford  occupied  the  town 
and  sent  out  reconnaissances,  west  and  north,  to  learn  the  loca- 


346 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


tion  of  the  Confederates.  On  the  same  day,  thirtieth,  Lee 
had  put  his  columns  in  motion  toward  Gettysburg,  Longstreet 
and  Hill  marching  eastward  from  Chambersburg  and  Fayette- 
ville, and  Ewell  southwest  from  Carlisle  ; Hill's  corps  marched 
in  the  advance  along  the  great  turnpike  which  extends  from 
Baltimore  to  Chambersburg,  passing  through  Gettysburg. 

On  that  night  the  advance  of  Hill's  corps  bivouacked  within 
six  miles  of  Gettysburg.  One  division  of  the  same  corps,  to- 
gether with  Longstreet's.  had  not  as  yet  crossed  the  mountains. 
Ewell  had  encamped  at  Heildersburg,  nine  miles  from  Gettys- 
burg. That  same  night  Buford,  of  the  Federal  army,  was  at 
Gettysburg;  Reynolds  with  the  First  corps  camped  on  the 
right  bank  of  Marsh  Creek,  six  miles  from  Gettysburg,  to 
which  place  it  was  ordered  to  advance  the  next  morning;  the 
Second  and  Third  corps  were  at  Taneytown,  the  latter  was  to 
march  to  Emmittsburg  to  relieve  the  Eleventh,  which  was  to 
join  the  First  at  Gettysburg;  the  Twelfth  was  at  Two  Tav- 
erns; the  Fifth  at  Hanover;  the  Sixth  being  at  Manchester, 
on  the  right,  thirty-five  miles  away.  The  cavalry  of  Kilpat- 
rick and  Gregg  was  also  at  Hanover. 

The  Federal  army  numbered  eighty-two  thousand  men,  with 
three  hundred  pieces  of  artillery,  and  was  divided  into  seven 
army  corps.  The  Confederate  army  numbered  seventy  thou- 
sand men.  with  two  hundred  pieces  of  artillery,  and  was 
divided  into  three  corps.  The  cavalry  of  each  arm}’,  which 
is  included  in  the  foregoing  estimate,  numbered  some  ten 
thousand  men:  the  Federals  being  commanded  by  Pleasanton, 
and  the  Confederates  by  Stuart. 

THE  BATTLE  OF  JULY  FEEST. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  July  first,  the  two  Confederate 
columns  continued  their  march  toward  Gettysburg,  and  Gen- 
eral Buford,  who  was  holding  the  position  on  the  Chambers- 
burg road,  suddenly,  at  nine  o’clock,  found  himself  engaged 
with  the  Confederate  forces.  He  knew  that  Reynolds  was 
moving  to  his  support  and  by  a skillful  disposition  of  his 
cavalry  force,  and  use  of  his  horse  artillery,  succeeded  in 


THE  BATTLE  OF  JULY  FIRST. 


349 


holding  the  advance  line  of  Hill  in  check.  Reynolds,  who, 
with  the  First  and  Eleventh  corps,  was  en  route  for  Gettys- 
burg, from  his  encampment  at  Marsh  *Creek,  heard  the  roar  of 
the  conflict,  and  pressed  forward  with  great  haste,  after  hav- 
ing turned  the  command  of  the  First  corps  over  to  General 
Doubleday,  and  with  Watson’s  division  of  that  corps,  pressed 
on  toward  Gettysburg,  reaching  that  city  at  ten  o’clock  A.M. 
General  Doubleday’s  orders  were  to  move  on  with  the  two 
remaining  divisions  of  the  First  corps  and  reach  the  battle- 
field as  soon  as  possible. 

From  Gettysburg,  Reynolds  sent  an  order  for  Howard  to 
hurry  up  with  the  Eleventh  corps  in  support  of  the  First, 
and  when  he  arrived  to  place  at  least  one  division  upon  Cem- 
etery Ridge,  to  hold  that  important  position,  and  to  act  as  a 
reserve  force  for  the  Federal  troops. 

The  formation  of  the  country  is  a singular  one.  Looking 
to  the  west,  at  a distance  of  ten  miles,  is  the  South  Mountain 
range  which  extends  from  the  Potomac  river  directly  across 
the  State  of  Maryland  far  to  the  interior  of  Pennsylvania, 
running  north  and  south.  West  of  the  village,  at  the  dis- 
tance of  half  a mile,  is  a long  ridge,  which,  from  the  Theo- 
logical seminary  being  upon  it,  is  called  Seminary  Ridge,  and 
one  mile  west  of  this  ridge,  separated  by  a small  stream 
known  as  Willoughby  Run,  are  two  other  small  ridges  run- 
ning parallel  with  Seminary  Ridge.  It  was  on  the  narrow 
plain  between  these  two  ridges  that  the  battle  began  on  the 
morning  of  July  first.  Buford's  men  were  on  the  ridge  near- 
est Willoughby  Run,  and  his  opponent  on  the  other.  He 
succeeded  in  holding  the  Confederates  at  that  point  until 
Reynolds  arrived  with  Wadsworth’s  division,  then  immedi- 
ately ordered  this  force  to  the  front.  He  placed  Cutter’s 
brigade,  with  Hall’s  battery,  on  both  sides  of  the  Chambers- 
burg  road,  his  line  running  squarely  across  it.  The  Iron 
brigade,  under  General  Meredith,  was  moved  to  the  left  of 
center,  to  occupy  a piece  of  woods  which  skirted  Willoughby 
Run.  Beyond  this  run,  through  a piece  of  wood,  the  Con- 
federate right  was  advancing. 


350 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


At  this  hour  only  Heth's  division  of  Hill’s  corps  had  ar- 
rived, and  this  battle  at  Willoughby  Run  was  fought  by  a 
single  division  on  eithhr  side.  Heth  threw  his  four  brigades 
vigorously  upon  the  two  of  Wadsworth.  Cutter's  brigade 
was  so  severely  pressed  by  Davis’  Mississippi  brigade  that  its 
flanks  were  turned,  and  it  was  withdrawn  to  Seminary  Ridge. 
The  colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Forty-seventh  Few 
York  was  shot  down  before  he  could  give  the  order  of  with- 
drawal to  his  men.  The  regiment  was  almost  surrounded, 
and  notwithstanding  their  desperate  courage  were  almost  an- 
nihilated. The  withdrawal  of  Cutter's  brigade  left  Hall’s 
battery  unsupported,  and  it  was  in  great  danger  of  being  capt- 
ured when  the  Fourteenth  Brooklyn  (Ninety-fifth  New  York 
regiment)  and  Sixth  Wisconsin  changed  their  front  and  made 
a gallant  charge  to  relieve  the  guns.  This  movement  was  so 
skillfully  executed  that  two  regiments  of  Davis’  Mississippi 
brigade,  who  were  sheltered  in  a deep  railroad  cut,  were  sur- 
rounded, and  compelled  to  surrender,  with  their  colors. 

Soon  after  this  the  battle  burst  forth  with  much  greater 
fury,  as  both  sides  received  reinforcements.  The  Federals 
were  reinforced  by  the  two  remaining  divisions  of  the  First 
corps,  under  Generals  Rowley  and  Robinson.  The  division 
of  Rowley  was  placed  in  a position  to  strengthen  the  Federal 
left,  displaying  much  valor  and  a considerable  loss. 

DEATH  OF  GENERAL  REYNOLDS. 

It  was  about  this  hour  that  General  Reynolds  was  shot 
dead  from  his  horse  by  a Confederate  sharpshooter.  General 
Doubleday  was  now  the  senior  officer  upon  the  field  until  the 
arrival  of  General  Hancock. 

During  this  engagement  Heth's  division  had  been  sup- 
ported by  Pender’s  division  of  Hill’s  corps  of  four  brigades, 
commanded  by  Generals  Thomas,  Lane,  Scale  and  Perrin. 
General  Howard  reached  Gettysburg  at  about  eleven  o’clock 
A.M.,  and  took  command  of  all  of  the  Federal  troops.  The 
Eleventh  corps,  which  Howard  had  placed  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  Shurz,  arrived  upon  the  field  at  one  o’clock 


FEDERALS  DEFEATED. 


351 


P.M.  The  division  of  General  Barlow  formed  upon  the  right 
of  Robinson’s  division,  of  the  First  corps,  which  then  formed 
the  right  of  the  Federal  line.  Schimmelpfennig’s  division 
formed  on  BarloAv's  right,  while  General  Steinwehr  with  his 
division,  was  posted  on  Cemetery  Ridge  as  a reserve.  The 
reserve  artillery  was  assigned  to  the  same  place.  The  Federal 
line  of  battle  was  thus  prolonged  by  these  two  divisions  quite 
a distance  to  the  right  of  the  Seminary,  to  a point  at  or  near 
Rock  Creek.  Just  at  the  time  this  line  was  thus  extended, 
two  divisions  of  Ewell’s  corps,  Rodes’  from  Carlisle,  and 
Ewell  from  York,  arrived  upon  the  field  and  moved  with 
great  vigor  upon  the  Federal  line. 

Rodes’  division,  consisting  of  five  brigades,  was  formed 
across  Seminary  Ridge,  facing  south,  with  Querron  on  his 
right,  Dole  on  his  left,  and  Daniel  and  O’Neil  in  the  center, 
Ransom  being  in  reserve.  Early  forming  on  the  left  of 
Rodes,  prolonged  his  line  until  he  was  enabled  to  enfold  the 
Federal  right.  This  compelled  the  Eleventh  corps  to  fall 
back  with  the  loss  of  very  many  prisoners  and  several  pieces 
of  artillery. 

FEDERALS  DEFEATED. 

The  defeat  of  the  Eleventh  uncovered  the  flank  and  rear 
of  the  remnants  of  the  First,  causing  this  heroic  band  also  to 
retire,  which  it  did  in  good  order,  across  the  large  plain  south 
of  the  Seminary,  and  reformed  its  lines  upon  Cemetery  Ridge. 

The  retreat  of  the  Eleventh  corps  was  marked  with  much 
disorder  and  confusion,  the  streets  of  Gettysburg  became 
choked  and  blocked  with  men  and  horses,  and  the  exultant, 
victorious  Confederates  captured  many  prisoners  within  the 
town.  Steinwehr’s  division  advanced  from  its  position  on 
Cemetery  Ridge  and  endeavored  to  cover  the  retreat,  but  it 
was  hastily  driven  back,  and  the  Confederates  occupied  the 
town.  It  had  been  a disastrous  day  for  the  Federals.  Gen- 
eral Reynolds  had  been  killed,  Generals  Barlow  and  Paul 
wounded,  and  Schimmelpfennig  was  captured.  The  Federals 
had  also  lost  heavily  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  The 


352 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Confederates  had  sustained  a heavy  loss,  but  the  entire  battle- 
field was  in  their  possession,  and  they  were  of  course  very 
jubilant  over  their  day’s  work. 

If  Early  had  pressed  his  pursuit  with  vigor,  instead  of 
halting  his  troops  and  forming  a line  of  battle  extending 
through  the  village,  he  would  have  swept  the  Union  force 
from  its  stronghold  upon  Seminary  Ridge. 

HANCOCK  IN  COMMAND  OF  THE  FIELD. 

At  the  critical  moment,  when  the  remnants  of  the  First 
and  Eleventh  corps  were  hurled  upon  Cemetery  Hill,  General 
Hancock  arrived  and  assumed  command  of  the  field.  He 
had  been  sent  forward  by  General  Meade  from  Taneytown  to 
take  that  position.  He  and  Howard  immediately  began  the 
work  of  forming  a line  of  battle.  The  position  upon  which 
the  Federal  troops  formed  was  a very  strong  one.  The  front 
sloped  off  so  gently  that  artillery  could  be  used  at  nearly 
every  point.  There  were  plenty  of  stone  fences  and  boulders 
to  protect  the  infantry.  This  line  covered  the  principal  roads 
leading  to  Baltimore  and  Washington,  and  its  convex  form 
enabled  troops  to  pass  from  one  point  to  another,  and  proved 
of  great  value.  Upon  the  arrival  of  General  Slocum  with 
the  Twelfth  corps,  from  Littleton,  the  command  was  turned 
over  to  him  by  General  Hancock,  who  then  returned,  late  in 
the  evening,  to  headquarters. 

Sickles  and  Slocum  had  both  been  called  to  the  aid  of 
General  Howard  by  that  officer,  and  had  promptly  responded. 
The  Third  corps,  under  General  Sickles,  was  near  Emmitts- 
burg,  but  upon  learning  of  the  death  of  General  Reynolds 
and  the  peril  of  his  troops,  and  not  being  able  to  communi- 
cate with  General  Meade,  without  causing  delay,  he  assumed 
the  responsibility  of  pressing  his  columns,  arriving  just  as 
Howard's  position  on  Cemetery  Hill  was  gained.  His  corps 
began  to  form  on  the  left,  and  by  morning  all  of  his  troops 
were  in  line.  The  old  corps  of  General  Hancock,  under  Gib- 
bons, was  ordered  to  take  a position  one  and  one-half  miles  in 
the  rear  of  Cemetery  Hill. 


BATTLE  OF  JULY  SECOND. 


353 


When  Hancock  reached  Meade's  headquarters,  he  found 
him  firmly  determined  to  fight  at  Gettysburg.  The  whole 
army  had  been  ordered  to  concentrate  there,  and  Meade  was 
about  to  go  to  the  front. 

BATTLE  OF  JULY  SECOND. 

Upon  the  second  of  July  the  Union  headquarters  were 
established  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Lydia  Leister,  on  the  Taney- 
town  road,  only  a short  distance  from  Cemetery  Hill.  The 
whole  Union  force  was  present,  excepting  the  corps  of  Sykes 
and  Sedgwick.  Both  of  these  came  up  during  the  following 
day. 

General  Lee  had  established  his  headquarters  at  the  house 
of  the  venerable  Mary  Marshall,  on  Seminary  Ridge,  near  the 
Chambersburg  road,  and  upon  the  second  morning  of  July 
nearly  the  whole  of  the  two  great  armies  were  facing  each 
other,  both  occupying  strong  positions,  with  the  village  of 
Gettysburg  and  a valley,  less  than  a mile  in  width,  between 
them. 

The  position  of  General  Meade’s  army  formed  two  sides  of 
a triangle,  whose  apex  was  at  Cemetery  Hill,  not  far  from 
Gettysburg.  One  line  of  it  bent  south  over  Culp’s  Hill  to 
Rocky  Creek,  and  its  longer  line  bent  backward  to  Round 
Top. 

Howard’s  forces,  together  with  two  thousand  Vermonters 
under  General  Stannard,  occupied  Cemetery  Hill,  supported 
by  the  divisions  of  Robinson  and  Doubleday.  Wadsworth’s 
division  of  the  First  corps  joined  that  of  Slocum  on  Culp’s 
Hill,  which  formed  the  extreme  right  of  the  army.  Hancock 
and  Sickles  occupied  the  irregular  ridge  from  Zeigler's  Grove, 
on  Cemetery  Hill,  to  Round  Top  — this  being  the  extreme 
left  of  the  Union  line.  The  corps  of  General  Sykes  was  held 
in  reserve.  Slocum’s  corps,  together  with  an  additional  force 
of  twenty-five  hundred  Marylanders,  comprised  about  ten 
thousand  men.  Sedgwick  with  fifteen  thousand  men  had  not 
yet  arrived. 

Lee’s  army  occupied  a line  five  miles  in  length  upon  Semi- 

23 


354 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


nary  Ridge  and  to  the  left  of  Rock  Creek.  His  right,  under 
Hood  and  McLaws,  faced  Sickles  and  Howard.  The  corps 
• of  General  Hill  confronted  that  of  Howard  on  Cemetery- 
Hill  ; Ewell  occupied  the  village  and  vicinity,  and  formed  the 
left  wing,  with  the  divisions  of  Early  and  Johnson  so  ex- 
tended as  to  menace  the  Union  troops  on  Culp’s  Hill,  under 
Wadsworth  and  Slocum.  General  Stuart,  with  the  cavalry, 
had  not  arrived  from  Carlisle,  while  that  of  the  National 
army  was  being  recruited  in  the  rear  of  its  lines,  from  the 
terrible  usage  of  the  previous  day.  This  was  the  position  of 
the  two  armies  July  second,  each  having  planted  a large 
number  of  pieces  of  artillery  in  position. 

Neither  side  seemed  anxious  to  open  the  battle.  The  more 
advantageous  position  had  been  secured  by  General  Howard 
for  the  Nationals ; this  projected  like  a wedge  toward  his 
center,  with  rocky  acclivities  along  its  front.  The  battle 
opened  at  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  by  an  attempt  to  turn 
the  left  of  the  Federal  line  by  General  Longstreet.  Ewell  to 
attack  Meade's  right,  and  Hill  to  menace  his  center.  Hood 
was  ordered  to  attack  Sickles  at  the  peach  orchard,  held  by 
Birney  and  Humphreys,  with  eight  regiments  ; this  was  effec- 
tively done,  and  the  Confederates  gained  the  key-point  at  the 
orchard.  Hood’s  right  pushed  forward  to  a rocky  eminence 
called  Little  Round  Top.  To  secure  this  hill  was  of  infinite 
importance  to  both  commanders.  General  Vincent’s  brigade 
was  detached,  together  with  Ilazlett's  battery  and  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fortieth  New  York,  to  aid  in  securing  it.  Vin- 
cent's brigade  was  formed  with  the  Sixteenth  Michigan  on 
the  right,  Forty-Fourth  New  York,  Eighty-Third  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Twentieth  Maine  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  Fed- 
eral line.  The  following  description  is  from  the  pen  of  one 
who  was  a participant  in  that  memorable  struggle  : 

“ROUND  TOP.” 

This  little  sugar-loaf  mountain  became,  at  once,  the  Mount 
Moriah  of  the  Twentieth  Maine  regiment,  and  the  Mecca  of 
its  survivors  through  the  years  to  come. 


BOUND  TOP. 


355 


It  was  a scene  fearfully  lurid  and  graphic  to  witness.  No 
painter's  brush  can  do  it  justice,  and  consequently  how  insuffi- 
cient is  this  imperfect  pen.  The  Federal  line  of  battle  was 
formed  of  four  regiments,  reaching  from  Idazlett’s  battery, 
which  crowned  the  crest,  to  the  extreme  left  of  the  Union 
army,  with  the  Twentieth  Maine  at  the  farthest  point.  Not 
four  regiments,  each  a thousand  strong,  as  when  they  marched 
forth  to  war  from  their  respective  states,  but  with  ranks 
scarred  and  thinned,  until  the  four  mustered  only  some 
twelve  or  fifteen  hundred  men. 

The  hills  seemed  to  tremble  beneath  the  soldiers’  tread. 
Down  to  the  front  and  right,  beginning  at  the  “ Devil’s  Den  ” 
and  extending  through  the  wheat  field,  to  the  fated  angle 
at  the  peach  orchard  upon  the  Emmittsburg  road,  the  divi- 
sions of  Hood  and  McLaws  had  struck  the  corps  of  Sickles 
and  the  battle  was  raging  in  all  its  savage  grandeur.  The 
ceaseless  roar  of  musketry  was  only  interrupted  by  the  over- 
whelming crash  of  the  artillery,  which  in  itself,  at  times,  was 
almost  incessant,  all  of  which  combined,  caused  the  two 
41  Round  Tops  ” to  tremble,  while  the  deep  weird  echoes  which 
rolled  along  the  mammoth  boulders  resounded  like  groans  of 
agony. 

Hazlett’s  guns  added  a new  and  awful  feature  to  the  scene 
upon  the  very  pinnacle  of  the  hill.  They  fired  so  rapidly  and 
hurled  their  bursting  bolts  of  death  with  such  fury  upon  the 
battalions  of  Hood  and  McLaws  that  they  seemed  to  be 
transformed  from  ordinary  engines  of  war  to  some  super- 
natural agent  of  destruction,  possessed  of  an  infinite  power. 
The  battle  opened  along  the  front  of  this  brigade. 

To  McLaws  brigade  of  Hood's  division,  had  been  assigned 
the  task  of  capturing  Little  Round  Top.  Sharpshooters 
behind  the  rocks  at  the  “Devil’s  Den  ” down  in  the  Federal 
front,  made  fearful  work  with  their  officers.  General  Weed, 
who  had  formed  his  brigade  on  the  right  of  Hazlett's  battery, 
filling  the  gap  between  that  and  Sickles’  corps,  ran  up  to 
speak  with  Hazlett,  as  the  latter,  begrimed  Avith  powder, 
was  working  at  a gun.  Weed  Avas  shot  down  by  a sharp- 


356 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


shooter,  while  his  lips  moving  in  death  seemed  to  speak  some 
message ; gallant  Hazlett  stooped  down  to  catch  it,  when  he, 
too,  was  shot  and  fell  dead  upon  the  lifeless  form  of  his 
commander. 

Vincent,  commanding  this  brigade,  sprang  upon  a rock  to 
cheer  on  his  brave  Michiganders  as  they  fell  into  a momen- 
tary panic.  His  voice  rang  out  in  cheering  accents  and  his 
sword  glistened  above  his  head  as  he,  too,  fell,  pouring  out  his 
blood  in  a crimson  baptism  upon  the  rock,  and  thus  the  strife 
rolled  on,  when  a new  and  more  fearful  danger  threatened  the 
thin  blue  line  which  had  been  traced  upon  the  crest  of  Little 
Round  Top. 

Oates,  commanding  the  Fifteenth  and  Forty-fifth  Alabama 
regiments,  had  formed  the  extreme  right  of  McLaw’s  brigade. 
In  the  advance  of  his  brave  men  he  had  crossed  over  the 
crest  of  Great  Round  Top,  descended  the  side  next  to 
Little  Round  Top  and  was  soon  seen  coming  through  the 
narrow  wood-covered  ravine  which  separated  the  two.  When 
first  seen  the  Confederates  were  between  the  Federals  and 
the  point  where  Captain  Morrill  was  last  seen  with  his  skir- 
mishers, and  it  was  believed  that  the  latter  had  all  been 
captured.  The  Forty-seventh  Alabama  separated  from  the  Fif- 
teenth, and  came  up  in  front  of  the  extreme  right  of  the 
Twentieth  Maine  regiment,  and  extended  along  its  front  upon 
its  right,  while  the  Fifteenth,  under  the  immediate  command 
of  Colonel  Oates,  moved  on  to  turn  its  left  flank,  and  attack 
the  line  in  the  rear. 

It  was  a most  critical  moment.  If  that  line  was  permitted 
to  turn  the  Federal  flank,  “ Little  Round  Top  ” was  intena- 
ble,  and  with  this  little  mountain  in  the  Confederates’  posses- 
sion the  whole  position  would  be  intenable.  It  was  a most 
fortunate  fact  for  the  Union  cause  that  day,  that  in  command 
of  the  Twentieth  Maine  was  a man  equal  to  the  emergency 
in  which  he  was  placed,  and  who,  when  he  saw  the  men  of 
Colonel  Oates  rushing  past  the  Federal  left  flank,  called  out, 
“A  single  side  step  to  the  left!”  and  his  regiment  quickly 
formed  a single  line  of  three  hundred  muskets.  The  left  of 


ROUND  TOP.  357 

this  line  was  then  bent  backward  until  it  formed  an  angle 
facing  outward,  with  the  colors  at  the  point. 

Company  H was  well  out  on  the  left  wing  of  the  angle, 
and  upon  that  wing  the  storm  broke  in  all  its  fury.  Not 
often  upon  the  field  of  battle  are  responsibilities  of  such 
greatness  placed  upon  men  as  were  placed  upon  these.  There 
were  individual  feats  of  valor  performed  in  each  company 
which  would  honor  the  pages  of  any  state’s  history ; but  who- 
ever writes  reminiscences  of  those  scenes  can  only  trace  the 
lines  of  what  he  saw,  it  being  impossible  to  write  as  one  saw. 
In  the  Federal  front  the  ground  fell  off  rapidly.  The  hillside 
was  covered  with  rocks  of  every  size,  from  the  smallest  peb- 
bles to  immense  boulders ; oak  trees  were  scattered  here  and 
there,  apparently  wherever  they  could  obtain  a foothold  be- 
tween the  rocks. 

The  Federal  line  was  near  the  crest,  the  rocks  near  which 
affording  protection  to  the  men  coming  up  the  hillside,  and 
very  little  for  those  standing  upon  the  top.  The  conflict 
opened  upon  the  Federal  left,  fire  flashing  out  from  behind 
the  trees  and  rocks.  The  sharp  report  of  rifles  rang  along 
the  hillsides,  bullets  whistled  through  the  air  and  buried 
themselves  in  the  trees  or  struck  the  rocks,  only  to  glance  off 
ragged  and  noisy  to  lodge  elsewhere.  Men  began  to  shout 
with  excitement ; others  were  shot,  and  then  laid  them  down 
to  die,  or  staggered  weak  and  bleeding  to  the  rear.  The 
brave  and  daring  effort  of  the  gallant  Alabama  troops,  who  so 
heroically  endeavored  to  accomplish  the  mission  upon  which 
they  had  been  sent, should  be  here  pictured,  but  as  they  could 
not  be  seen,  we  can  only  speak  imperfectly  of  men  equally  as 
brave,  who  stood  out  across  their  pathway  to  check  their 
further  advance. 

The  Federals  took  all  possible  advantage  of  the  situation. 
If  a rock  promised  shelter,  down  went  a man  behind  it,  and  a 
rifle  barrel  gleamed  and  flamed  above  it.  Every  tree  was  also 
utilized,  but  a great  majority  of  the  troops  were  not  thus 
provided  for.  As  the  moments  passed  the  conflict  thickened ; 
the  cartridge  boxes  were  pulled  around  in  front  and  left  open ; 


358 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  cartridges  were  torn  out  and  crowded  into  the  smokinor 
muzzles  of  the  guns  with  a terrible  rapidity.  The  steel  ram- 
mers clashed  and  clanged  in  barrels  heated  with  burning 
powder.  The  rilles  were  aimed  with  deadly  precision  upon 
the  gray  forms  before  them,  and  thus  the  work  went  on  and 
many  a Federal  and  Confederate  bit  the  dust.  O,  how  fast 
they  went  down ! 

One  company  lost  many  of  its  bravest  men.  ' Brave  Ser- 
geant Steele  staggered  up  to  his  gallant  captain,  with  a large 
hole  in  his  breast,  and  exclaimed,  “ I am  going,  captain.” 
“My  God,  Sergeant!  ” cried  the  captain,  who  sprang  forward 
to  support  him,  but  too  late ; the  Sergeant  was  dead  at  his 
feet.  Then  Sergeant  Lathrop,  gigantic  in  form,  and  of  a 
brave  heart,  laid  him  down  to  die.  Buck,  Adams,  Ireland ; 
until  of  twenty-eight  men  of  that  company,  fifteen  were 
either  killed  or  wounded,  and  in  other  companies  the  slaughter 
had  been  equally  as  great. 

Not  only  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  among  the  blue  coats  was 
blood  running  in  little  rivulets  and  forming  crimson  pools, 
but  in  the  gray  ranks  of  the  assailants  there  had  also  been  a 
fearful  destruction.  The  following  extract  is  from  the  official 
report  of  the  gallant  Colonel  Oates : “ My  Lieutenant-Col- 

onel, J.  B.  Feagin,  had  lost  his  leg.  The  heroic  Captain 
Ellison  had  fallen,  while  Captain  Brainard,  one  of  the  best 
and  bravest  officers  in  the  regiment,  in  leading  his  company 
forward,  fell  exclaiming,  “ O God,  that  I could  see  my 
mother  ! ” and  instantly  expired.  Lieutenant  John  A.  Oates, 
my  beloved  brother,  was  pierced  through  by  eight  bullets, 
and  fell  mortally  wounded.  Lieutenants  Cady,  Hill  and 
Scoggin  were  killed ; Captain  Bethuene  and  several  other 
officers  were  seriously  wounded,  while  the  hemorrhage  of  the 
ranks  was  appalling.  My  dead  and  wounded  were  greater  in 
number  than  those  still  on  duty.  Of  six  hundred  and  forty- 
four  men  and  forty-two  officers,  I had  lost  three  hundred  and 
forty-three  men  and  nineteen  officers.  The  blood  stood  in 
puddles  on  the  rocks.  The  ground  was  soaked  with  the  blood 
of  as  brave  men  as  ever  fell  on  the  red  field  of  battle.” 


ROUND  TOP. 


359 


The  thin  lines  of  blue  on  the  crest  became  so  shattered 
that  the  deadly  missiles  poured  upon  them  from  the  rocks  be- 
low, compelled  them  to  shrink  backward ; it  was  only  a few 
feet,  but  in  such  a ease  every  foot  is  of  value.  The  wounded 
men  were  on  the  ground  before  this  position  and  between  the 
lines.  The  poor  fellows  were  being  killed  by  the  fire  of  the 
Confederates.  The  Federal  ammunition  was  exhausted,  only 
a few  cartridges  being  left,  and  these  secured  from  the  men. 
A crisis  had  arrived ; a crisis  of  fearful  magnitude  for  so 
small  a force  to  meet.  The  Federals  could  remain  as  they 
were  no  longer.  The  line  must  retreat  or  advance.  Retreat 
was  defeat  for  these  and  for  all.  To  advance  seemed  impos- 
sible. Colonel  Chamberlain  was  equal  to  the  emergency.  “Fix 
bayonets,  boys!”  these  were  his  words.  They  passed  along  the 
line,  and  the  iron  shanks  of  the  bayonets  rattled  along  the  steel 
barrels  of  the  rifles.  “Forward!  double-quick!  march!” 
There  was  a moment's  inaction.  No  injustice  is  done  those 
brave  men  when  it  is  said  that  for  a single  brief  moment  they 
hesitated.  It  seemed  as  if  the  gateway  of  death  yawned  wide 
to  swallow  them.  Only  a moment  of  hesitation,  and  the  spell 
was  broken.  Lieut.  Melcher  sprang  forward  from  the  angle, 
his  sword  gleaming  above  his  head ; his  words,  “Come  on, 
boys!”  were  enough.  With  one  wild  cry  of  horror,  wrung 
from  its  tortured  heart,  the  regiment  dashed  upon  the  foe. 
The  latter,  supposing  it  had  been  reinforced,  broke  and 
dashed  away.  Little  Round  Top  was  secure. 

The  survivors  of  this  regiment  have  placed  a block  of 
Maine  granite  upon  the  great  boulder,  where  the  point  of  its 
angle  was  during  that  terrible  battle,  and  upon  it  has  been 
traced  the  names  of  the  men  who  were  there  killed  or  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  any  of  the  Ameri- 
can people  visiting  the  battlefield  of  Gettysburg,  will  under- 
stand that  the  monument  is  designed  to  commemorate  the 
bravery,  not  only  of  the  sons  of  Maine,  but  also  of  their  gal- 
lant opponents  from  the  state  of  Alabama. 

During  the  struggle  on  the  extreme  left,  over  Little  Round 
Top,  there  was  a fierce  contest  going  on  at  other  portions  of 


360 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  line.  The  brigades  of  Tilton  and  Sweitzer  had  been  or- 
dered to  reinforce  Birney,  and  shared  in  the  defeat  of  that 
part  of  the  line. 

With  other  troops  Caldwell’s  division  was  advanced  to 
check  the  oncoming  Confederates,  when  a sanguinary  battle 
was  fought  between  the  Taneytown  and  Emmittsburg  roads, 
between  the  peach  orchard  and  Little  Round  Top.  Caldwell 
was  here  supported  by  Brooke  and  Zook,  all  of  whom  fought 
most  gallantly,  and  the  strife  was  fierce  and  terrible.  Gen- 
erals Cross  and  Zook  were  mortally  wounded,  and  Brooke 
quite  severely.  The  Federals  and  Confederates  fought  most 
desperately,  and  at  length  the  Federals  were  compelled  to  fall 
back,  General  Caldwell  having  lost  nearly  half  of  his  men. 

Upon  the  Federals  falling  back  there  was  a renewed  strug- 
gle for  Little  Round  Top.  In  this  contest  the  Federals 
were  led  by  General  Crawford.  The  Confederate  General 
Barksdale,  who  opposed  him,  was  killed,  and  before  morning 
the  Federals  encircled  Little  Round  Top  with  breastworks, 
and  planted  twelve  thirty-pound  parrot  guns  on  its  summit. 

When  Sickles’  left  had  been  disposed  of,  the  Confederates 
hastened  to  attack  the  remainder  of  his  line.  At  that  mo- 
ment Hill  advanced  in  heavy  force  from  Seminary  Ridge,  fell 
iupon  Humphreys  and  quickly  pushed  him  back,  with  a loss 
■of  half  his  men  and  three  guns.  General  Willard  was  here 
killed,  and  General  Sickles  lost  a leg,  and  Birney  took 
.command  of  the  corps. 

The  Confederates  dashed  like  turbulent  waves  up  to  the 
’base  of  the  ridge  occupied  by  the  nationals,  fighting  most 
idesperately,  and  throwing  themselves  recklessly  upon  their 
.antagonists’  lines.  General  Meade  led  his  troops  in  person 
.and  inspired  his  men  by  his  presence.  Just  at  the  setting 
of  the  :sun,  the  Federals,  under  the  direction  of  Hancock, 
.charged  .upon  the  Confederates  and  drove  them  back,  recapt- 
uring ifour  guns  which  had  been  lost. 

At  this  time  General  Lee  directed  General  Ewell  to  attack 
General  Slocum  simultaneously  with  Longstreet's  assault  on 
Sickles.  In  this  movement  there  was  some  delay,  and  the 


ROUND  TOP. 


361 


attack  was  not  made  until  sunset,  at  which  hour  Ewell  opened 
a tremendous  fire  on  the  Union  batteries  on  Cemetery  Hill, 
under  the  cover  of  which  the  corps  of  Early  and  Johnson 
moved  to  the  attack.  The  Louisiana  Tigers  were  ordered 
to  storm  the  batteries  on  Cemetery  Hill  and  to  break  the 
national  center.  Never  was  an  assault  more  gallantly  made. 
They  charged,  in  the  face  of  a heavy  storm  of  grape  and 
canister,  to  the  muzzles  of  the  guns,  and  demanded  the  sur- 
render of  the  batteries  of  Weidrich  and  Ricketts.  The  gun- 
ners fought  desperately  and  beat  them  back,  until  Carroll's 
brigade  helped  to  repulse  the  Confederates  and  secure  the 
integrity  of  the  national  line. 

At  ten  o’clock  at  night  firing  ceased  all  along  the  line,  and 
so  ended  the  second  day’s  fight,  while  forty  thousand  men 
of  the  two  armies  were  either  dead  or  wounded,  although 
thirty-six  hours  before  they  were  “ effective.” 

Up  to  this  time  the  advantage  was  with  the  Confederates, 
for  they  held  the  ground  occupied  by  the  nationals  the  pre- 
vious day  in  advance  of  Gettysburg,  as  also  that  on  which 
Sickles  offered  battle. 

That  night  General  Meade  held  a consultation  with  his 
commanders,  and  it  was  agreed  to  offer  battle  on  the  morrow. 
The  national  line  was  all  intact,  except  a small  portion  on 
the  extreme  right,  which  was  held  by  the  Confederates  under 
Johnson.  From  Wolfs  Hill  to  Round  Top  they  held  their 
position  upon  the  rocky  crest.  Slocum's  corps  was  again  con- 
centrated on  Culps’  Hill,  and  Shaler's  brigade  and  Lockwood’s 
Marylanders  were  placed  near  it.  General  Pickett,  with  his 
three  Virginia  brigades,  who  came  from  Chambersburg,  joined 
Longstreet  early  on  the  morning  of  the  third,  when  Long- 
street’s  batteries  were  advanced  to  the  line  of  the  Emmitts- 
burgroad,  from  which  point  he  had  driven  the  troops  of  Gen- 
eral Sickles. 

General  Lee's  plan  of  attack  was  unchanged.  He  expected 
Ewell  would  follow  up  his  victory  in  the  morning,  when  the 
Federal  line  might  be  assailed  in  front,  flank  and  rear. 
Ewell’s  attack  was  repulsed  early  in  the  morning  by  the 


S62 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Federals,  and  firmly  held  back;  Round  Top  was  made  im- 
pregnable, and  Lee  determined  to  assail  Meade’s  center  with 
a force  which  should  crush  all  opposition. 

BATTLE  OF  JULY  THIRD. 

The  whole  forenoon  was  spent  in  preparation  for  the  move- 
ment. General  Lee  placed  his  artillery  in  advantageous  posi- 
tions, and  by  noon  he  had  one  hundred  and  forty-five  cannon 
in  battery,  along  the  line  occupied  by  Longstreet  and  Hill. 
At  the  same  time  General  Hunt,  Meade’s  chief  of  artillery, 
had  been  working  all  night,  and  arranged  his  great  guns  from 
Cemetery  Hill  to  Little  Round  Top,  where  it  was  evident  Lee 
would  strike  the  blow.  He  also  posted  artillery  in  reserve 
under  Colonel  R.  O.  Tyler.  The  following  disposition  was 
made  of  the  Union  batteries  by  General  Hunt: 

The  batteries  of  Bancroft,  Dilger,  Eakin,  Wheeler,  Hill 
and  Taft,  under  Major  Osborne,  were  placed  in  the  cemetery. 
On  the  left  of  the  cemetery,  near  Zeigler’s  Grove,  were  Han- 
cock’s batteries,  under  Woodruff,  Brown,  Cushing,  Arnold 
and  Rorty,  commanded  by  Captain  Hazzard.  On  the  left 
was  Thomas’  battery,  with  those  of  Thompson,  Phillips,  Hart, 
Rauth,  Dow,  Ames  and  Sterling,  under  McGilvray,  in  reserve. 
On  the  extreme  left  were  the  batteries  of  Gibbs  and  Haz- 
lett,  the  latter  now  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Rittenhouse. 

At  midday  there  was  an  ominous  silence,  at  which  hour 
General  Lee  entered  Pennsylvania  college  building,  which 
was  being  used  for  a hospital,  ascended  to  the  cupola,  and, 
with  his  field  glass,  quietly  surveyed  the  position  of  General 
Meade.  These  observations  caused  him  to  determine  to  aim 
his  chief  blow  at  Hancock's  position  on  Cemetery  Hill,  and 
giving  the  signal  at  one  o'clock,  one  hundred  and  fifteen  of 
his  cannon  opened  a rapid  cross  fire  upon  the  devoted  point. 

It  was  absolutely  appalling.  An  officer  writes  : “ The  air 

was  hideous  with  most  discordant  noise.  The  very  earth 
shook  beneath  our  feet,  and  the  hills  and  rocks  seemed  to  reel 
like  a drunken  man.  For  one  hour  and  a half  this  most  ter- 
rific fire  was  continued,  during  which  time  the  shrieking  of 


Wllll'll'f' 


tWE  (.(. 


MN\OfV 


PICKETT’S  CHARGE. 


365 


shells,  the  crash  of  falling  timber,  the  fragments  of  rocks  fly- 
ing through  the  air,  shattered  from  the  cliffs  by  solid  shot, 
the  heavy  mutterings  from  the  valley  between  the  opposing 
armies,  the  splash  of  bursting  shrapnell,  and  the  fierce  neigh- 
ing of  artillery  horses,  made  a picture  terribly  grand  and 
sublime.” 

pickett's  charge. 

“ Into  this  scene  of  death,"  says  Pollard,  “ moved  out  the 
Confederate  column  of  assault.  Pickett's  division  proceeded 
to  descend  the  slope  of  hills,  and  to  move  across  the  open 
ground.  The  front  was  quickly  covered  with  skirmishers ; 
then  followed  Kemper’s  and  Garnett's  brigades,  forming  the 
first  line,  with  Armistead  in  support.  On  the  flanks  were 
Heth's  division,  commanded  by  Pettigrew,  of  Hill's  corps, 
and  Wilcox’s  brigade  of  McLaws’  corps,  the  former  on  the 
left,  the  latter  on  the  right  of  the  Virginians. 

“Pickett  led  the  attack.  The  five  thousand  Virginians  de- 
scended the  hill  with  the  precision  and  regularity  of  a parade. 
As  they  reached  the  Emmittsburg  road,  the  Confederate  guns, 
which  had  fired  over  their  heads  to  cover  the  movement, 
ceased,  and  there  stood  exposed  these  devoted  troops  to  the 
uninterrupted  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  while  the  fringe 
of  musketry  fire  along  a stonewall  marked  the  further  bound- 
ary of  death  to  which  they  marched.  No  halt,  no  waver. 
Through  half  a mile  of  shot  and  shell  pressed  on  the  devoted 
column.  It  was  no  sudden  impetus  of  excitement  that  car- 
ried them  through  this  terrible  ordeal ; it  was  no  thin  storm 
of  fire  which  a dash  might  penetrate  and  divide.  In  every 
inch  of  air  was  the  wing  of  death.  Against  the  breadth  of 
each  man's  body  reared  the  red  crest  of  destruction. 

“Steadily  the  Virginians  pressed  on.  The  name  of  Vir- 
ginia was  that  day  baptized  in  fire,  and  illuminated  forever  in 
the  temple  of  history.  There  had  been  no  such  example  of 
devotion  in  the  war.  Presently  wild  cries  ring  out ; the 
smoke-masked  troops  are  in  the  enemy's  works ; there  is  a 
hand-to-hand  contest,  and  again  and  again  the  Confederate 


366 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


flag  is  lifted  through  the  smoke  over  the  shrinking  columns 
of  the  enemy.  Garnett  is  dead ; Armistead  is  mortally 
wounded ; Kemper  is  shot  down  ; every  brigadier  is  killed  or 
wounded.  But  Pickett  is  unscathed  in  the  storm ; his  flash- 
ing sword  has  taken  the  key  of  the  enemy's  position,  and 
points  the  path  of  the  conflict  through  his  broken  columns; 
the  glad  shout  of  victory  is  already  heard  ; and  on  the  dis- 
tant hill  of  observation,  where  a little  group  of  breathless 
spectators  had  watched  the  scene,  Longstreet  turns  to  General 
Lee  to  congratulate  him  that  the  day  is  won.  Vain!  vain! 

“ Overlooking  the  field,  General  Lee  saw  that  the  troops  of 
Pettigrew's  division  had  wavered.  Another  moment  and  they 
had  fallen  back  in  confusion,  exposing  Pickett's  division  to 
attack  both  from  front  and  flank.  The  courage  of  Virginians 
could  do  no  more.  Overwhelmed,  almost  destitute  of  officers, 
and  nearly  surrounded,  the  magnificent  troops  of  Pickett  gave 
way.  Slowly  and  steadily  they  yielded  ground,  and,  under 
the  heavy  fire  which  the  artillery  poured  into  their  broken 
ranks,  they  retraced  their  steps  across  the  fatal  valley.” 

“ This  attack,”  says  a Northern  historian,  “ was  made  by 
fifteen  thousand  troops.”  From  an  account  of  this  terrific 
engagement,  as  witnessed  by  a Northern  correspondent  of  a 
New  York  journal,  at  that  time,  we  extract  the  following 
graphic  record : 

“■Every  size  and  form  of  shell  known  to  British  and  to 
American  gunnery,  shrieked,  whirled,  moaned  and  whistled, 
and  wrathfully  fluttered  over  our  ground.  As  many  as  six 
in  a second,  constantly  two  in  a second,  bursting  and  scream- 
ing over  and  around  headquarters,  made  a very  hell  of  fire 
that  amazed  the  oldest  officers.  They  burst  in  the  yard, 
Meade's  headquarters,  burst  next  to  the  fence,  on  both  sides 
garnished,  as  usual,  with  hitched  horses  of  aids  and  orderlies. 
The  fastened  animals  reared  and  plunged  with  terror.  Then 
one  fell,  and  then  another ; sixteen  lay  dead  and  mangled 
before  the  firing  ceased,  still  fastened  by  their  halters.  These 
brute  victims  of  a cruel  war  touched  all  hearts 

“ A shell  tore  up  a step  at  the  headquarters  cottage,  and 


PICKETT’S  CHARGE. 


367 


ripped  bags  of  oats  as  with  a knife.  Another  carried  off  one 
of  its  two  pillars.  Soon  a spherical  case  burst  opposite  the 

open  door,  another  ripped  through  the  low  garret 

Shells  through  the  two  lower  rooms.  A shell  in  the  chimney 
that  fortunately  did  not  explode.  Shells  in  the  yard ; the  air 
thicker  and  fuller,  and  more  deafening  with  the  howling  and 
whirring  of  these  infernal  missiles.” 

Just  behind  Cemetery  Hill  were  the  headquarters  of  Gen- 
eral Meade,  and  shot  and  shell  made  many  a pit  and  furrow 
in  the  ground  around  it,  and  endangered  the  life  of  every 
living  thing  connected  with  it.  The  Federals  responded  to 
the  awful  artillery  fire  which  had  been  opened  by  the  Confed- 
erates, with  a hundred  guns,  and  for  the  space  of  two  hours, 
the  thunders  of  more  than  two  hundred  guns  shook  Gettys- 
burg and  the  surrounding  country  with  their  fearful  detona- 
tions. The  Federal  artillery  first  ceased  its  fire  because  its 
available  ammunition  was  failing. 

Says  Lossing,  “ There  was  a momentary  lull  in  the  tem- 
pest.” “ The  silence  was  soon  broken  by  the  awful  roll  of 
musketry.  So  compactly  did  the  assailing  force  move,  that 
its  front  did  not  cover  more  than  two  of  Hancock's  brigades, 
which  were  so  reduced  that  they  did  not  number,  in  the 
aggregate,  more  than  six  thousand  men.  Shot  and  shell  from 
Hancock’s  batteries  made  fearful  lanes  through  the  ranks,  yet 
they  moved  steadily  on,  and  pressed  up  to  within  musket 
range  of  the  national  line  of  infantry,  where  Gibbons  was  in 
command,  Hancock  being  wounded. 

“Half  concealed,  the  infantry  of  the  Second  corps  kept  si- 
lence. Suddenly  Stannard’s  Vermonters,  of  Doubleday’s 
command,  posted  in  a little  grove,  opened  terrible  volleys  on 
Pickett’s  flank,  doubling  it  a trifle.  Yet  he  pressed  onward, 
when  the  divisions  of  Hayes  and  Gibbons  opened  an  appalling 
and  continuous  fire  upon  him.  This  was  too  much.  Petti- 
grew’s North  Carolinians  wavered  a moment,  fought  well  for 
a while,  and  then  gave  way,  when  two  thousand  of  them  were 
made  prisoners,  and,  with  fifteen  battle  flags,  became  trophies 


368 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


of  victory  for  Hayes  and  his  divisions.  Still  Pickett  moved 
on  with  his  Virginians,  and  with  the  greatest  courage  and 
fortitude,  his  men  following  Generals  Armistead  and  Kem- 
per, scaled  Cemetery  Hill,  burst  through  Hancock's  line,  and 
planted  the  Confederate  flag  on  a stonewall. 

“In  this  onset  they  drove  back  a portion  of  General  Webb's 
brigade.  These  were  soon  rallied,  and  with  other  'troops  so 
effectively  filled  the  breach,  that  Pickett  could  go  no  further. 
At  the  same  time  Stannard’s  Vermont  brigade,  of  Doubleday's 
division,  opened  a destructive  fire  in  Pickett's  flank,  which 
broke  the  spirit  of  his  men,  and  very  soon  twenty-five  hun- 
dred of  them  were  prisoners,  and  with  twelve  battle  flags 
were  captured.  Three-fourths  of  the  gallant  brigade  were 
dead  or  captives.  Wilcox,  who  failed  to  attack  until  Pickett 
was  repulsed,  met  a similar  fate  in  the  loss  of  men,  being  also 
struck  in  the  flank  and  ruined  by  Stannard's  Vermonters.” 

About  this  time  General  Meade  reached  Little  Round  Top, 
and  ordered  General  Crawford  to  move  upon  the  Confederate 
right.  A part  of  his  command  moved  forward  toward  the 
Emmittsburg  road,  and  drove  before  them  an  unsupported 
battery.  A part  of  Hood's  division  was  here  met,  but  after 
a feeble  resistance,  they  fell  back,  leaving  two  hundred  and 
sixty  of  their  men  in  the  hands  of  the  Federals.  Nearly  the 
whole  ground  lost  by  Sickles  the  day  before,  was  now  recov- 
ered, with  seven  thousand  small  arms,  a Napoleon  gun,  and 
the  Union  men  who  had  been  wounded  twenty-four  hours 
previous. 

Thus  ended  at  sunset  of  July  third,  1863,  the  great  and  de- 
cisive three  days’  contest  between  the  two  opposing  armies, 
upon  the  battlefield  of  Gettysburg.  The  actors  in  this  bloody 
strife,  which  gave  the  victory  to  the  national  arms,  were 
chiefly  of  the  infantry  and  artillery  branches  of  the  service. 
The  cavalry  were  chiefly  engaged  in  the  flanks.  Both  armies 
had  been  greatly  shattered  by  losses  and  weakened  by  ex- 
haustion, but  each  rested  on  the  night  of  July  third,  in  igno- 
rance of  the  real  condition  of  the  other. 


PICKETT'S  CHARGE. 


369 


General  Lee  knew  his  position  was  one  pregnant  with  peril 
for  the  safety  of  his  whole  army.  He  therefore  withdrew 
Ewell's  division  from  Gettysburg,  and  began  preparations  for 
a retreat  toward  the  Potomac,  by  way  of  the  Cumberland 
Valley.  During  that  night  he  sent  away  his  sick  and 
wounded,  with  his  enormous  wagon  train  of  baggage,  stores 
and  plunder,  and  troops  of  horses,  mules  and  cattle,  captured 
in  Pennsylvania.  These  went  by  way  of  Chambersburg  and 
Hagerstown,  and  were  followed  the  next  evening,  July 
fourth,  by  the  whole  army,  by  way  of  Hagerstown,  who  took 
with  them  about  four  thousand  prisoners. 

Although  urged  by  many  of  his  subordinate  generals, 
Meade  would  not  immediately  pursue  the  retreating  Confed- 
erates for  many  and  obviously  good  reasons.  The  main  body 
of  the  Federals  did  not  leave  Gettysburg  until  the  sixth  inst., 
and  crossed  the  mountains  into  the  Antietam  Valley.  They 
moved  cautiousl}’,  and  before  they  came  up  with  Lee  he  had 
so  formidably  intrenched  himself  that  an  attack  was  not 
deemed  advisable,  and  after  some  delay  he  crossed  the  Poto- 
mac over  into  Virginia.  Thus  in  utter  discomfiture  to  the 
Confederate  arms  was  repelled  the  formidable  invasion  of  Ma- 
ryland and  Pennsylvania,  in  the  summer  of  1863.  The  num- 
ber of  effective  men  who  were  engaged  in  this  terrible  conflict 
was  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand,  the  Federals 
exceeding  the  Confederates  about  ten  thousand.  Each  side 
lost  about  twenty-five  per  cent  of  their  numbers. 

In  this  sanguinary  battle,  upon  which  the  fate  of  the  Con- 
federacy hung,  were  displayed  feats  of  heroism  and  daring 
upon  the  part  of  the  men  engaged  on  both  sides,  which  will 
ever  live  in  history,  as  befitting  deeds  of  chivalry  and  gallant 
manhood,  worthy  only  of  that  high  standard  of  true  great- 
ness, the  American  soldiery  possessed.  With  the  defeat  of 
Lee,  was  tolled  the  death  knell  of  secession,  and  from  the 
moment  of  that  terrible  repulse,  the  fortunes  of  war  began  to 
perch  upon  the  Union  banners.  The  battle  of  Gettysburg  is 
a thing  of  the  past,  but  never  will  its  glory  fade  from  the 
pages  of  American  history,  or  American  hearts. 

24 


370 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


imboden's  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  RETREAT. 

When  night  closed  upon  the  grand  scene  our  army  was  re- 
pulsed. Silence  and  gloom  pervaded  our  camps.  We  knew 
that  the  day  had  gone  against  us,  but  the  extent  of  the  dis- 
aster was  not  known  except  in  high  quarters.  The  carnage 
of  the  day  was  reported  to  have  been  frightful,  but  our  army 
was  not  in  retreat,  and  we  all  surmised  that  with  to-morrow’s 
dawn  would  come  a renewal  of  the  struggle ; and  we  knew 
that  if  such  was  the  case  those  who  had  not  been  in  the  fight 
would  have  their  full  share  in  the  honors  and  the  dangers  of 
the  next  day.  All  felt  and  appreciated  the  momentous  con- 
sequences of  final  defeat  or  victory  on  that  great  field.  These 
considerations  made  that,  to  us,  one  of  those  solemn  and 
awful  nights  that  every  one  who  fought  through  our  long  war 
sometimes  experienced  before  a great  battle. 

Few  camp  fires  enlivened  the  scene.  It  was  a warm  sum- 
mer's night,  and  the  weary  soldiers  were  lying  in  groups  on 
the  luxuriant  grass  of  the  meadows  we  occupied,  discussing 
the  events  of  the  day  or  watching  that  their  horses  did  not 
straggle  off  in  browsing  around.  About  eleven  o'clock  a 
horseman  approached  and  delivered  a message  from  General 
Lee,  that  he  wished  to  see  me  immediately.  I mounted  at 
■once,  and,  accompanied  by  Lieutenant  McPhail  of  my  staff, 
and  guided  by  the  courier,  rode  about  two  miles  toward  Get- 
tysburg, where  half  a dozen  small  tents  on  the  roadside  were 
pointed  out  as  General  Lee’s  headquarters  for  the  night.  He 
was  not  there,  but  I was  informed  that  I would  find  him  with 
General  A.  P.  Hill,  half  a mile  further  on.  On  reaching  the 
place  indicated,  a flickering,  solitary  candle,  visible  through 
the  open  front  of  a common  tent,  showed  where  Generals 
Lee  and  Hill  were  seated  on  camp  stools,  with  a county  map 
spread  upon  their  knees,  and  engaged  in  a low  and  earnest 
-conversation.  They  ceased  speaking  as  I approached,  and 
after  the  ordinary  salutations  General  Lee  directed  me  to  go 
-to  Ms  headquarters  and  wait  for  him.  He  did  not  return 
until  about  one  o’clock,  when  he  came  riding  along  at  a slow 
walk  and  evidently  wrapped  in  profound  thought. 


THE  CONFEDERATE  RETREAT. 


371 


There  was  not  even  a sentinel  on  duty,  and  no  one  of  his 
staff  was  about.  The  moon  was  high  in  the  heavens,  shed- 
ding a flood  of  soft  silvery  light,  almost  as  bright  as  day,  upon 
the  scene.  When  he  approached  and  saw  us,  he  spoke, 
reined  up  his  horse  and  essayed  to  dismount.  The  effort  to 
do  so  betrayed  so  much  physical  exhaustion  that  I stepped 
forward  to  assist  him,  but  before  I reached  him  he  had 
alighted.  He  threw  his  arm  across  his  saddle  to  rest  himself, 
and  fixing  his  eyes  upon  the  ground,  leaned  in  silence  upon 
his  equally  weary  horse ; the  two  forming  a striking  group, 
as  motionless  as  a statue.  The  moon  shone  full  upon  his 
massive  features,  and  revealed  an  expression  of  sadness  I had 
never  seen  upon  that  fine  countenance  before,  in  any  of  the 
vicissitudes  of  the  war  through  which  he  had  passed.  I 
waited  for  him  to  speak  until  the  silence  became  painful  and 
embarrassing,  when  to  break  it,  and  change  the  current  of  his 
♦thoughts,  I remarked  in  a sympathetic  tone,  and  in  allusion 
to  his  great  fatigue  : 

“ General,  this  has  been  a hard  day  on  you.” 

This  attracted  his  attention.  He  looked  up  and  replied 
mournfully : 

“Yes,  it  has  been  a sad,  sad  day  to  us,”  and  immediately 
relapsed  into  his  thoughtful  mood  and  attitude.  Being  un- 
willing again  to  intrude  upon  his  reflections,  I said  no  more. 
After  a minute  or  two  he  suddenly  straightened  up  to  his 
full  height,  and  turning  to  me  with  more  animation,  energy 
and  excitement  of  manner  than  I had  ever  seen  in  him  before, 
he  addressed  me  in  a voice  tremulous  with  emotion,  and  said: 

“General,  I never  saw  troops  behave  more  magnificently 
than  Pickett's  division  of  Virginians  did  to-day  in  their  grand 
charge  upon  the  enemy.  And  if  the}r  had  been  supported,  as 
they  were  to  have  been  — but,  for  some  reason  not  yet  fully 
explained  to  me,  they  were  not  — we  would  have  held  the 
position  they  so  gloriously  won  at  such  a fearful  loss  of  noble 
lives,  and  the  day  would  have  been  ours.” 

After  a moment  he  added  in  a tone  almost  of  agony,  “ Too 
bad!  too  bad  ! oh,  too  bad.’  ” 


S72 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


I never  shall  forget,  as  long  as  I live,  his  language,  and  his 
manner,  and  his  appearance  and  expression  of  mental  suffer- 
ing. Altogether  it  was  a scene  that  a historical  painter  might 
well  immortalize,  had  one  been  fortunately  present  to  wit- 
ness it. 

In  a little  while  he  called  up  a servant  from  his  sleep  to 
take  his  horse  , spoke  mournfully,  by  name,  of  several  of  his 
friends  who  had  fallen  during  the  day , and  when  a candle 
had  been  lighted,  invited  me  alone  into  his  tent,  where,  as 
soon  as  we  were  seated,  he  remarked : 

“We  must  return  to  Virginia.  As  many  of  our  poor 
wounded  as  possible  must  be  taken  home.  I have  sent  for 
you  because  your  men  are  fresh,  to  guard  the  trains  back  to 
Virginia.  The  duty  will  be  arduous,  responsible  and  danger- 
ous, for  I am  afraid  you  will  be  harassed  by  the  enemy’s  cav- 
alry. I can  spare  you  as  much  artillery  as  you  require,  but 
no  other  troops,  as  I shall  need  all  I have  to  return  to  the  Po- 
tomac by  a different  route  from  yours.  All  the  transporta- 
tion and  all  the  care  of  the  wounded  will  be  intrusted  to  you. 
You  will  recross  the  mountain  by  the  Chambersburg  road, 
and  then  proceed  to  Williamsport  by  any  route  you  deem 
best,  without  halting.  There  rest  and  feed  your  animals, 
then  ford  the  river,  and  make  no  halt  till  you  reach  Winches- 
ter, where  I will  again  communicate  with  you.” 

On  the  morning  of  the  fourth  my  written  instructions  and 
the  package  for  Mr.  Davis  were  delivered  to  me.  It  was  soon 
apparent  that  the  wagons  and  ambulances  and  the  wounded 
could  not  be  ready  to  move  till  late  in  the  afternoon.  The 
General  sent  me  four  four-gun  field  batteries,  which,  with  my 
own,  gave  me  twenty-two  guns  to  defend  the  trains. 

Shortly  after  noon  the  very  windows  of  heaven  seemed  to 
have  been  opened.  Rain  fell  in  dashing  torrents,  and  in  a 
little  while  the  whole  face  of  the  earth  was  covered  with 
water.  The  meadows  became  small  lakes ; raging  streams 
ran  across  the  road  in  every  depression  of  the  ground ; wag- 
ons, ambulances,  and  artillery  carriages  filled  the  roads  and 
fields  in  all  directions.  The  storm  increased  in  fury  every 


THE  CONFEDERATE  RETREAT. 


373 


moment.  Canvas  was  no  protection  against  it,  and  the  poor 
wounded,  lying  upon  the  hard,  naked  boards  of  the  wagon- 
bodies,  were  drenched  by  the  cold  rain.  Horses  and  mules 
were  blinded  and  maddened  by  the  storm,  and  became  almost 
unmanageable.  The  roar  of  the  winds  and  waters  made  it 
almost  impossible  to  communicate  orders.  Night  was  rapidly 
approaching,  and  there  was  danger  that  in  the  darkness  the 
“confusion”  would  become  “worse  confounded.” 

About  four  p.m.  the  head  of  the  column  was  put  in  motion, 
and  began  the  ascent  of  the  mountain.  After  dark  I set  out 
to  gain  the  advance.  The  train  was  seventeen  miles  long 
when  drawn  out  on  the  road.  It  was  moving  rapidly,  and 
from  every  wagon  issued  wails  of  agony.  For  four  hours  I 
galloped  along,  passing  to  the  front,  and  heard  more  — it  was 
too  dark  to  see  — of  the  horrors  of  war  than  I had  witnessed 
from  the  battle  of  Bull  Run  up  to  that  day.  In  the  wagons 
were  men  wounded  and  mutilated  in  every  conceivable  way. 
Some  had  their  legs  shattered  by  a shell  or  minie  ball ; some 
were  shot  through  their  bodies  ; others  had  arms  torn  to 
shreds  ; some  had  received  a ball  in  the  face,  or  a jagged  piece 
of  shell  had  lacerated  their  heads.  Scarcely  one  in  a hundred 
had  received  adequate  surgical  aid.  Manj'-  had  been  without 
food  for  thirty-six  hours.  Their  ragged,  bloody  and  dirty 
clothes,  all  clotted  and  hardened  with  blood,  were  rasping 
the  tender,  inflamed  lips  of  their  gaping  wounds.  Very  few 
of  the  wagons  had  even  straw  in  them,  and  all  were  without 
springs.  The  road  was  rough  and  rockjv  The  jolting  was 
enough  to  have  killed  sound,  strong  men.  From  nearly  every 
wagon,  as  the  horses  trotted  on,  such  cries  and  shrieks  as 
these  greeted  the  ear : 

“ Oh  God  ! why  can't  I die  ? ” 

“ My  God  ! will  no  one  have  mercy  and  kill  me,  and  end 
my  misery  ? ” 

“ Oh ! stop  one  minute,  and  take  me  out  and  leave  me  to 
die  on  the  roadside.” 

“ I am  dying ! I am  dying ! My  poor  wife,  my  dear  chil- 
dren! what  will  become  of  you?” 


3T4 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


Some  were  praying;  others  were  uttering  the  most  fearful 
oaths  and  execrations  that  despair  could  wring  from  them  in 
their  agony.  Occasionally  a wagon  would  be  passed  from 
which  only  low,  deep  moans  and  sobs  could  be  heard.  No 
help  could  be  rendered  to  any  of  the  sufferers.  On,  on;  we 
must  move  on.  The  storm  continued  and  the  darkness  was 
fearful.  There  was  no  time  even  to  fill  a canteen  with  water 
for  a dying  man;  for,  except  the  drivers  and  the  guards  dis- 
posed in  compact  bodies  every  half  mile,  all  were  wounded 
and  helpless  in  that  vast  train  of  misery.  The  night  was 
awful,  and  yet  in  it  was  our  safety,  for  no  enemy  would  dare 
attack  us  when  he  could  not  distinguish  friend  from  foe.  We 
kneAV  that  when  day  broke  upon  us  we  would  be  harassed  by 
bands  of  cavalry  hanging  on  our  flanks.  Therefore  our  aim 
was  to  go  as  far  as  possible  under  cover  of  the  night,  and  so 
we  kept  on.  It  was  my  sad  lot  to  pass  the  whole  distance 
from  the  rear  to  the  head  of  the  column,  and  no  language  can 
convey  an  idea  of  the  horrors  of  that  most  horrible  of  all 
nights  of  our  long  and  bloody  war. 

Daybreak  on  the  morning  of  the  fifth  found  the  head  of  our 
column  at  Greencastle,  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  from  the  Poto- 
mac at  Williamsport,  our  point  of  crossing.  Here  our  appre- 
hended troubles  from  the  Union  cavalry  began.  From  the 
fields  and  cross-roads  they  attacked  us  in  small  bodies,  strik- 
ing the  column  where  there  were  few  or  no  guards,  and 
creating  great  confusion. 

To  add  still  further  to  our  perplexities,  a report  was  brought 
that  the  Federals  in  large  force  held  Williamsport.  This 
fortunately  proved  untrue.  After  a great  deal  of  harassing 
and  desultory  fighting  along  the  road,  nearly  the  whole  im- 
mense train  reached  Williamsport  a little  after  the  middle  of 
the  day.  The  town  was  taken  possession  of;  all  the  churches, 
schoolhouses,  etc.,  were  converted  into  hospitals,  and  prov- 
ing insufficient,  many  of  the  private  houses  were  occupied. 
Straw  was  obtained  on  the  neighboring  farms  ; the  wounded 
were  removed  from  the  wagons  and  housed  ; the  citizens  were 
all  put  to  cooking  and  the  army  surgeons  to  dressing  wounds. 


OXE  IX  BLUE  AXD  ONE  IX  GRAY. 


375 


The  dead  were  selected  from  the  train,  for  many  had  per- 
ished on  the  way,  and  were  decently  buried.  All  this  had 
to  be  done  because  the  tremendous  rains  had  raised  the  river 
more  than  ten  feet  above  the  fording  stage,  and  we  could  not 
possibly  cross. 

Our  situation  was  frightful.  We  had  over  ten  thousand 
animals  and  all  the  wagons  of  General  Lee’s  army  under  our 
charge,  and  all  the  wounded  that  could  be  brought  from  Get- 
tysburg. Our  supply  of  provisions  consisted  of  a few  wagon 
loads  of  flour  and  a small  lot  of  cattle.  My  effective  force 
was  only  about  two  thousand  one  hundred  men  and  twenty 
odd  field  pieces.  We  did  not  know  where  our  army  was  , the 
river  could  not  be  crossed ; and  small  parties  of  cavalry  were 
still  hovering  around.  The  means  of  ferriage  consisted  of 
two  small  boats  and  a small  wire  rope  stretched  across  the 
river,  which,  owing  to  the  force  of  the  swollen  current,  broke 
several  times  during  the  day.  To  reduce  the  space  to  be 
defended  as  much  as  possible,  all  the  wagons  and  animals 
were  parked  close  together  on  the  river  bank. 

OXE  IX  BLUE  AXD  OXE  IX  GBAY. 

WM.  VIED. 

Each  thin  hand  resting  on  a grave 
Her  lips  apart  in  prayer, 

A mother  knelt  and  left  her  tears 
Upon  the  violets  there. 

O'er  many  a rood  of  vale  and  lawn, 

Of  hill  and  forest  gloom, 

The  reaper  Death  had  reveled  in 
His  fearful  harvest  home. 

The  last  red  summer’s  sun  had  shone 
Upon  a fruitless  fray  — 

From  yonder  forest  charged  the  blue, 

Down  yonder  slope  the  gray. 

The  hush  of  death  was  on  the  scene, 

And  sunset  o’er  the  dead, 

In  that  oppressive  stillness 
A pall  of  glory  spread. 


376 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


I know  not,  dare  not  question  lrow 
I met  the  ghastly  glare 
Of  each  upturned  and  stirless  face 
That  shrunk  and  whitened  there. 

I knew  my  noble  boys  had  stood 
Through  all  that  withering  day  — 

I knew  that  Willie  wore  the  blue, 

That  Harry  wore  the  gray. 

I thought  of  Willie’s  clear  blue  eye 
His  wavy  hair  of  gold, 

That  clustered  on  a fearless  brow 
Of  purest  Saxon  mold  ; 

Of  Harry,  with  his  raven  locks, 

And  eagle  glance  of  pride  ; 

Of  how  they  clasped  each  other’s  hand 
And  left  their  mother’s  side  ; 

How  hand  in  hand  they  bore  my  prayer 
And  blessings  on  the  way  — 

A noble  heart  beneath  the  blue, 

Another  ’neath  the  gray. 

The  dead,  with  white  and  folded  hands, 
That  hushed  our  village  homes, 

I’ve  seen  laid  calmly,  tenderly, 

Within  their  darkened  rooms  ; 

But  there  I saw  distorted  limbs, 

And  many  an  eye  aglare, 

In  the  soft  purple  twilight  of 
The  thunder-smitten  air  ; 

Along  the  slope  and  on  the  sward 
In  ghastly  ranks  they  lay, 

And  there  was  blood  upon  the  blue, 

And  blood  upon  the  gray. 

I looked  and  saw  his  blood,  and  his  ; 

A swift  and  vivid  dream 
Of  blended  years  flashed  o’er  me,  when. 
Like  some  cold  shadow,  came 
A blindness  of  the  eye  and  brain  — 

The  same  that  seizes  one 
When  men  are  smitten  suddenly 
Who  overstare  the  sun  ; 

And  while  blurred  with  the  sudden  stroke 
That  swept  my  soul,  I lay  — 

They  buried  Willie  in  his  blue, 

And  Harry  in  his  gray. 


ONE  IN'  BLUE  AND  ONE  IN  GRAY. 


377 


The  shadows  fall  upon  their  graves  ; 

They  fall  upon  my  heart  ; 

And  through  the  twilight  of  my  soul 
Like  dew  the  tears  will  start  — 

The  starlight  comes  so  silently, 

And  lingers  where  they  rest  ; 

So  hope’s  revealing  starlight  sinks 
And  shines  within  my  breast. 

They  ask  not  there  where  yonder  heaven 
Smiles  with  eternal  day, 

Why  Willie  wore  the  loyal  blue  — 

Why  Harry  wore  the  gray. 


378 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  A. 


ROSTER  OF  THE  FEDERAL  ARMY  ENGAGED  IN  THE 
BATTLE  OF  GETTYSBURG,  WEDNESDAY,  THURS- 
DAY AND  FRIDAY,  JULY  1st,  2d  AND  3d,  1863. 

Major-General  GEORGE  GORDON  MEADE,  Commanding. 

STAFF 

Major-General  DANIEL  BUTTERFIELD,  Chief  of  Staff. 
Brigadier-General  M.  R.  PATRICK,  Provost  Marshal-General. 

“ “ SETH  WILLIAMS,  Adjutant-General. 

“ “ EDMUND  SCHRIYER,  Inspector-General. 

“ “ RUFUS  INGALLS,  Quartermaster-General. 

Colonel  HENRY  F.  CLARKE,  Chief  Commissary  of  Subsistence. 
Major  JONATHAN  LETTERMAN,  Surgeon,  Chief  of  Medical  Dept. 
Brigadier-General  G.  K.  WARREN,  Chief  Engineer. 

Major  D.  W.  FLAGLER,  Chief  Ordnance  Officer. 

Major-General  ALFRED  PLEASONTON,  Chief  of  Cavalry. 
Brigadier-General  HENRY  J.  HUNT,  Chief  of  Artillery. 

Captain  L.  B.  NORTON,  Chief  Signal  Officer. 


Major-General  JOHN  F.  REYNOLDS,  Commanding  the  First,  Third, 
and  Eleventh  Corps  on  July  1st. 

Major-General  HENRY  W.  SLOCUM,  Commanding  the  Right  Wing 
on  July  2d  and  July  3d. 

Major-General  W.  S.  HANCOCK,  Commanding  the  Left  Center  on 
J uly  2d  and  J uly  3d. 


FIRST  CORPS. 

Major-General  JOHN  F.  REYNOLDS,  Permanent  Commander. 
Major-General  ABNER  DOUBLEDAY,  Commanding  on  July  1st. 
Major-General  JOHN  NEWTON,  Commanding  July  2d  and  3d. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  S.  WADSWORTH,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade— (l)  Brigadier-General  Solomon  Meredith  (wounded);  (2)  Colonel 
Henry  A.  Morrow  (wounded);  (3)  Colonel  W.  W.  Robinson.  2d  Wisconsin,  Colonel 
Lucius  Fairchild  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  George  H.  Stevens  (wounded),  Major  John 
Mansfield  (wounded),  Captain  George  H.  Otis;  6th  Wisconsin,  Lieut.-Colonel  R.  R.  Dawes; 
7th  Wisconsin,  Colonel  W.  W.  Robinson;  24th Michigan,  Colonel  Henry  A.  Morrow(wound- 
ed),  Lieut.-Colonel  Mark  Flanigan  (wounded),  Major  Edwin  B.  Wright  (wounded),  Captain 
Albert  M.  Edwards ; 19th  Indiana,  Colonel  Samuel  Williams. 


FEDERAL  ARMY  AT  GETTYSBURG. 


379 


Second  Rriaa.de. — Brigadier-General  Lysander  Cutler,  Commanding.  7th  Indiana, 
Major  Ira  G.  Grover;  5iith  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  J.  VV.  Hoffman;  76tli  New  York,  Major 
Andrew  J.  Grover  (killed),  Captain  John  E.  i ook ; 95th  New  York,  Colonel  George  H.  Bid- 
dle (wounded),  Major  Edward  Pye;  147th  New  York,  Lieut  .-Colonel  F.  C.  Miller  (wounded), 
Major  George  Harney;  14th  Brooklyn,  Colonel  E.  li.  Fowler. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  C.  ROBINSON,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  Gabriel  R.  Paul,  Commanding  (wounded);  Colonel 
S.  H.  Leonard;  Colonel  Richard  Coulter.  16th  Maine,  Colonel  Charles  \V.  Tilden 
(captured).  Lieut.-Colonel  N.  E.  Welch,  Major  Arch.  D.  Leavitt;  lath  Massachusetts,  Colo- 
nel S.  H.  Leonard  (wounded);  94th  New  York,  Colonel  A.  R.  Root  (wounded),  Major  S.  H. 
Moffatt;  104th  New  Y'ork,  Colonel  Gilbert  G.  Prey;  107tli  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  T.  F.  Mc- 
Coy (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  James  McThompson  (wounded),  Captain  E.  D.  Roath;  11th 
Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Richard  S.  Coulter,  Captain  J.  J.  Bierer.1 

Second  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  Henry  Baxter,  Commanding.  12th  Massachu- 
setts, Colonel  James L.  Bates;  83d  New  York,  Lieut.-Colonel  Joseph  R.  Moesch;  97ih  New 
York,  Colonel  Charles  Wlieelock;  8sth  Pennsylvania,  Major  Benezet  F.  Faust,  Captain  E. 
Y.  Patterson;  90th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Peter  Lyle. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Major-General  ABNER  DOUBLEDAY.  Permanent  Commander  on  July  2d  and  3d. 
Brigadier-General  THOMAS  A.  ROWLEY,  July  1st. 

First  Brigade—  Brigadier-General  Thomas  A.  Rowley,  July  2d  and  3d;  Colonel  Chap- 
man Biddle,  July  1st.  121st  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Chapman  Biddle,  Major  Alexander 
Biddle;  142d  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Robert  P.  Cummings  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel  A B.  Mc- 
i’almont;  151st  Pennsylvania.  Lieut.-Colonel  George  F.  McFarland  (lost  a leg),  Captain 
Walter  L.  Owens;  20th  New  York  S.  M.,  Colonel  Theodore  B.  Gates 

Second  Brigade.— (1)  Colonel  Roy  Stone,  Commanding  (wounded);  (2)  Colonel  Lang- 
hornk  Wister  (wounded);  (3)  Colonel  Edmund  L.  Dana.  143d  Pennsylvania,  Colonel 
Edmund  L.  Dana,  Major  John  D.  Musser;  149th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  Walton 
Dwight  (wounded),  Captain  A.  J.  Sofiekl  (killed),  Captain  John  Irvin;  150th  Pennsylvania, 
Colonel  Langhorne  Wister  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  H.  S.  Huiedekoper  (wounded),  Major 
Thomas  Chamberlain  (wounded),  Captain  C.  C.  Widdis  (wounded),  Captain  G.  W Jones. 

Third  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  Geo.  J.  Stannard,  Commanding  (wounded).  12th 
Vermont,  Colonel  Asa  P.  Blunt  (not  engaged);  13th  Vermont,  Colonel  Francis  V.  Randall; 
14th  Vermont,  Colonel  William  T.  Nichols;  15th  Vermont,  Colonel  Redfield  Proctor  (not 
engaged);  16th  Vermont,  Colonel  Wlieelock  G.  Veazey. 

Artillert/  Brigade. — Colonel  Charles  S.  Wainwrioht,  Commanding.  2d  Maine, 
Captain  James  A.  Hall ; 5th  Maine,  G.  T.  Stevens;  Battery  B,  1st  Pennsylvania,  Captain 
J.  H.  Cooper;  Battery  B,  4th  United  States,  Lieutenant  James  Stewart;  Battery  L,  1st 
New  York,  Captain  J.  A.  Reynolds. 

[Note.— Tidbail’s  Battery  of  the  Second  United  States  Artillery,  under  Lieutenant  John 
H.  Calef,  also  fought  in  line  with  the  First  corps.  Lieutenant  Benj.  W.  Wilber,  and  Lieu- 
tenant George  Breck,  of  Captain  Reynolds’  Battery,  and  Lieutenant  James  Davison,  of 
Stewart’s  Battery,  commanded  sections  which  were  detached  at  times.] 

SECOYD  CORPS. 

Major-General  WESTFIELD  S.  HAYCOCK,  Permanent  commander 

(wounded). 

Major-General  JOHY  GIBBOY  (wounded). 

Brigadier-General  JOHY  C.  CALDWELL. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  C.  CALDWELL. 

Colonel  JOHN  R.  BROOKE  (wounded). 

First  Brigade.— C. olonel  Edward  E.  Cross  (killed,  ; Colonel  H.  B.  McKeen.  5th 
New  Hampshire,  Colonel  E.  E.  Cross,  Lieut.-Colonel  C.  E.  Hapgood;  6ist  New  York, 
Lieut.-Colonel  Oscar  K.  Broady;  81st  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  H.  Bovd  McKeen,  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Amos  Stroho ; 146th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robert  McFarland. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  Patrice  Kelly,  Commanding.  28th  Massachusetts,  Col- 
onel Richard  Byrnes  ; 63  New  York,  Lieut  -Colonel  R.  C.  Bentley  (wounded),  Captain 
Thos.  Touhy  ; 69tl>  New  York,  Captain  Richard  Maroney  (wounded),  Lieutenant  James 
J.  Smith;  88th  New  York,  Colonel  Patrick  Kelly,  Captain  Dennis  F.  Burke;  116th 
Pennsylvania,  Major  St.  Clair  A.  Mulholland. 

Third  Brigade.  Brigadier-General  S.  K.  Zook,  Commanding  (killed)  ; Lieut.-Colonel 
John  Frazer.  52d  New  York,  Lieut.-Colonel  Charles  G.  Freudenberg  (wounded), 
(Jnptain  Wm.  Scherrer  ; 57th  New  York,  Lieut.-Colonel  Alfred  B.  chapman  ; 66th  New 

1 The  Eleventh  Pennsylvania  was  transferred  from  the  Second  Brigade. 


380 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


York,  Colonel  Orlando  W.  Morris  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  .John  S.  Hammell  (wounded), 
Major  l'eter  Kelson;  140th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Richard  1'.  Roberts  (killed),  Lieut - 
Colonel  John  Frazer. 

Fourth  Brigade. — Colonel  Jons  R.  Brooke.  Commanding  (wounded).  27tli  Connecti- 
cut, Lieut.-Colonel  Henry  C.  Merwin  (killed),  Major  James  11  Coburn;  64th  New  York, 
Colonel  Daniel  G Bingham;  53d  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  J.  R.  Krooke,  Lieut.-Colonel  Rich- 
ard McMichael;  145th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Hiram  L.  Brown  (wounded),  Captain  John 
W.  Reynolds  (wounded),  Captain  Moses  W.  Oliver;  2d  Delaware,  Colonel  William  P. 
Bailey. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  GIBBON,  Permanent  Commander  (wounded). 
Brigadier-General  WILLIAM  HARROW. 

First  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  William  Harrow,  Commanding;  Colonel  Fran- 
cis E.  Heath.  19th  Maine,  Colonel  F.  E.  Heath,  Lieut.-Colonel  Henry  W.  Cunningham; 
15tli  Massachusetts,  Colonel  George  H.  Ward  (killed).  Lieut.-Colonel  George  C.  Josliu;  82ci 
New  York,  Colonel  Henry  W.  Huston  (killed),  Captain  John  Harrow;  1st  Minnesota,  Col- 
onel William  Colvill  (wounded),  Captain  N.  S.  Messick  (killed),  Captain  Wilson  B.  Farrell, 
Captain  Louis  Muller,  Captain  Joseph  Periam,  Captain  Henry  C.  Coates. 

Second  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  Alex.  S.  Webb,  Commanding  (wounded).  G9th 
Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Dennis  O.  Kane  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel  M.  Tschudy  (killed),  Major 
James' Duffy  (wounded),  Captain  Wm  Davis;  71st  Pennsylvania,  Lieut -Colonel  Richard 
Penn  Smith;  72d  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  De  Witt  C.  Baxter;  106th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Theo.  Hesser. 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  Norman  J.  Hall,  Commanding.  19th  Massachusetts,  Col- 
onel Arthur  F.  Devereux;  20th  Massachusetts,  Colonel  Paul  J.  Revere  (killed),  Captain  H. 
L.  Abbott  (wounded);  42d  New  York.  Colonel  James  E.  Mallon;  69th  New  York,  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Max  A.  Thoman  (killed);  7th  Michigan,  Colonel  N.  J.  Hall,  Lieut.-Colonel  Amos 

E.  Steele  (killed),  Major  S.  W.  Curtis. 

Unattached. — Andrew  Sharpshooters. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ALEXANDER  IIAYS,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Samuel  S.  Carroll,  Commanding.  4th  Ohio,  Lieut.-Colonel 
James  H Godrnan,  Lieut.-Colonel  L.  W.  Carpenter;  8th  Ohio,  Colonel  S.  S.  Carroll, 
Lieut.-Colonel  Franklin  Sawyer;  14th  Indiana,  Colonel  John  Coons;  7th  West  Virginia, 
Colonel  Joseph  Snyder. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  Thomas  A.  Smyth,  Commanding  (wounded);  Lieut.-Colonel 

F.  E.  Pierce.  14th  Connecticut,  Major  John  T.  Ellis  ; 10th  New  York  (bittalion),  Major 
George  F,  Hopper;  103th  New  York,  Colonel  Charles  J.  Powers;  12th  New  Jersey,  Major 
JohnT.  Hill;  1st  Delaware,  Colonel  Thomas  A.  Smyth;  Lieut.-Colonel  Edward  P.  Harris, 
Captain  M.  B.  Ellgood  (killed),  Lieutenant  Win.  Smith  (killed). 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  George  L.  Willard,  Commanding  (killed);  Colonel  Eliakim 
Sherrill  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel  James  M.  Bull.  39th  New  York,  Lieut  -Colonel  James 

G.  Hughes;  111th  New  York,  Colonel  Clinton  D.  McDougall  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel 
Isaac  M.  Lusk,  Captain  A.  P.  Seeley:  125th  New  York,  Colonel  G.  L.  Willard  (killed) 
Lieut.-Colonel  Levi  Crandall;  12.th  New  York,  Colonel  E.  Sherrill  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel 
J.  M.  Bull. 

Artillerg  Brigade.— Captain  J.  G.  Hazard,  Commanding.  Battery  B,  1st  Now  York, 
Captain  James  McK.  Rorty  (killed);  Battery  A,  1st  Rhode  Island,  Lieutenant  William  A. 
Arnold,  Battery  B lstRuode  Island,  Lieutenant  T.  Fred.  Brown  (wounded);  Battery  I, 
1st  United  States,  Lieutenant  G.  A.  Woodruff  (killed);  Battery  A,  4th  United  States,  Lieut. 
A.  II.  Cushing  (killed). 

[Note. — Battery  C,  4th  Unite!  States,  Lieutenant  E.  Thomas,  was  in  the  line  of  the 
Second  corps  on  July  3d.  Some  of  the  batteries  were  so  nearly  demolished  that  there  was 
no  officer  to  assume  command  at  the  close  of  the  battle.] 

Cavalry  Squadron. — Captain  Riley  Johnson,  Commanding.  D and  K,  6th  New  York. 


THIRD  CORPS. 

Major-General  DANIEL  E.  SICKLES,  Commanding  (wounded). 
Major-General  DAVID  B.  BIRKEY. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Major-General  DAVID  B.  BIRNEY.  Permanent  Commander. 
Brigadier-General  J.  H.  II.  WAKD. 

First  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  C.  K.  Graham,  Commanding  (wounded,  captured); 
Colonel  Andrew  H.  Tippin.  57th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Peter  Sides,  Lieut.-Colonel  Wm. 
P.  Neeper  (wounded),  Captain  A H.  Nelson;  63d  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  A. 
Darks  ■ 6Sth  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  A.  H.  Tippin,  all  of  the  Field  Officers  wounded;  105th 


FEDERAL  ARMY  AT  GETTYSBURG. 


881 


Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Calvin  A.  Craig;  ll4t!i  Pennsylvania,  Lieut. -Colonel  Frederick  K. 
Cavada  (captured);  141st  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Henry  J.  Madid,  Captain  E.  R.  Brown.' 

[Note.—' The  Second  New  Hampshire.  Third  Maine,  and  Seventh  and  Eighth  New  Jersey, 
also  formed  part  of  Graham's  line  on  the  2d.] 

Second  Brigade  — Brigadier-General  J H H.  Ward,  Commanding;  Colonel  II.  Berdan. 
1st  U.  S.  Sharpshooters,  Colonel  H.  Berdan,  Lieut.-Colonel  C.  Trapp.  2d  U.  S.  Sharp- 
shooters, Major  H.  H.  Stoughton;  3d  Maine,  Colonel  M.  B.  Lakeman  (captured),  Captain 
William’c.  Morgan ; 4th  Maine,  Colonel  Elijah  Walker  (killed1.  Major  Ebenezer  Whit- 
combe  (wounded',  Captain  Edwin  Libby;  20th  Indiana,  Colonel  John  Wheeler  (killed', 
Lieut.-Colonel  William  C.  L.  Taylor;  99th  Pennsylvania,  Major  John  W.  Moore;  36th  New 
York,  Lieut.-Colonel  Benjamin  Higgins;  124th  New  York,  Colonel  A.  Van  Horn  Ellis 
(killed),  Lieut.-Colonel  Francis  M.  Cummings. 

Third  Brigade—  Colonel  Philip  R.  de  Trobriand,  Commanding.  3d  Michigan,  Col- 
onel Byron  R.  Pierce  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  E.  S.  Piere  ■;  5th  Michigan,  Lieut.-Colonel 
John  Pulford  (wounded),  Major  S.  S.  Matthews;  40th  New  York,  Colonel  Thomas  W.  Egan; 
17th  Maine,  Lieut.-Colonel  Charles  B.  Merrill;  110th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  David  M. 
Jones  (wounded),  Major  Isaac  Rogers. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ANDREW  A.  HUMPHREYS,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  Joseph  B.  Carr,  Commanding.  1st  Massachusetts, 
Colonel  N.  D.  McLaughlin;  11th  Massachusetts,  Lieut.-Colonel  Porter  D.  Tripp;  16th  Mas- 
sachusetts, Lieut.-Colonel  Waldo  Merriam;  25th  Pennsylvania,  Captain  George  W.  Tom- 
linson (wounded),  Captain  Henry  Goodfellow;  11th  Now  Jersey,  Colonel  Robert  McAllister 
(wounded),  Major  Philip  J.  Kearny  (killed),  Captain  William  B.  Dunning;  84th  Pennsyl- 
vania (not  engaged),  Lieut.-Colonel  Milton  Opp;  12th  New  Hampshire,  Capt.  J.  F.  Langley. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  William  R.  Brewster,  Commanding.  70th  New  York  (1st 
Excelsior),  Major  Daniel  Malieu;  71st  New  York  (2d  Excelsior),  Colonel  Henry  L.  Potter; 
72New  York  (3d  Excelsior),  Colonel  Wm.  O.  Stevens  (killed),  Lieut.-Coionel  John  S.  Aus- 
tin; 73d  New  York  (4th  Excelsior),  Colonel  William  R.  Brewster,  Major  M.  W.  Burns,  74th 
New  York  (5th  Excelsior),  Lieut.-Colonel  Thoma3  Holt;  120th  New  York,  Liout. -Colonel 
Cornelius  D.  Westbrook  (wounded),  Major  J.  R.  Tappen,  Captain  A.  L.  Lockwood. 

Third  Brigade—  Colonel  George  C.  Burling,  Commanding.  5th  New  Jersey,  Colonel 
William  J.  Sewall (wounded),  Captain  Virgel  M.  Healey  (wounded),  Captain  T.  C.  Godfrey, 
Captain  II.  II.  Woolsey;  6th  New  Jersey,  Colonel  George  C.  Burling,  Lieut.-Colonel  S.  R. 
Gilkyson;  7th  New  Jersey,  Colonel  L.  R.  Francine  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel  Francis  Price; 
8th  New  Jersey,  Colonel  John  Ramsey  (wounded),  Captain  John  G.  Langston ; 115th  Penn- 
sylvania, Lieut.-Colonel  John  P.  Dunne;  2d  New  Hampshire,  Colonel  Edward  L.  Bailey 
(wounded),  Major  Samuel  P Sayles  (wounded). 

Artillery  Brigade. — Captain  George  E.  Randolph,  Commanding.  Battery  E,  1st  Rhode 
Island,  Lieutenant  John  K.  Bucklyn  (wounded),  Lieutenant  Benjamin  Freeborn;  Battery 
B,  1st  New  Jersey,  Captain  A.  J.  Clark;  Battery  D,  1st  New  Jersey,  Captain  George  T. 
Woodbury;  Battery  K,  4th  U S.,  Lieutenant  F.  W.  Seeley  (wounded),  Lieutenant  Robert 
James;  4th  New  York,  Captain  James  E.  Smith. 


FIFTH  CORPS. 

Major-General  GEORGE  SYKES,  Commanding. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  BARNES,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  W.  S.  Tilton,  Commanding.  18th  Massachusetts,  Colonel  Joseph 
Hayes;  22d  Massachusetts,  Colonel  William  S.  Tilton,  Lieut.-Colonel  Thomas  Sherman,  Jr.; 
118th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Charles  M.  Provost;  1st  Michigan,  Colonel  Ira  C.  Abbot 
(wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  W.  A.  Throop. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  J.  B.  Sweitzer,  Commanding.  9th  Massachusetts,  Colonel 
Patrick  R.  Guiney;  32.1  Massachusetts,  Colonel  George  L.  Prescott  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel 
Luther  Stephenson  (wounded),  Major  J Cushing  Edmunds;  4th  Michigan,  Colonel  Ham- 
son  H.  Jeffords  (killed1,  Lieut.-Coionel  Geo.  W.  Lombard;  62  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  J.  B. 
Sweitzer,  Lieut.-Colonel  James  C.  Hull. 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  Strong  Vincent,  Commanding  (killed);  Colonel  James  C. 
Rice.  20th  Maine,  Colonel  Joshua  L.  Chamberlain;  44th  New  York,  Colonel  James  O. 
Rice,  Lieut.-Colonel  Freeman  Conner;  83  1 Pennsylvania,  Major  William  H.  Larnont,  Capt. 
O.  E.  Woodward;  16th  Michigan,  Lieut.-Colonel  N.  E.  Welch. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ROMAYN  B.  AYRES,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade  — Colonel  Hannibal  Day,  6th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Commanding.  3d  U.  S. 
Infantry,  Captain  H.  W.  Freedley  (wounded',  Captain  Richard  G.  Lay;  4th  U.  S.  Infantry, 
Captain  J.  W.  Adams;  Gth  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  Levi  C Bootes;  12th  U.  S.  Infantry, 
Captain  Thomas  S.  Dunn;  14tli  (J.  S.  Infantry,  Major  G.  R.  Giddings. 

1 Colonel  Madill  commanded  the  114th  and  141st  Pennsylvania. 


882 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Sidney  Burbank,  2d  U.  S.  Infantry,  Commanding.  2d  U.  S. 
Infantry,  Major  A.  T.  Lee  (wounded),  Captain  S.  A.  McKee;  7tli  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  Ln 
1’.  Hancock;  10th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Captain  William  Clinton;  11th  IT.  S.  Infantry,  Major  De 
L.  Floyd  Jones;  17th  U.  S.  Infantry,  Lieut.-Colouel  Durrell  Green. 

Third  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  S.  II.  Weed  (ki'.le  1 ; Colonel  Kenner  Garrard. 
140th  New  York.  Colonel  Patrick  H.  O’Korke  (killed),  Lieut.-Colonel  Louis  Ernst;  HGth 
New  York,  Colonel  K.  Garrard,  Lieut.-Colonel  David  T.  Jenkins;  91st  Pennsylvania,  Lieut  - 
Colonel  Joseph  H.  Sinex;  155th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  H.  Cain. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  S.  WILEY  CRAWFORD,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  William  McCandless,  Commanding.  1st  Pennsylvania  Re- 
serves, Colonel  William  Cooper  Talley;  2d  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Colonel  William  Mc- 
Candless, Lieut -Colonel  Patrick  McDonough;  6th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Colonel  Wel- 
lington H.  Ent;  11th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Colonel  S.  M.  Jackson:  1st  Rifles  (Bucktails), 
Colonel  Chas.  J.  Taylor  (killed',  Lieut.-Colonel  A.  E.  Niles  (wounded),  Major  William  R, 
Hartshorne. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Joseph  W.  Fisher,  Commanding.  5th  Pennsylvania  Re- 
serves, Colonel  J.  W.  Fisher,  Lieut.-Colonel  George  Dare;  9th  Pennsylvania  Reserves, 
Colonel  Robert  Anderson;  1 th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Colonel  Adoii  J.  Warner;  12th 
Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Colonel  M.  D.  Harden. 

Artillery  Brigade.—  Captain  A.  P.  Martin,  Commanding.  Battery  D,5th  United  States, 
Lieutenant  Charles  E.  Hazlett  (killed),  Lieutenant  B.  F.  Rittenhouse;  Battery  I,  5th  United 
States,  Lieutenant  Leonard  Martin;  Battery  C,  1st  New  York,  Captain  Albert  Barnes;  Bat- 
tery L,  1st  Ohio,  Captain  N.  C.  Gibbs;  Battery  C,  Massachusetts,  Captain  A.  P.  Martin. 

Provost  Guard. — Captain  H.  W.  Ryder.  Companies  E and  D,  12th  New  York. 


SIXTH  CORPS. 

Majoh-General  JOHN  SEDGWICK. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  H.  G.  WRIGHT,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade.-  , rigadier-General  A.  T.  A.  Torbert,  Commanding.  1st  New  Jersey, 
Lieut.-Colonel  Wm.  Henry,  Jr.;  2d  New  Jersey,  Colonel  Samuel  L.  Buck;  3d  New  Jersey, 
Colonel  Henry  W.  Brown';  loth  New  Jersey,  Colonel  William  H.  Penrose. 

Second  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  J.  J.  Bartlett,  Commanding.  6th  Maine,  Colonel 
Clark  S.  Edwards;  121st  New  York,  Colonel  Emory  Upton;  95th  Pennsylvania.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Edward  Carroll;  93th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  William  H.  Lessig. 

Third  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  D.  A.  Russell,  Commanding.  6th  Maine,  Colonel 
Hiram  Burnham;  49th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Win.  H.  Irvin;  119th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel 
P.  C.  Ellmaker;  5th  Wisconsin,  Colonel  Thomas  S.  Allen. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  A.  P.  HOWE,  Commanding. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  L.  A.  Grant,  Commanding.  2d  Vermont,  Colonel  J.  H.  Wal- 
bridgc:  3d  Vermont,  Colonel  T.  O.  Seaver;  4th  Vermont,  Colonel  E.  H.  Stoughton;  5th 
Vermont,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  R.  Lewis;  6th  Vermont,  Lieut.-Colonel  Elisha  L.  Barney. 

Third  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  T.  A.  Neill,  Commanding.  7th  Maine,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Seldon  Connor;  49th  New  York,  Colonel  D.  D.  Bidwell;  77t,h  New  York,  Colonel 
J.  B.  McKean;  43d  New  York,  Colonel  B.  F.  Baker;  61st  Pennsylvania,  Major  George  W. 
Dawson. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  FRANK  WHEATON,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  Alexander  Shaler,  Commanding.  65th  New  York, 
Colonel  J.  E.  Hamblin;  67th  New  York,  Colonel  Nelson  Cross;  122.1  New  York,  Lieut.- 
Colonel  A.  W.  Dwight;  23d  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  F.  Glinu;  82d  Pennsylvania, 
Colonel  Isaac  Bassett. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  II.  L.  Ecstis,  Commanding.  7th  Massachusetts,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Franklin  P.  Harlow;  10th  Massachusetts,  Lieut.-Colonel  Jefford  M.  Decker;  37th 
Massachusetts,  Colonel  Timothy  Ingraham;  2d  Rhode  Island,  Lieut.-Colonel  A.  W.  Corliss. 

Third  Brigade. — Colonel  David  I Nevin,  Commanding.  62d  New  York,  Colonel  D.  I. 
Nevin,  Lieut.-Colonel  Theo.  B.  Hamilton;  102d  Pennsylvania,1  Colonel  John  W.  Patterson; 
93d  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  .Fames  M.  McCarter;  98th  Pennsylvania,  Major  John  B.  Kohler; 
139th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  William  H.  Moody. 


1 Not  engaged. 


FEDERAL  ARMY  AT  GETTYSBURG. 


383 


Artillery  Brigade.— C olonel  C.  H.  Tompkins,  Commanding.  Battery  A,  1st  Massachu- 
setts, Captain  \V.  H.  McCartney;  Battery  D,  2d  United  States,  Lieutenant  E.  B Willistou; 
Battery  F,  5th  United  States,  Lieutenant  Leonard  Martin;  Battery  (,,  2d  United  States, 
Lieutenant  John  H Butler;  Battery  C,  IstBhode  Island,  Captain  Richard  Waterman; 
Battery  G,  1st  Rhode  Island,  Captain  George  W Adams , 1st  New  York,  Captain  Andrew 
Cowan;  3d  New  York,  Captain  William  A.  Harn 
Cavalry  Detachment. —Captain  William  L.  Craft,  Commanding.  11 , 1st  Pennsylvania; 
L,  1st  New  Jersey. 


ELEVENTH  CORPS. 

Major-General  OLIVER  O.  HOWARD,  Permanent  Commander. 
MAjor-General  CARL  SCHURZ,  July  1st. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  FRANCIS  C.  BARLOW,  Commanding  (wounded). 

Brigadier-General  ADELBERT  AMES. 

First  Brigade.— Colonel  Leopold  Von  Gilsa,  Commanding.  41st  New  York,  Colonel 
L.  Von  Gilsa,  Lieut -Colonel  D Von  Einsiedel;  54th  New  York,  Colonel  Eugene  A Kez- 
ley;  68th  New  York,  Colonel  Gotthilf  Bourny  de  Ivernois;  153d  Pennsylvania,  Colonel 
Charles  Glanz. 

Second  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  Adelbert  Ames,  Commanding;  Colonel  Andrew 
L.  Harris.  17th  Connecticut,  l ieut  -Colonel  Douglass  Fowler  (killed).  Major  A G Brady 
(wounded);  25th  Ohio.  Lieut.-Colonel  Jeremiah  Williams  (captured).  Lieutenant  William 
Maloney  (wounded).  Lieutenant  Israel  White;  75th  Ohio,  Colonel  Andrew  L.  Harris  (wound- 
ed), Lieut.-Colonel  Ben  Morgan  (wounded),  Major  Charles  W.  Friend;  107th  Ohio,  Captain 
John  Al.  Lutz. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  A.  VON  STEINWEHR,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade.— Colonel  Charles  R.  Coster.  Commanding,  27th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Lorenz  Cantador:  73d  Pennsylvania,  Captain  Daniel  F Kelly;  134th  New  York, 
Colonel  Charles  R.  Coster,  Lieut.-Colonel  Allan  H.  Jackson;  154th  New  York,  Colonel 
Patrick  H.  Jones. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  Orlando  Smith  Commanding.  33d  Massachusetts,  Lieut  - 
Colonel  Adin  B.  Underwood,  136tli  New  York,  Colonel  James  Wood,  Jr.;  55th  Ohio,  Col- 
onel Charles  B.  Gambee:  73d  Ohio,  Colonel  Orlando  Smith,  Lieut.-Colonel  Richard  Long. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Major-General  CARL  SCHURZ,  Permanent  Commander 

Brigadier-General  ALEXANDER  SCHIMMELPI ENNIu,  Commanding  on  July  1st. 

First  Brit gade.— Brigadier-General  A Von  Schimmelpfennig,  Commanding  (captured); 
Colonel  George  Von  Arnsburg  45th  New  York,  Colonel  G.  Von  Arnsburg,  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Adolphus  Dobke;  157th  New  York,  Colonel  Philip  P.  Brown,  Jr  ; 74th  Pennsyl- 
vania, Colonel  Adolph  Von  Hartung  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  Von  Mitzel  (captured), 
Major  Gustav  Schleiter;  61st  Ohio,  Colonel  S.  J.  McGroarty ; 82d  Illinois,  Colonel  J Hecker. 

Second  Brigade—  Colonel  Waldimir  Kryzanowski,  Commanding.  5Sth  New  York, 
Colonel  W.  Kryzanowski,  Lieut.-Colonel  August  Otto,  Captain  Emil  Koenig,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Frederick  Geliman ; 119th  New  York,  Colonel  John  T.  Lockman,  I, ieut. -Colonel  James  C. 
Rogers;  75th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Francis  Mahler  (wounded).  Major  August  Ledig:  82d 
Ohio,  Colonel  Janies  S Robinson  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel  D.  Thomson;  26th  Wisconsin, 
Colonel  William  H.  Jacobs. 

Artillery  Brigade—  Major  Thomas  W.  Osborn.  Commanding.  Battery  I,  1st  New  York, 
Captain  Michael  Wiedrick;  Battery  1. 1st  Ohio.  Captain  Hubert  Dilger;  Battery  K,  1st  Ohio, 
Captain  Lewis  Heckman,  Battery  G,  4th  United  States,  Lieut  Bayard  Wilkeson  (killed), 
Lieutenant  E.  A.  Bancroft;  13th  New  York,  Lieutenant  William  Wheeler 


TWELFTH  CORPS. 

Brigadier-General  ALTOELTS  S.  WILLIAMS,  Commanding. 
FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  THOMAS  H RUGER,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade.— Colonel  Archibald  L.  McDopgall,  Commanding.  5th  Connecticut, 
Colonel  Warren  W.  Packer;  20th  Connecticut,  Lieut -Colonel  William  B.  'Yooster;  123d 
New  York,  A L McDougall.  Lieut -Colonel  James  C.  Rogers;  145th  New  York.  Colonel 
E.  L Price,  46th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  James  L.  Selfridge,  3d  Maryland,  Colonel  J.  M. 
Sudsburg. 


384 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Second  Brigade.'1 2— Brigadier-General  Henry  H.  Lockwood,  Commanding  150th  New 
York,  Colonel  John  H.  Ketcham;  1st  Maryland  (P.  H.  B.),  Colonel  William  P.  Maulsby;  1st 
Maryland  (E.  S.),  Colonel  James  Wallace. 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  Silas  Colgrove,  Commanding  2d  Massachusetts,  Colonel 
Charles  R.  Mudgp  (killed),  Lieut -Colonel  Charles  F.  Morse;  107th  New  York,  Colonel 
Miron  M.  Crane,  13th  New  Jersey,  Colonel  Ezra  A.  Carman  (wounded),  Lieut.-Colonel 
John  R Fesler;  27th  Indiana,  Colonel  Silas  Colgrove,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  R,  Fesler;  3d 
Wisconsin,  Lieut.-Colonel  Martin  Flood. 

SECOND  DIVISION 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  W.  GEARY,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade,— Colonel  Charles  Canby.  Commanding.  28th  Pennsylvania,  Captain 
John  Flynn,  147th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  Ario  Pardee,  Jr.;  5tli  Ohio,  Colonel  John 
H.  Patrick,  7th  Ohio,  Colonel  William  It.  Creighton;  22th  Ohio,  Captain  W.  F.  Stevens 
(wounded',  Captain  Ed.  Hays;  CGth  Ohio,  Colonel  C.  Candy,  Lieut.-Colonel  Eugene  Powell. 

Second  Brigade — (I)  Colonel  George  A.  Cobhaji.  Jr.,  (2)  Brigadier-General  Thomas 
L Kane  29th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  William  Rickards;  109th  Pennsylvania,  Captain 
Fred.  L.  Gimber;  111th' Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  Thomas  M.  Walker,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Frank  J.  Osgood. 

Third  Brigade — Brigadier-General  George  S.  Greene,  Commanding.  60th  New  York, 
Colonel  Abel  Godard;  78th  New  York,  Lieut.-Colonel  Herbert  Von  llammerstein;  102d 
New  York.  Lieut -Colonel  James  C.  Lane  (wounded);  137th  New  Yrork,  Colonel  David  Ire- 
land, 149th  New  York,  Colonel  Henry  A.  Barnum,  Lieut.-Colonel  Charles  B Randall. 

Artillery  Brigade  —Lieutenant  Edward  D Muhlenberg,  Commanding  Battery  F, 
4tl\  United  Stat  s,  Lieutenant  E.  D.  Muhlenberg,  Lieutenant  S.  T.  Rugg;  Battery  K,  5th 
United  States,  Lieutenant  I).  II.  lvinsie;  Battery  M,  1st  New  York,  Lieutenant  Charles  E. 
Winegar,  Knap's  Pennsylvania  Battery,  Lieutenant  Charles  Atwell. 

Headquarter  Guard.— Battalion  10th  (Maine. 


CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Major-General  ALFRED  PLEASONTON,  Commanding. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  BUFORD,  Commanding. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  William  Gamble,  Commanding.  8th  New  York,  Colonel 
Benjamin  F.  Davis;  8th  Illinois,  Colonel  William  Gamble,  Lieut.-Colonel  D.  R.  Clendenin; 
two  squadrons  12th  Illinois,  Colonel  Amos  Voss;  three  squadrons  3d  Indiana,  Colonel  Geo. 
H.  Chapman. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Thomas  C.  Devin,  Commanding.  6th  New  York,  Colonel 
Thomas  C.  Devin,  Lieut -Colonel  William  H.  Crocker;  9th  New  York,  Colonel  William 
Sackett;  17th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  J.  H.  Kellogg;  3d  Virginia  (detachment). 

Beserve  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  Wesley  Merritt,  Commanding  1st  United 
States,  Captain  R.  S.  C.  Lord;  2d  United  States,  Captain  T.  F.  Rodenbough;  5th  United 
States,  Captain  J.  W.  Mason;  6th  United  States,  Major  S.  H.  Starr  (wounded),  Captain  G. 
C.  Cram;  6th  Pennsylvania,  Major  James  H.  Hazeltine. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  D McM  GREGG,  Commanding. 
(Headquarter  Guard— Company  A,  1st  Ohio.) 

First  Brigade.— Colonel  J.  B.  McIntosh,  Commanding.  1st  New  Jersey,  Major  M.  H. 
Beaumont;'lst  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  John  P.  Taylor;  3d  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Edward  S Jones;  1st'  Maryland,  Lieut.-Colonel  James  M.  Deems;  1st  Massachusetts  at 
Headquarters  Sixth  Corps. 

Second  Brigade.-— Colonel  Pennock.  Huey,  Commanding.  2d  New  York,  4th  New  York, 
8tli  Pennsylvania,  6tli  Ohio. 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  J.  I.  Gregg.  Commanding.  1st  Maine,  Colonel  Charles  H. 
Smith;  10th  New  York,  Major  W.  A.  Avery;  4th  Pennsylvania, Lieut.-Colonel  W.  E.  Doster; 
16th  Pennsylvania,  Lieut.-Colonel  John  K.  Robison. 

THIRD  DIVISION 

Brigadier-General  JUDSON  KILPATRICK,  Commanding. 
(Headquarter  Guard— Company  C,  1st  Ohio.) 

First  Brigade.— (1)  Brigadier-General  E J.  Farnsworth;  (2)  Colonel  N.  P.  Richmond. 
5th  New  York,  Major  John  Hammond;  18th  Pennsylvania.  Lieut.-Colonel  William  P.  Brin- 
ton,  1st  Vermont,  Colonel  Edward  D.  Sawyer;  1st  West  Virginia,  Colonel  H.  P.  Richmond. 

1 Unassigned  during  progress  of  battle;  afterward  attached  to  First  Division  as  Second 
Brigade. 

2 Not  engaged. 


FEDERAL  ARMY  AT  GETTYSBURG. 


385 


Second  Brigade  — Brigadier-General  George  A.  Custer,  Commanding.  1st  Michigan, 
Colonel  Charles  H.  Town;  5th  Michigan,  Colonel  Russell  A.  Alger;  6th  Michigan,  Colonel 
George  Gray,  7th  Michigan,  Colonel  William  D.  Mann. 

HORSE  ARTILLERY.1 

First  Briqade. — Captain  John  M.  Roberston,  Commanding.  Batteries  B and  L,  2d 
United  States,  Lieutenant  Edw.  Heaton;  Battery  M,  2d  United  States,  Lieutenant  A.  C.  M. 
Eenuington:  Battery  E,  4tli  United  States.  Lieutenant  S.  S.  Elder;  6th  New  York,  Lieut. 
Joseph  W.  Martin;  9th  Michigan,  Captain  J.  J.  Daniels;  3d  United  States,  Lieutenant  Wil- 
liam D.  Fuller 

Second  Briqade. — Captain  John  C.  Tidball,  Commanding.  Batteries  G and  E,  1st 
United  States,  Captain  A.  M.  Randol;  Battery  K,  1st  United  States,  Captain  William  M. 
Graham;  Battery  A,  2d  United  States,  Lieut.  John  H.  Calef;  Battery  C,  3d  United  States. 


ARTILLERY  RESERVE. 

(1)  Brigadier-General  R.  O.  TYLER  (disabled). 

(2)  Captain  JOHN  M.  ROBERTSON. 

First  Begular  Briqade.— Captain  D.  R.  Ransom,  Commanding  (wounded).  Battery  H, 
1st  Uuited  States.  Lieutenant  C.  P.  Eakin  woumledi;  Batteries  F ami  K,  3d  United  States, 
Lieutenant  J.  C Turnbull;  Battery  C,  4th  United  States,  Lieutenant  Evan  Thomas;  Battery 
C,  5th  United  States,  Lieutenant  G.  Y.  Weir. 

First  Volunteer  Briqade.—  Lieut.-Colonel  F.  McGilvery,  Commanding  15th  New 
York,  Captain  Patrick  Hart;  Batteries  F and  G,  Pennsylvania,  Captain  R.  B.  Ricketts;  5th 
Massachusetts.  Captain  C.  A.  Phillips;  9th  Massachusetts,  Captain  John  Bigelow. 

Second  Volunteer  Brigade. — Captain  E D.  Taft,  Commanding.  Battery  B,  1st  Connec- 
ticut;2 Battery  M,  1st  Connecticut;  2 5th  New  York,  Captain  Elijah  D.  Taft;  2d  Connec- 
ticut, Lieutenant  John  W.  Sterling. 

Third  Volunteer  Brigade—  Captain  James  F.  Huntington,  Commanding.  Batteries 
F and  G.  1st  Pennsylvania,  Captain  James  Thompson;  Battery  H,  1st  Ohio,  Captain  James 
F.  Huntington;  Battery  A.  1st  New  Hampshire,  Captain  F.  M.  Edgell;  Battery  C,  1st  West 
Virginia,  Captain  Wallace  Hill. 

Fourth  Volunteer  Brigade.— Captain  R.  H.  FrTZHUGH,  Commanding.  Battery  B,  1st 
New  York,  Captain  Jas.  McRorty  (killed);  Battery  G,  1st  New  York,  Captain  Albert  N. 
Ames;  Battery  K.  1st  New  York(llth  Battery  attached).  Captain  Robert  H.  Fitzhugh;  Bat- 
tery A,  1st  Maryland,  Captain  Jas.  H.  Rigby;  Battery  A.  1st  New  Jersey,  Lieutenant  Au- 
gustin N.  Parsons.  6th  Maine,  Lieutenant  Edwin  B.  Dow. 

Train  Guard.— Major  Charles  Ewing,  Commanding.  4th  New  Jersey  Infantry. 

Headquarter  Guard. — Captain  J.  C.  Fuller,  Commanding  Battery  C,  32d  Massa- 
chusetts. 


DETACHMENTS  AT  HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 

Command  of  the  Prorosi-Marshal-Generat .— Brigadier-General  M.  R.  Patrick,  Com- 
manding. 93d  New  Y’ork. 2 8th  United  States,2 1-t  Massachusetts  Cavalry,  2d  Pennsylvania 
Cavalry,  Batteries  E and  1.  Gth  Pennsylvania  Cavalry,  Detachment-  Regular  Cavaliy, 
United  States  Engineer  Battalion,2  Captain  Geo.  H.  Mendel,  United  States  Engineers. 

Guards  and  Orderlies. — Captain  D.  P.  Mann,  Commanding.  Independent  Company 
Oneida  Cavalry. 

1 A section  of  a battery  attached  to  the  Pnrnell  Legion  was  with  Gregg  on  the  3d. 

2 Not  engaged. 


386 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  B. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIR- 
GINIA, JUNE  1,  1863. 

General  ROBERT  E.  LEE,  Commanding. 

STAFF. 

Colonel  W.  H.  TAYLOR,  Adjutant-General. 

“ C.  S.  YENABLE,  A.D.C. 

“ CHARLES  MARSHALL,  A.D.C. 

“ JAMES  L.  CORLEY,  Chief  Quartermaster. 

“ R.  G.  COLE,  Chief  Commissary. 

“ B.  G.  BALDWIN,  Chief  of  Ordnance. 

“ H.  L.  PEYTON,  Assistant  Inspector-General. 

General  W.  N.  PENDLETON,  Chief  of  Artillery. 

Doctor  L.  GUILD,  Medical  Director. 

Colonel  W.  PROCTOR  SMITn,  Chief  Engineer. 

Major  H.  E.  YOUNG,  Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

“ G.  B.  COOK,  Assistant  Inspector-General. 


FIRST  CORPS. 

Lieutenant-General  JAMES  LONGSTREET,  Commanding. 

McLAWS’  DIVISION. 

Major-General  L.  JIcLAWS,  Commanding. 

Kershaw's  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  J.  B.  Kershaw,  Commanding.  15th  South 
'Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  D.  DeSaussure;  8th  South  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  J. 
W.  Mamminger;  2d  South  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  John  D.  Kennedy:  Sd  South  Caro- 
lina Regiment,  Colonel  James  D.  Nance ; 7th  South  Carolina  Rrgiment,  Col.nel  D.  Wyatt 
Aiken;  3d  (James’),  Battalion  South  Carolina  Infantry,  Lieut. -Colonel  11.  C.  Rice. 

Benning's  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  H.  L.  Bennino,  Commanding.  EOth  Georgia 
Regiment,  Colonel  W.  R.  Manning;  61st  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  M.  Slaughter;  63d 
Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  James  R.  Somms;  10th  Georgia  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  John 
B.  Weems. 

Barksdale’s  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  Wm.  Barksdale,  Commanding.  13th  Missis- 
sippi Regiment,  Colonel  J.  W.  Carter;  17th  Mississippi  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  D.  Holder; 
18th  Mississippi  Regiment,  Colonel  Thomas  M.  Griffin ; 21st  Mississippi  Regiment,  Colonel 
B.  G.  Humphreys. 

Wofford's  Brigade.—  Brigadier-General  W.  T.  Woffard,  Commanding.  18th  Georgia 
Regiment,  Atajor  E.  Griffs ; Phillips’  Georgia  Legion,  Colonel  W.  M.  Phillips;  24th  Geor- 
gia Regiment,  Colonel  Robert  McMillan;  16th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  Goode  Bryan; 
Cobb’s  Georgia  Legion,  Lieut.-Colonel  L.  D.  Glewn. 

PICKETT’S  DIVISION. 

AIajor-Gf.neral  GEORGE  E.  TICKETT,  Commanding. 

Garnett's  Brigade—  Brigadier-General  R.  B.  Garnett, Commanding.  8th  Virginia 
Begiment,  Colonel  Eppa  Hunton;  18th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  R.  E.  Withers:  19th 
Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  Henry  Gantt;  28th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  R.  C.  Allen; 
66th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  D.  Stuart. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


387 


Jrmistead's  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  L.  A.  Armistead,  Commanding.  9th  Vir- 
ginia Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  S.  Gilliam:  14th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  G. 
Hodges,  3Sth  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  E.  C.  Edmonds;  53d  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel 
John  Grammer;  57th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  15.  Magruder. 

Kemper's  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  J.  E Kemper,  Commanding.  1st  Virginia  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  Lewis  B.  Williams,  jr  ; 3d  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  Joseph  Mayo,  jr  ; 7tli 
Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  T.  Patton;  11th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  David  Funs- 
tou";  24th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  R.  Terry. 

Toombs’  Brigade  —Brigadier-General  R.  Toombs,  Commanding  2d  Georgia  Regiment, 
Colonel  E.  M.  Butt;  15th"Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  E.  M.  Puliose;  17th  Georgia  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  \V.  C.  Hodges;  20th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  B.  Cummings. 

Corse's  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  M.  D.  Corse,  Commanding.  15th  Virginia  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  T.  P.  August  ; 17th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  Morton  Marye;  30tli  Vir- 
ginia Regiment,  Colonel  A.  T,  Harrison;  3_’d  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  E.  B.  Montague. 

HOOD'S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  J.  B.  HOOD. 

Robertson's  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  J.  B.  Robertson,  Commanding.  1st  Texas 
Regiment,  Colonel  A.  T.  Rainey;  4th  Texas  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  C.  G.  Key;  5th  Texas 
Regiment,  Colonel  R.  M.  Powell;  3d  Arkansas  Regiment,  Colonel  Van  H.  Manning. 

Laws’  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  E.  M.  La  ws,  Commanding.  4th  Alabama  Regiment, 
Colonel  P.  A.  Bowls;  44th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  IV.  H.  Perry;  15th  Alabama  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  James  Cauty;  47th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  J.W.  Jackson;  48th  Ala- 
bama, Colonel  J.  F.  Shepherd. 

Anderson's  Brigade.—  Brigadier- General  G.  T.  Anderson,  Commanding.  10th  Georgia 
Battalion,  Major  J.  E.  Rylander;  7th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  M.  White;  Sth  Geor- 
gia Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  J.  R.  Towers;  9th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  B.  F.  Beck; 
11th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  F.  H.  Little. 

Jenkins ’ Brigade. — Brigadier-General  M.  Jenkins,  Commanding.  2d  South  Carolina 
Rifles,  Colouef Thomas  Thompson;  1st  South  Carolina  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  David  Liv- 
ingstone; 5th  South  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  A.  Coward;  6th  South  Carolina  Regiment, 
Colonel  John  Bratton;  Hampton's  Legion,  Colonel  M.  W.  Gary. 

ARTILLERY  OF  THE  FIRST  CORPS. 

Colonel  J.  B.  WALTON,  Commanding. 

Battalion.— Colonel  H.  C.  Cabell;  Major  Hamilton.  Batteries:  McCarty’s,  Manly’s, 
Carlton's,  Fraser's. 

Battalion.— Major  Deaking;  Major  Reed.  Batteries:  Macon’s,  Blount's,  Stribling’s, 
Caskie’s. 

Battalion.— Major  Henry.  Batteries:  Bachman’s,  Rielly’s,  Latham’s,  Gordon’s. 

Battalion.— Colonel  E.  P.  Alexander;  Major  Hoger.  Batteries:  Jordan's,  Rhett’s, 
Moody's,  Parker's,  Taylor's. 

Battalion. — Major Eshleman.  Batteries-  Squire’s,  Miller’s,  Richardson’s,  Norcom’s. 

Total  number  of  guns,  Artillery  of  the  First  corps,  83. 


SECOND  COEPS. 

Lieutenant-General  E.  S.  EWELL. 

EARLY’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  J.  A.  EARLY,  Commanding. 

Bays’  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  II.  S.  Hays,  Commandiug.  6th  Louisiana  Regiment, 
Colonel  Henry  Forno ; 6th  Louisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  William  Monaghan:  7th  Louisi- 
ana Regiment,  Colonel  I).  B.  Penn;  Sth  Louisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  Henry  B.  Kelley; 
9th  Louisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  A.  L.  Stafford. 

Gordon's  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  J.  B.  Gorden,  Commandiug.  13th  Georgia  Reg- 
iment, Colonel  J.  M.  Smith;  23th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  E.  N.  Atkinson;  3lst  Geor- 
gia Regiment,  Colonel  C.  A.  Evans;  38th  Georgia  Regiment,  Major  J.  D.  Matthews;  COth 
Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  W.  H.  Stiles;  61st  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  H.  Lamar. 

Smith’s  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  William  Smith,  Commanding.  13th  Virginia 
Regiment,  Colonel  J.  E.  B.  Terrill;  31st  Virginia  Regimen*.  Colonel  John  S.  Hoffman; 
49th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  Gibson;  62d  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  Skinner;  58  h 
Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  F.  H.  Board. 

Rohe’s  Brigade.—  Colonel  ,T.  E.  Avery,  Commanding  (General  R.  F.  Hohe  being  absent, 
wounded).  5th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  E.  Avery;  21st  North  Carolina  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  W.  W.  Kirkland;  54th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  C.  T.  McDow- 
ell; 57th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  A.  C.  Godwin;  1st  North  Carolina  Battalion, 
Major  R.  H.  Wharton. 


388 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


RHODE'S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  R.  E.  RHODES,  Commanding. 

Daniel's  Brigade—  Brigadier-General  .1  unius  Daniel,  Commanding.  32d  North  Car- 
olina Regiment,  Colonel  E.  C.  Jirabble;  43d  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  Thomas  S. 
Keenan;  45th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  Samuel  H.  Boyd;  53d  North  Caro- 
lina Kegiment,  Colonel  AV.  A.  Owens;  2d  North  Carolina  Rattalion,  Lieut.-Colonel  H. 
S.  Andrew. 

J)oles'  Brigade—  Brigadier-General  George  Doles,  Commanding.  4th  Georgia  Regi- 
ment, Lieut.-Colonel  D.  R.  E.  Winn;  12th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  Edward  AVillis;  21st 
Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  T.  Mercer;  44th  Georgia  Regiment,  Colonel  S.  P.  Lumpkin. 

Ircrsnn's  Brigade  -Brigadier-General  Alfred  Iverson,  Commanding.  5th  North  Car- 
olina Regiment,  Captain  S.  15.  AVest;  12th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  K. 
Slough;  23d  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  D.  II.  Christie. 

Bamseur's  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  S.  D.  Ramseur,  Commanding.  2d  North  Caro- 
lina Regiment,  Major  E.  W.  Hurt;  4th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  Bryan  Grimes; 
14rh  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Colonel  R.  T.  Bennett;  30tli  North  Carolina  Regiment, 
Colonel  F.  M.  Parker. 

Bodes’  Brigade. — Colonel  E.  A.  O’Neal,  Commanding.  3d  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel 
C.  A.  Battle;  5th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  J M.  Hill;  6th  Alabama  Kegiment,  Colonel 
J.  N.  Lightfoot;  12th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  S.  B.  Pickens;  26th  Alabama  Regiment, 
Lieut.-Colonel  J.  C.  Goodgame. 

JOHNSON’S  DIVISION, 

Major-General  ED.  JOHNSON,  Commanding. 

Steuarl's  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  George  H.  Stedart,  Commanding.  10th  A’ir- 
ginia  Regiment,  Colonel  E.  T.  H.  Warren;  23d  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  A.  G.  Talia- 
ferro; 27th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  T.  V.  Williams;  1st  North  Carolina  Regiment, 
Colonel  J.  A.  McDowell;  3d  North  Carolina  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  Thurston. 

“ Stonewall’s”  Brigade  — Brigadier-General  James  A.  Walker,  Commanding.  2d 
Virginia  Regiment,  Colon  1 J.  Q.  A.  Nadenbousch;  4th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  Charles 
A.  Ronald;  5th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  .1 . H.  S.  Funk;  27tli  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel 
J.  II.  Edmondson;  33d  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  F.  M.  Ilolladay. 

Jones'  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  John  M.  Jones,  Commanding.  21st  Virginia  Reg- 
iment, Captain  Moseley;  42d  Virginia  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  AVitliers;  44th  Ahrginia 
Regiment,  Captain  Buckner;  48th  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  T.  S.  Garnett;  50th  Virginia 
Regiment,  Colonel  Vandeventer. 

Nicholls'  Brigade.— Colonel  J.  M.  Williams,  Commanding  (General  F.  T.  Nicholls 
being  absent,  wounded)  1st  Louisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  AVilliam  R.  Shirers;  2d  Louis- 
iana Regiment,  Colonel  J.  M.  AVilliams;  10th  Louisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  E.  Waggaman; 
14th  I .ouisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  Z.  York;  15th  Louisiana  Regiment,  Colonel  Edward 
Pendleton. 

ARTILLERY  OF  THE  SECOND  CORPS. 

Colonel  S.  CRUTCHFIELD,  Commanding. 

Battalion. — Lieut.-Colonel  Thomas  II.  Carter;  Major  Carter  M.  Braxton.  Batteries; 
Page’s,  Fry’s,  Carter’s,  Reese’s. 

Battalion. — Lieut.-Colonel  H.  P Jones;  Major  Brockenborough,  Batteries:  Car- 
rington’s, Garber’s,  Thompson's,  Tanner’s. 

Battalion.— Lieut  -Colonel  S.  Andrews;  Major  Latimer.  Batteries:  Brown’s,  Der- 
mot’s.  Carpenter's,  Raine’s. 

Battalion. — Lieut.-Colonel  Nelson;  Major  Page.  Batteries:  Kirkpatrick’s,  Massie’s, 
Millege’s 

Battalion.— Colonel  J.  T.  Brown;  Major  Hardaway.  Batteries:  Dauce’s,  Watson’s, 
Smith’s,  Huff’s,  Graham’s. 

Total  number  of  guns,  Artillery  of  the  Second  Corps,  82. 


THIRD  CORPS. 

Lieutenant-General  A.  P.  HILL,  Commanding. 

R.  n.  ANDERSON’S  DIVISION 

Wilcox's  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  C.  M.  AY'ilcox,  Commanding.  8th  Alabama  Reg- 
iment, Colonel  T.  L.  Royster;  9th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  S.  Henry;  10th  Alabama 
Regiment,  Colonel  W.  H.  Forney ; 11th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  C.  C.  Saunders; 
14th  Alabama  Regiment,  Colonel  L.  P.  Pinkliam. 

Mahone's  Brigade.— Brigadier-General  William  Mahone,  Commanding.  8tli  Alabama 
Regiment,  Colonel  G.T.  Rogers;  12tli  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  D.  A.  Weisiger;  16th 
Virginia  Regiment,  Lieut.-Colonel  Joseph  H.  Ham;  41st  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  AV. 
A.  Parham;  61st  Virginia  Regiment,  Colonel  V.  D.  Groner. 


AKMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


389 


Posey’s  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  Canot  Posey,  Commanding.  46th  Mississippi 
Regiment,  Colonel  Joseph  Jayne;  16th  Mississippi  Regiment,  Colonel  Samuel  E Baker; 
lath  .Mississippi  Regiment,  Colonel  John  Mullins:  12th  Mississippi  Regiment,  Colonel  W. 
H.  Taylor. 

Wright's  Brigade.—  Brigadier-General  A.  R.  Wright,  Commanding.  2d  Georgia  Bat- 
talion," Major  G W.  Ross;  3d  Georgia  Regiment.  Colonel  E.  J.  Walker:  22d  Georgia  Reg- 
iment. Colonel  R.  H Jones;  48th  Georgia  Regimeut,  Colonel  William  Gibson. 

Perry's  Brigade. — Brigadier-General  E A.  Perry.  Commanding.  2d  Florida  Regiment, 
tieut.-'c  olouel  S.  G.  Pyles;  5th  Florida  Regiment,  Colonel  J.  C.  Hately;  8th  Florida  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  David  Long. 

HETH’S  DIVISION. 

First,  Pettigrew's  Brigade. — 42d,  11th,  26th,  44th,  47th,  52d,  and  17th  North  Carolina 
Regiments. 

Second,  Field's  Brigade. — 40th,  55th,  and  47th  Virginia  Regiments. 

Third,  Archer's  Brigade. — 1st.  7th.  ami  14th  Tennessee,  and  13th  Alabama  Regiments. 

Fourth,  Cook's  Brigade.— 15th,  27th,  46th,  and  48th  North  Carolina  Regiments. 

PENDER’S  DIVISION. 

First,  McGowan's  Brigade. — 1st,  12th,  13th,  and  14th  North  Carolina  Regiments. 

Second,  Lane's  Brigade.— 7th,  18th,  28th,  33d,  and  37th  Georgia  Regiments. 

Third,  Thomas'  Brigade.— 14th,  35th,  45th,  and  49th  Georgia  Regiments. 

Fourth,  Pender’s  Old  Brigade.— 13th,  16tli,  22d,  34th,  and  38th  North  Carolina  Regiments. 

ARTILLERY  OF  THE  THIRD  CORPS. 

Colonel  R.  LINDSEY  WALKER,  Commanding. 

Battalion.— Major  D.  G.  McIntosh;  Major  W.  F.  Poague.  Batteries:  Hurt's,  Rice’s, 
Luck’s,  Johnson's. 

Battalion.— Lieut.-Colonel  Garnett;  Major  Richardson.  Batteries:  Lewis’,  Maurin’s, 
Moore’s,  Grandy’s. 

Battalion.— Major  Cctshaw.  Batteries:  Wyatt's,  Woolfork’s,  Brooke's. 

Battalion.— Major  Willie  P.  Pegkam.  Batteries:  Brunson's,  Davidson's,  Crenshaw's, 
McGraw’s,  Marye’s. 

Battalion.— Lieut.-Colonel  CtJTTS;  Major  Lane.  Batteries:  Winfield’s,  Ross’,  Patterson’s. 

Total  number  of  guns,  Artillery  of  the  Third  Corps,  83. 

Total  number  of  guns,  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  24S. 

LIEUT. -GENERAL  J.  E.  B.  STUART’S  CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Brigadier-General  Wade  Hampton's  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Fitz  Hugh  Lee's  Brigade. 

Brigadier  General  W.  H F.  Lee's  Brigade,  under  Colonel  Chambliss. 

Brigadier-General  B.  H.  Robertson’s  Brigade 

Brigadier-General  William  E.  Jones’  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  J.  D.  Imboden’s  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  A.  G.  Jenkins’  Brigade. 

Colonel  White's  Battalion. 

Baker’s  Brigade. 


390 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

9 

REMINISCENCES  OF  CAMP  AND  FIELD.  POEM. 

WHERE  IN  THUNDER  WAS  GENERAL  GRANT? 

During  the  war,  in  the  country  towns,  the  wounded  soldier, 
home  on  furlough,  was  considered  the  lion  of  the  village ; a 
special  wonder  in  the  eyes  of  all,  both  old  and  young.  This, 
of  course,  afforded  the  soldier  great  pleasure,  and  he  made 
the  most  of  the  situation,  and  many  were  the  wonderful 
stories  of  daring  adventure,  and  terrible  suffering  through 
which  he  had  passed.  These  were  usually  accepted  by  the 
listeners  with  but  little,  if  any,  discount. 

During  the  autumn  of  1864,  one  of  Grant's  men,  who  had 
been  severely  wounded  in  the  Wilderness  fight,  was  at  his 
old  home,  a small  hamlet  in  eastern  Maine,  on  a furlough. 
It  was  an  election  day,  and  the  yeomanry  were  out  in  full 
force.  Nearly  every  one  had  relatives  in  the  army,  and  of 
course  were  anxious  to  hear  of  army  life,  and  the  particulars 
about  the  inarches,  officers,  battles,  etc.  Our  hero,  a mere 
youth,  who  had  seen  two  years  service  at  the  front,  however, 
received  a volley  of  a hundred  questions  as  the  first  greeting, 
the  following  being  fair  samples  of  their  character : 

“How  do  you  go  into  a fight? ” “How  did  it  feel  when 
you  were  shot?”  “ Were  you  scared?  ” “ Did  you  see  Gen- 
eral Lee  ? ” “ How  many  rebels  did  you  kill  ? ” “ Did  you 

ever  talk  with  General  Grant?”  “Was  he  near  you  when 
you  were  shot  ? ” 

This  hopeful  youth  saw  it  was  a good  opportunity  to  spin 
a yarn,  and  being  well  qualified  by  his  two  years  associations, 
for  the  task,  told  his  old  neighbors  that  if  they  would  listen, 
he  would  describe  the  whole  matter  to  them.  Silence  reigned 
in  a moment,  and  with  open  mouths  and  eyes  the  people 
listened  for  a truthful  description  of  a battle  from  one  of 
their  own  boys. 


NO  MARK  OF  A GENTLEMAN. 


391 


Assuming  a face  of  gravity,  showing  that  he  appreciated 
the  importance  of  the  occasion,  the  soldier  began  his  narra- 
tive. He  informed  them  how  the  corps  were  organized  from 
the  brigades  and  divisions,  pictured  to  their  minds  how  the 
army  marched  along  the  different  routes,  told  them  of  the 
passage  across  the  Rappahannock  and  Rapidan,  how  the  army 
entered  the  Wilderness  and  encamped  the  night  before  the 
battle,  gave  them  information  as  to  how  the  coffee  was  pre- 
pared in  the  morning,  the  breastworks  constructed,  and  how 
at  noon  they  advanced  through  the  dense  forest  to  find  the 
Confederates. 

Then  came  the  battle.  The  blue  and  gray  struggling  be- 
neath the  pine  trees,  how  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight  he  was 
wounded  just  as  the  line  began  to  fall  back. 

“ Where  in  thunder  was  General  Grant  ? ” blurted  out  one 
fellow,  who  could  contain  his  curiosity  and  excitement  no 
longer.  “ Where  was  Grant  ? ” he  repeated. 

The  questioner  was  silenced  by  a gesture  of  the  soldier’s 
hand,  and  he  continued : “ I was  about  to  remark,  that  when 

I was  wounded,  the  line  began  to  fall  back,  and  I went  as 
rapidly  as  possible  toward  the  rear.  As  I was  passing  along 
the  turnpike  General  Grant  rode  up  to  me  and  cried,  “For 
God’s  sake  go  back  to  the  front,  the  army  has  learned  of  your 
being  wounded,  they  are  all  retreating,  and  every  thing  will 
be  lost  if  you  do  not.” 

I answered,  “ No,  Grant,  I am  severely  wounded.  You 
must  go  in  now  and  take  the  responsibility  yourself.  That 
was  the  last  time  General  Grant  talked  with  me.”  There  was 
disgust  on  every  face  in  the  crowd,  and  without  saying  more 
they  departed,  and  left  this  military  liar  master  of  the  field. 

NO  MARK  OF  A GENTLEMAN. 

In  a certain  company  there  was  one  fellow  who  failed  to 
comprehend  the  importance  of  keeping  his  person  clean.  He 
received  many  words  of  admonition,  threats  and  warnings 
from  his  officers,  but  all  to  no  avail. 

One  day  there  was  to  be  a regimental  inspection,  and  as 


392 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


fate  would  have  it,  this  fellow's  neck  and  ears  were  in  a most 
sorry  plight.  The  inspector  was  a graduate  from  West  Point 
and  of  course  every  thing  must  be  in  first-class  order.  Com- 
ing to  the  company  of  which  this  man  was  a member,  accom- 
panied by  his  captain,  the  inspector  went  down  the  line  until 
he  came  to  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  up  to  which  time  all 
had  gone  well. 

At  first  he  examined  his  rusty  rifle,  then  his  dirty,  un- 
brushed clothes,  and  his  shoes  unblacked.  His  face  was  livid 
with  anger.  Then  by  chance  he  saw  his  neck,  upon  which 
the  dust  had  gathered  in  a thick  layer,  and  not  having  been 
moistened  for  weeks,  had  cracked  open  and  was  in  large 
flakes , then  his  ears,  the  inside  of  which  were  as  black  as  the 
muzzles  of  two  twelve  pounders.  With  a puzzled  look  the 
inspector  turned  to  the  captain  and  said,  “ When  you  return 
to  camp  at  least  swab  out  his  ears.’’ 

When  the  company  returned  to  its  camp  street,  this  fellow 
stepped  out  of  the  ranks,  before  the  company,  when  with 
much  indignant  feeling  the  captain  told  him  how  he  had  “dis- 
graced himself,  his  officers  and  his  company.”  When  the 
captain  ceased  speaking,  the  culprit,  whose  face  was  a perfect 
picture  of  woe,  without  changing  a muscle  in  his  countenance, 
spoke  thus,  in  his  own  defence  : “ All  you  haAre  said  may  be 

true,  captain,  but  I do  want  to  say  that,  in  my  opinion,  it  is  a 
cussed  mean  business  to  go  around  and  peek  in  other  folks 
ears.” 


“WASHING  UNDER  DIFFICULTIES.” 

The  army  was  in  front  of  Petersburg,  the  opposing  lines 
were  near  each  other,  and  there  Avas  an  incessant  fire  betAveen 
the  tAvo ; minie  balls  and  shells  occasionally  dropped  as  if  from 
the  skies  to  send  death  and  terror  among  the  men. 

The  troops  Avere  obliged  to  spend  much  of  their  time  in  the 
bomb-proof.  Cooking  Avas  almost  impossible,  and  washing 
soon  became  one  of  the  lost  arts.  To  add  to  the  embarrass- 
ment of  the  situation,  the  trenches  became  inhabited  by  those 
little  gray  insects  which  are  the  bane  of  a soldier’s  life ; ver- 


WASHING  UNDER  DIFFICULTIES. 


393 


min.  They  bivouacked  on  their  shirts  and  entrenched  them- 
selves in  every  seam,  until  it  was  almost  impossible  to  dislodge 
them.  Daily  raids  were  made  upon  them,  and  fruitless  en- 
deavors made  to  pick  them  off;  the  garments  were  frequently 
turned  hoping  that  by  constant  change  and  the  keeping  them 
upon  the  outside,  they  might  be  run  to  death,  but  these  expe- 
dients only  lessened  the  evil  for  the  time  being. 

To  wash  the  garments  and  then  boil  them  in  salt  and  water 
was  considered  a very  effective  means  to  get  rid  of  them,  but 
a fellow  would  resist  that  temptation  a long  time  before  he 
would  build  a fire  and  thus  expose  himself  to  the  Confederate 
sharpshooters  and  the  terrible  shells. 

One  day,  when  the  heat  was  intense  and  the  insects  unusu- 
ally active,  one  fellow  declared  he  would  stand  it  no  longer, 
that  he  had  sooner  die  like  a man  than  to  be  tortured  to  death 
by  degrees.  He  sprang  out  from  the  bomb-proof,  a fire  was 
kindled,  the  company  kettle  of  sheet-iron  was  filled  with 
water,  and  placed  upon  the  burning  sticks  of  wood,  while  the 
bullets  began  to  fly  around  the  adventurous  man.  He  wisely 
concluded  that  he  would  not  wash  the  garment,  but  rather 
take  it  from  his  person  and  boil  it,  as  this  process  would 
require  much  less  time,  and  would  be  equally  destructive  to 
his  tormentors.  The  water  reaching  a boiling  point,  his  only 
shirt  was  placed  into  the  foaming  liquid,  while  its  owner,  with 
a remorseless  smile  upon  his  grim  countenance,  stood  and 
enjoyed  solid  comfort,  at  the  discomfiture  of  his  foes. 

There  was  a rushing  sensation  in  the  air  above  his  head,  as 
if  a planet  was  about  to  drop  from  the  firmament  above  him. 
The  cause,  his  comrades  well  understood,  and  he  sprang  for 
the  bomb-proof,  and  none  too  quickly.  A huge  shell  plunged 
down  and  as  if  guided  by  the  hand  of  fate,  buried  itself  in 
the  fire.  A moment  later  there  was  an  explosion  that  shook 
the  earth  for  rods,  and  it  is  quite  needless  to  add  that  the 
company  kettle  and  that  shirt,  had  not  been  heard  from  when 
the  regiment  left  for  home  some  ten  months  afterward. 


394 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


DEMORALIZED. 

We  succeeded  in  playing  a very  rich  joke  upon  a member 
of  our  regiment,  just  as  the  battle  began  in  the  Wilderness. 

This  man's  name  was  G 1.  He  was  always  nervous  under 

fire.  Like  all  the  rest  of  us  he  did  not  relish  the  sound  of 
the  whistling  bullets,  and  the  fearful  rush  of  the  bursting 
shells,  but,  unlike  many  of  us,  he  did  not  have  the  happy  fac- 
ulty of  concealing  his  fear.  He  well  understood  that  we  all 
knew  of  his  cowardice,  and  this  only  increased  it. 

His  habit  when  under  fire  was,  if  we  halted  for  a moment, 
to  throw  himself  upon  the  ground,  bury  his  face  in  the  dirt, 
and  endeavor  to  get  out  of  range  of  the  enemy’s  fire.  This 
habit  became  so  notorious  that  the  boys  all  used  to  declare,  if 
he  was  placed  under  fire  upon  an  oaken  floor,  he  would  settle 
his  whole  size  right  through  the  solid  wood;  but  perhaps 
such  a statement  is  a slight  exaggeration  of  the  truth. 

On  the  afternoon  of  May  fifth  the  division  was  ordered  to 
advance  and  open  the  battle.  Before  proceeding  far  through 
the  dense  forest,  it  came  upon  the  advance  line  of  the  enemy, 
who  immediately  opened  fire  upon  it,  the  bullets  flying 
thickly  in  every  direction.  A skirmish  line  was  deployed  in 
front  of  us,  and  we  could  not  fire  without  endangering  the 
lives  of  our  comrades.  The  order  came  for  us  to  halt  for  a 
few  moments.  The  bullets  were  shattering  the  dry  pine 
limbs  above  our  heads,  and  the  splinters  were  flying  as 
thickly  as  hailstones. 

The  moment  we  halted,  G -t  threw  himself  upon  the 

ground,  and  following  his  custom,  began  to  sink  from  view. 
As  a kind  providence  would  have  it,  there  was  a pine  stump, 
about  the  size  of  a nail  keg,  directly  in  front  of  him,  and  he 
did  not  observe  what  the  boys  were  quick  to  see.  The  old 
stump  was  very  much  decayed,  in  fact,  so  rotten  that  a peb- 
ble might  have  been  easily  thrown  through  it.  The  boys  saw 
there  was  an  opportunity  to  have  some  fun.  For  a moment 
we  forgot  all  about  the  danger  around  us,  and  the  battle  be- 
fore us,  as  we  heartily  entered  into  the  spirit  of  the  occasion. 

There  was  a member  of  the  regiment  to  which  G 1 


SOLD. 


395 


belonged,  by  the  name  of  Tom,  whose  yell  so  much  re- 
sembled the  screech  of  a shell  that  one  could  scarcely  be 
distinguished  from  the  other.  He  occupied  a position  several 
rods  in  advance  of  the  line.  Three  or  four  gun-straps  were 
taken  from  as  many  guns,  fastened  together,  and  one  end 
made  fast  to  the  top  of  the  stump,  Avhile  a fellow  had  the 

other  end  in  the  rear  of  G -t's  feet.  The  muzzles  of  half- 

a-dozen  guns  were  placed  about  the  head  of  the  unsuspect- 
ing victim ; a signal  was  given ; Tom's  terrible  yell  sent 
terror  along  the  line ; the  guns  were  discharged ; a sharp 
pull  was  given  upon  the  strap,  and  the  stump  rolled  down 

over  the  head  and  back  of  G 1.  He  sprang  to  his  feet, 

and  for  a moment  seemed  to  be  bewildered.  Then  he  turned 
and  dashed  to  the  rear,  through  the  line  of  battle  and  the 
provost  guard,  over  the  breastworks,  and  back  to  the  old 
Wilderness  tavern.  We  did  not  see  him  again  for  a number 
of  days. 

The  best  of  the  joke  was  that  we  were  never  able  to  con- 
vince him  it  was  a joke.  To  him  it  was  always  a serious  re- 
ality— a shell  exploded  upon  his  shoulders.  To  this  day  he 
tells  his  grandchildren  of  his  wonderful  escape  from  death  in 
the  Wilderness,  and  perhaps  may  be  drawing  a pension  for 
injuries  received  on  that  occasion. 

“ SOLD.” 

Among  the  recruits  who  came  to  the Maine,  in  the 

spring  of  1865,  when  encamped  near  Hatcher's  Run,  was  an 
Irishman  who  bore  the  classic  name  of  Patrick  Muldownie. 
He  was  a most  singular  looking  man  for  a soldier,  short  and 
thick  set,  very  fleshy,  with  little,  stumpy  legs  which  seemed 
to  creak  and  groan  under  the  great  load  placed  upon  them  ; 
his  head  was  large  and  round,  its  top  destitute  of  hair,  while 
his  face  would  have  resembled  the  moon  at  its  full  had  it  been 
red.  He  was  a tailor,  by  trade,  and  when  he  enlisted  the 
large  bounty  he  received  not  satisfying  his  sordid  greed  for 
filthy  lucre,  he  packed  several  suits  of  fine  blue  clothing  in 
his  knapsack,  intending  to  earn  an  honest  penny  by  selling 


396 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


them  to  the  soldiers  at  the  enormous  prices  which  they  would 
command  at  the  front.  He  was  obliged  to  march  several 
miles  from  a station  on  the  City  Point  railroad  to  the  camp  at 
Hatcher’s  Run.  The  knapsack  was  large  and  heavy,  and  its 
owner  soon  became  weary  of  its  burden. 

True  to  the  instincts  of  his  nation,  he  began  to  grumble  to 
himself  something  like  the  following:  “An'  bad  luck  to  meself, 
an’  a bloody  fool  was  I the  day  I enlisted  in  the  Union  army 
to  free  the  black,  nasty  nagers  , an’  I wonder  why  I was  not 
afther  taken  me  whole  establishment  upon  me  back  whin  I 
came,  as  well  have  it  all  as  a part  whin  I’m  not  able  to  carry 
ither.”  Just  then  he  saw  a squad  of  cavalrymen  passing, 
and  ceasing  from  his  philosophical  soliloquy,  he  yelled,  “An' 

can  ye  inform  me  where  the Maine  is  to  be  found?  ” “ 0 

yes,”  replied  the  trooper  thus  addressed,  who  probably  had 
never  heard  of  such  a regiment  before,  “I  know  right  where 
their  camp  is.” 

“An’  would  ye  be  afther  going  in  that  direction  me  b'hoy?” 
“Yes,  the  colonel  is  my  brother,  and  I shall  make  him  a call 
as  I go  past.”  “An’  now  ye  are  talkin’  me  lad.  An’  phawt 
will  ye  carry  this  small  knapsack  to  ye  brother’s  for?  I care 
nothing  for  its  weight,  for  it  is  as  light  as  a feather,  but  I 
don’t  want  to  go  to  the  regiment  of  ye  brother  looking  like  a 
baste  of  burthen,  at  all,  at  all.” 

“ O,  give  me  five  dollars  and  I will  leave  it  there  for  you.” 
“An  unmerciful  a price  for  so  small  a bundle,  but  Patrick 
Muldownie  cares  nothing  for  money,  so  here  is  the  greenback. 
Take  the  knapsack,  presint  me  compliments  to  yer  brother, 
tlier  kernel,  and  tell  him  I am  on  me  way.” 

After  dark  that  night  the  name  of  Patrick  Muldownie  was 
read  for  the  first  time  at  the  roll  call  of  Company  H.  He  was 
quickly  surrounded  by  a number  of  smart  young  recruits  who 
had  enlisted  several  weeks  before,  and  who  now  priding  them- 
selves as  being  old  soldiers,  were  anxious  to  play  the  same 
jokes  upon  him  which  the  older  soldiers  had  played  on  them. 
But  he  motioned  them  aside  with  a lordly  flourish  of  his  hand 
and  demanded,  “ Where  is  yer  kernel’s  tent,  me  boys?”  “And 


SOLD. 


397 


what  does  a recruit  like  yourself  want  with  the  colonel,  I 
would  like  to  know  ?”  qixestioned  a spruce  young  fellow.  “An’ 
what  is  that  to  yourself,  any  how  ?”  retorted  the  other;  “ what 
would  ther  loikes  of  yerself  say  should  I tell  yer  that  the 
kernel  was  an  old  pursonal  friend  of  meself,  and  that  his  own 
brother  came  all  the  way  from  City  Point  to  this  bloody  camp 
for  no  other  purpose  than  to  bring  the  knapsack  of  meself  an’ 
leave  it  with  the  kernel  ’til  I should  be  afther  calling  for  it.” 

The  boys,  thinking  the  man  must  be  either  drunk  or  insane, 
and  that  there  would  be  some  fun,  pointed  out  to  him  the 
tent  of  the  regimental  commander.  Muldownie  moved  for- 
ward in  that  direction  in  a most  gallant  manner.  The  guard 
had  been  removed,  and  without  waiting  to  knock  at  the  door 
for  admission,  he  walked  directly  in.  The  colonel  was  just 
in  the  act  of  retiring.  Imagine  his  surprise  at  the  unan- 
nounced entrance  of  the  man,  and  upon  hearing  the  following 
remarks:  “ An'  it’s  me  knapsack  which  I am  afther.”  “ What 
is  your  name  ? ” “ An’  what  odds  about  me  name  ? It’s  me 

knapsack  I want.”  “Your  name,  sir  ? cried  the  enraged  offi- 
cer.” “ An’  its  not  Patrick  Muldownie  that  is  ashamed  of  his 
name,  sir ! as  good  a name  as  your  own,  I have  no  doubt;  but 
its  me  knapsack  which  your  brother  was  to  lave  with  ye  for 
meself.”  “Brother!  I never  had  any,  you  lunatic.  Leave 
this  tent,  or  I will  send  you  to  the  guard-house  for  a week.” 
“By  the  Holy  Virgin,  sir,  there  was  never  one  by  the  name, 
I swear,  who  would  consint  to  be  bullied  out  of  his  rights. 
It’s  me  knapsack  I want,  and  will  have,  if  I turn  }mr  bloody 
tent  inside  out.”  Suiting  his  actions  to  the  words,  he  quickly 
prepared  for  action. 

The  colonel’s  reinforcements  providentially  arrived,  when 
the  Irishman  was  captured,  and  borne  to  the  guard-house. 
In  the  morning  he  told  his  story,  and  was  released ; but  he 
vowed  eternal  vengeance  upon  the  head  of  the  man  who  had 
defrauded  him  out  of  his  knapsack  and  money. 

Ever  after  that,  when  any  desired  to  raise  war  in  Ireland, 
one  had  only  to  inquire  about  that  knapsack  and  the  colonel’s 
brother.  If  he  is  living,  let  the  trooper  be  warned  by  an  old 
comrade  to  beware  how  he  crosses  the  path  of  Muldownie. 


398 


BLUE  Am)  GRAY. 


CHEEK. 

Of  all  the  roj'al  spirits  there  was  not  one  more  generous 
and  brave  than  Sergeant  Winslow,  and  in  all  the  foraging 
expeditions  where  this  notable  failed  to  succeed,  it  was  but 
little  use  for  others  to  try. 

On  the  march  from  Five  Forks  to  Appomattox,  Lee’s  army 
being  in  full  retreat,  and  fearfully  shattered  each  day  by  the 
blows  it  was  receiving  from  the  mailed  hand  of  the  Union 
army,  the  division  of  which  he  was  a member,  was  support- 
ing General  Sheridan’s  cavalry,  and  by  the  extraordinary 
marching  it  performed,  won  the  name  of  “ foot  cavalry.” 

It  was  a day  or  two  before  Lee’s  surrender,  rations  were 
scarce,  the  men  were  hungry,  footsore  and  tired.  There  was 
but  little  food  of  any  kind  left  in  that  section  of  the  country, 
and  that  little  was  usually  found  guarded  to  protect  it  from 
the  soldiers.  In  passing  a large  farm-house  just  at  noon,  at 
which  General  Griffin,  commanding  the  division,  had  estab- 
lished his  headquarters,  it  was  found  to  be  surrounded  by  his 
cavalry  escort.  Sentinels  were  stationed  around  it.  The 
General  and  his  staff  were  standing  on  the  veranda.  In  the 
front  yard  of  the  house  was  a large  flock  of  sheep  which 
their  owner  had  placed  there  for  safe  keeping,  they  having 
the  double  protection  of  the  yard  fence  and  the  cavalry  guard. 

As  the  troops  marched  past,  Sergeant  Winslow  saw  the 
sheep.  His  appetite  was  so  keen  that  he  forgot  the  surround- 
ings, and  dirty,  ragged  and  bronzed,  he  passed  through  the 
guard  as  coolly  as  though  he  had  been  the  commanding  Gen- 
eral, climbed  the  fence  and  sighting  a huge,  fat  wether,  which 
stood  between  the  officers  and  himself,  with  a warning  of 
“Look  out ! ’"  lie  took  aim  and  fired.  The  minie  ball  passed 
through  the  head  of  the  sheep,  and  buried  itself  in  the  wall 
of  the  house  behind  General  Griffin.  The  Sergeant  did  not 
stop  to  discuss  the  situation  at  all,  but  shouldered  the  sheep, 
and  passed  out  in  the  same  manner  in  which  he  had  entered, 
leaving  all  the  officers  and  guard  speechless  at  his  audacity. 
As  the  delicious  meat  was  eaten,  a unanimous  vote  of  thanks 
was  passed  Sergeant  Winslow  for  his  magnificent  exhibition 
of  cheek. 


A CHRISTMAS  DINNER. 


399 


A CHRISTMAS  DINNER. 

It  was  Christmas,  and  such  a day  ! The  sky  was  as  blue 
and  the  air  as  mild  as  our  own  New  England  September. 
The  boys  were  all  in  excellent  spirits,  and  from  the  first  the 
day  was  one  of  amusement. 

At  an  early  hour  orders  came  to  fall  in  for  a ration  of  whis- 
key, which  was  to  be  issued  on  this  special  occasion,  and 
enough  of  the  men  partook  of  the  ardent  to  make  the  camp 
a lively  scene  for  a few  hours.  Captain  Loud  very  gener- 
ously sent  over  to  the  brigade  commissary,  and  purchased 
sufficient  meat  and  vegetables  to  provide  a magnificent  Christ- 
mas dinner  for  the  whole  company. 

The  materials  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  Daniel,  the  incom- 
parable company  cook,  who  soon  produced  a Christmas  soup 
luscious  enough  to  tickle  the  palate  of  a king.  Eagerly  the 
boys  gathered  around  the  cook-house,  while  the  presiding 
genius  of  that  establishment  dealt  out  to  them  that  memora- 
ble dinner. 

In  tin  pans,  plates  and  cups  we  carried  it  to  our  own  tents, 
and  ate.  The  tide  of  joy  never  flowed  higher  in  Company  II 
than  on  that  Christmas  day.  In  our  tent's  company  of  five 
was  Sergeant  H.,  a brave,  generous-hearted  fellow,  but  who 
on  this  occasion  was  a little  too  highly  inspired  by  the  liquid 
ration  of  the  morning.  A three  quart  sheet-iron  mess  pan 
contained  his  dinner.  It  was  not  quite  full , he  probably  in- 
tended to  draw  a second  ration  before  the  dinner  was  com- 
pleted. Just  as  we  sat  down  to  partake  of  the  food,  Captain 
Loud's  voice  was  heard  calling  Sergeant  H.  The  mess  pan 
was  quickly  deposited  upon  the  floor,  and  the  Sergeant  has- 
tened to  obey  the  call  of  his  superior  officer. 

This  was  a very  suitable  occasion  to  play  a joke  on  him,  a 
quarter-pound  package  of  black  pepper  being  quickly  poured 
into  the  soup  and  well  stirred  in,  a small  quantity  of  the 
fluid  then  poured  from  another  pan  upon  it,  and  the  mess  pan 
returned  to  its  place,  just  before  the  Sergeant  returned.  He 
was  quickly  seated  upon  the  side  of  the  lower  berth,  with  his 
pan  in  one  hand  and  a huge  iron  spoon  in  the  other  i a spoon- 


400 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ful  of  the  contents  of  the  dish,  which  spoonful  was  at  least 
three  fourths  pepper,  was  quickly  transferred  to  his  mouth. 
Of  course  all  expected  an  explosion  of  wrath,  but  to  our  dis- 
appointment and  grief  he  was  in  just  the  right  condition  not 
to  detect  the  joke,  and  as  the  soup  was  rapidly  transferred 
from  the  pan  to  his  mouth,  his  only  comments  were,  “Splen- 
did soup  ! splendid  soup  ! only  a little  highly  seasoned  ! ” 

HONESTY  IS  THE  BEST  POLICY. 

During  the  winter  of  1862-'63,  while  encamped  near  Stone- 
man's  Switch,  not  far  from  Falmouth,  Virginia,  wood  was  very 
scarce  and  the  soldiers  were  obliged  to  go  down  to  Aquia 
Creek,  some  two  or  three  miles  away,  and  cut  up  stumps  and 
carry  them  to  camp. 

One  rainy  day,  a fellow  went  down  to  the  creek,  and,  after 
an  hour's  severe  labor,  secured  a great  stump.  It  was  so 
heavy  he  could  not  carry  it  to  camp,  but  a brilliant  plan  sug- 
gested itself : he  could  carry  it  over  to  the  railroad,  and,  as 
the  freight  train  always  ran  slowly,  it  being  up  grade,  he  could 
put  the  stump  on  one  of  the  flat  cars  and  ride  up‘  to  camp, 
throw  the  stump  off,  and  then  himself  jump  after  it. 

His  plan  worked  well,  and  he  rode  two  miles,  up  to  camp, 
but  to  his  sad  discomfiture,  when  near  the  camp  the  train 
began  to  increase  its  speed  and  soon  went  at  so  rapid  a rate 
that  he  did  not  dare  jump  off.  He  could  only  watch  his 
opportunity  and  roll  his  load  off  in  a clump  of  bushes,  where 
he  supposed  it  would  be  safe,  and  ride  on  to  the  next  station, 
and  then  walk  back.  When  he  returned,  the  stump  was 
missing;  some  scoundrel  had  stolen  it.  Vowing  vengeance 
upon  the  head  of  the  thief,  he  resolved  to  find  his  lost  prop- 
erty. He  searched  through  several  of  the  company  streets, 
but  all  of  no  avail,  his  wood  was  not  to  be  found. 

Disgusted  and  angry  he  returned  to  his  tent.  The  boys 
pointed  to  a heap  of  wood  in  high  glee,  and  one  of  them  went 
on  to  explain  that  he  was  down  on  the  railroad  and  captured 
a stump.  It  was  so  large  he  could  not  carry  it  away  alone, 
and,  fearing  that  the  owner  would  put  in  an  appearance  he 


A PALACE. 


401 


had  called  in.  three  other  fellows,  from  another  company,  and 
had  divided  the  wood  in  four  equal  parts,  liis  tent  of  course 
receiving  one  fourth  of  the  whole.  Their  exultation  soon 
subsided  when  the  owner  explained  to  them  that  they  had 
succeeded  in  stealing  and  then  giving  away  their  own  wood. 

A PALACE. 

Our  new  quarters,  says  an  old  soldier,  was  a palace,  both  in 
size  and  architecture.  It  was  built  of  pine  logs  and  was  eight 
feet  in  width  by  twelve  feet  in  length.  W e located  it  upon  a 
corner  lot  of  our  Company  street,  directly  opposite  that  of 
our  first  sergeant.  The  interior  was  commodious,  elegant  and 
unique. 

On  the  right  as  you  entered  the  front  door  were  the  two 
berths,  one  above  the  other,  designed  to  accommodate  two  men 
each ; these  being  as  long  as  the  palace  was  wide,  and  occupied 
about  four  feet  of  its  length.  Directly  opposite  the  front 
door,  with  a hall  between,  was  the  fire-place  made  of  sods, 
with  a chimney  of  barrels.  The  hall  was,  of  course,  as  long 
as  the  palace  was  wide.  On  the  left  of  the  hall  as  you  entered 
was  the  table  occupying  the  remainder  of  the  space.  The 
furniture  consisted  of  a bench  as  long  as  the  table,  and  placed 
upon  a line  parallel  with  it.  The  lower  berth,  which  was  a 
little  Avider  than  the  upper  one,  also  served  for  a very  com- 
fortable seat.  There  were  but  few  residences  in  Company  H, 
furnished  in  such  an  elaborate  manner  as  this  one  upon  the 
corner. 

Our  company  consisted  of  three  old  soldiers  and  a recruit. 
We  kindly  took  the  latter  in  to  teach  him  the  mysteries  of  a 
soldier's  life,  and  he  used  to  take  daily  lessons  in  carrying 
wood  and  water  for  the  tent’s  company.  It  was  very  kind  of 
us  to  interest  ourselves  in  his  behalf,  and  we  hope  he  appre- 
ciated the  kindness.  The  arrangement  seemed  to  be  a A’ery 
satisfactory  one  at  any  rate,  and  he  appeared  to  be  Avilling  to 
do  all  the  work,  and  we — well,  we  were  willing  to  gratify 
him,  and  did. 

In  the  army  it  was  always  considered  criminal  to  throw 

26 


402 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


cartridges  down  each  other's  chimneys,  and  the  party  guilty 
of  such  an  offense,  if  detected,  was  of  course  to  suffer  a terri- 
ble punishment.  When  a fellow  was  sitting  comfortably  in 
his  tent,  and  the  coals  and  brands  were  suddenly  blown  into 
his  face  and  around  his  room,  he  was  to  consider  it  an  insult 
to  his  manhood,  and  a challenge  to  his  bravery. 

Our  recruit  was  a splendid  fellow,  but  one  who  prided  him- 
self upon  his  physical  powers,  and  who  was  always  ready  for 
a combat.  The  rear  of  our  tent  came  in  contact  with  the 
rear  of  another  tent  occupied  by  the  first  sergeant  of  an  ad- 
joining company.  For  some  reason  this  recruit  had  taken  a 
strong  dislike  to  this  neighbor,  and  one  evening  as  we  were 
sitting  around  the  little  fire  he  was  telling  of  his-  personal 
hatred  for  him,  and  vowing  that  if  ever  an  opportunity  was 
offered  him,  he  would  exercise  his  muscle  upon  him.  We  ad- 
vised him  to  be  peaceable  and  friendly,  and  in  fact  we  placed 
much  emphasis  upon  the  desirability  of  such  a course,  espec- 
ially when  we  saw  that  such  advice  only  added  to  his  deter- 
mination to  commence  hostilities  at  the  earliest  opportunity. 

While  he  was  thus  speaking  of  the  subject  of  his  wrath, 
Joe,  with  great  dexterity,  placed  a small  package  of  cartridges 
beneath  the  sticks  of  wood  which  were  burning  in  the  fire- 
place. A moment  later,  the  fire  and  ashes  were  thrown  by 
the  explosion  all  over  the  tent.  The  recruit,  whom  we  will 
call  Dick,  sprang  to  his  feet  and  roared,  “ It  is  the  cussed 
sergeant!”  We  instantly  poured  oil  upon  the  troubled 
waters,  by  advising  him  to  remain  quiet,  telling  him  that  the 
Sergeant  was  a brave,  powerful  man,  and  that,  in  our  opinion, 
it  would  be  a very  rash  thing  for  so  small  a man  as  himself  to 
make  an  attack  upon  him.  While  we  were  thus  advocating 
peaceful  measures,  package  number  two  went  into  the  fire, 
and  was  quickly  followed  by  another  explosion.  Dick  could 
contain  himself  no  longer,  and  yelled  out,  “If  you  old  sol- 
diers, who  claim  to  be  so  brave,  are  too  cowardly  to  protect 
this  tent,  I will  show  you  that  a recruit  will  not  be  imposed 
upon  in  this  way!  ” 

He  caught  an  oak  stick  up  in  one  hand,  and  with  a big 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 


403 


bundle  of  cartridges  in  the  other,  he  sallied  forth.  A few 
moments  later  there  was  an  explosion  in  the  sergeant's  tent 
which  blew  fire,  ashes,  and  wood  in  every  direction,  and  nearly 
demolished  the  tent.  The  occupant,  nearly  boiling  over  with 
rage,  rushed  to  the  rear  of  his  tent,  and  there  met  the  enraged 
Dick,  who  was  on  the  lookout  for  him.  “You  threw  car- 
tridges!” yelled  the  sergeant.  “You  threw  them!”  re- 
sponded Dick ; but  just  then  they  came  in  contact.  Dick’s 
stick  came  down  upon  the  officer's  head,  and  the  latter’s  fist 
draped  one  of  Dick's  eyes  in  mourning.  They  clinched,  wres- 
tled, fell,  and  rolled  into  a deep  ditch  where  we  had  removed 
the  earth  to  build  our  chimney.  It  was  partially  filled  with 
water,  and  the  bath  cooled  the  ire  of  both.  They  arose,  ex- 
planations followed,  a compromise  was  effected,  and  peace  was 
restored. 

Ever  afterward,  however,  in  speaking  of  the  matter,  Dick 
would  always  shake  his  head  and  declare  “ The  sergeant  lied 
when  he  said  he  was  not  guilty  of  throwing  the  cartridges, 
and  the  punishment  he  received  was  not  half  enough.” 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 

There  were  two  brothers  iu  one  company  who  were  much 
attached  to  each  other,  one  being  twenty-five,  the  other  six- 
teen years  of  age.  Immediately  after  the  battle  of  Antietam 
the  elder  was  seized  with  typhoid  fever,  and  was  borne  down 
nigh  unto  death.  He  was  carried  to  the  field  hospital,  with 
many  others  who  were  sick  and  wounded.  The  younger 
brother  watched  over  him  with  all  the  solicitude  of  a brother’s 
love,  and  every  moment  which  he  could  spare  from  his  com  - 
pany  he  was  beside  him.  Night  after  night  he  watched  over 
the  patient,  who  was  wild  with  delirium,  who  one  moment 
would  fancy  that  he  was  with  his  wife  and  children  at  home, 
and  the  next,  that  he  was  in  the  midst  of  the  battle. 

There  were  no  persons  in  the  tent  who  knew  them,  or  no 
one  who  seemed  to  have  any  especial  interest  in  the  sick 
man’s  welfare.  The  heart  of  the  younger  grew  sad  and  home- 
sick for  one  kind  word  of  sympathy  to  be  spoken  in  his  great 


404 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


anxiety,  but  none  were  spoken.  Intelligence  reached  the 
army  that  it  was  to  be  reviewed  by  President  Lincoln,  and 
great  preparations  were  made  to  receive,  in  a proper  manner, 
the  man  who  filled  so  exalted  a position. 

The  day  of  the  review  the  younger  brother  was  compelled 
to  be  with  his  company,  but  when  the  review  ended,  and  the 
regiment  broke  ranks,  he  ran  across  the  field  to  his  brother, 
fearing  that,  in  his  absence,  life  might  have  passed  away. 
The  tent  was  reached,  and  when  he  entered  it  he  saw  a num- 
ber of  civilians  conversing  with  the  patients,  and  was  much 
surprised  to  see  a gentleman  stooping  down  over  his  broth- 
er’s form.  He  stooped  near  the  foot  of  the  bed;  a great 
rough  hand  was  being  pressed  gently  upon  the  patient's  brow, 
and  words  were  being  spoken  to  soothe  him,  as  soft  and  sweet 
as  a mother  speaks  to  her  child.  The  stranger  saw  the  sol- 
dier halting  at  the  foot  of  the  rough  couch,  and  arose  until 
his  tall  form  stood  erect.  He  took  the  soldier's  hand,  asked 
him  in  relation  to  the  patient,  inquired  what  state  they  were 
from,  and  expressing  a hearty  wish  that  both  might  live  to 
return  home,  he  departed. 

The  hospital  steward  approached  the  soldier,  and  asked 
him  if  he  knew  who  the  stranger  was,  and  when  he  replied 
that  he  did  not,  the  steward  remarked,  “ That  man  was  Presi- 
dent Lincoln.” 

The  boy  soldier  buried  his  face  in  the  rough  blankets  upon 
the  bed  of  his  unconscious  brother ; his  pent-up  feelings  gave 
way,  and  he  wept  like  a child.  The  words  of  sympathy,  for 
which  his  heart  was  so  hungry,  had  been  spoken  by  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States.  God  bless  the  name  of  Abraham 
Lincoln ! 

“WHEN  WILL  THE  REST  OP  THE  CIRCUS  ARRIVE.” 

General  Charles  Griffin,  the  commander  of  the  First  divis- 
ion, Fifth  corps,  was  one  of  the  most  gallant  officers  in  the 
army,  and  one  whose  dry  humor  was  almost  equal  to  his  cour- 
age. He  was  a very  plain,  unostentatious  man,  who  never 
surrounded  himself  with  the  pomp  of  war,  his  uniform  was 


A CRUEL  JOKE.  405 

always  plain,  and,  in  an  active  campaign,  was  usually  much 
the  worse  for  wear. 

General  Bartlett,  commanding  the  Third  brigade  of  Grif- 
fin’s division,  was  likewise  brave,  but  passionately  fond  of 
dress,  and  usually  wore  a uniform  resplendent  with  gold  lace. 

During  that  fearful  campaign  from  the  Wilderness  to  the 
James  river,  in  1864,  the  officers,  as  well  as  the  men,  became 
ragged  and  dirty.  Just  before  crossing  the  James  river,  the 
division  halted  for  two  or  three  days,  near  the  Chickahominy 
river.  General  Bartlett  immediately  got  out  a new  suit  of 
uniform;  new  sky  blue  pants  with  stripes  of  gold  lace,  a short 
military  jacket  elaborately  trimmed  and  well  opened  in  front 
to  show  the  clean  linen  bosom  of  the  shirt.  He  mounted  his 
horse  and,  followed  by  his  staff,  rode  with  great  dignity  down 
to  visit  his  superior  officer,  General  Griffin.  The  latter,  clad 
in  an  old  ragged  uniform,  was  seated  upon  the  groundin  front 
of  his  little  tent,  intently  examining  a map.  With  quite  a 
flourish  Bartlett  drew  rein  in  front  of  him.  Griffin  looked 
up  and  gravely  inquired : “ Well,  Bartlett,  when  will  the  rest 
of  the  circus  arrive  ? ” Without  giving  the  desired  information 
General  Bartlett  rode  indignantly  away. 

A CRUEL  JOKE. 

A cruel  joke  was  played  upon  a cook  while  in  the  trenches 
in  front  of  Petersburg.  In  all  the  mysterious  aits  of  cooking 
Daniel  stood  peerless,  but  he  never  took  kindly  to  shells,  while 
the  screech  of  one  of  these  monsters  would  cause  immediate 
indisposition  on  his  part. 

There  was  a time  while  before  that  city  that  there  seemed 
to  be  regular  hours  for  shelling.  For  a time  all  would  be 
quiet,  and  then  were  let  loose  all  the  dogs  of  war  by  the  Con- 
federates. The  soldiers  became  so  familiar  with  this  practice 
that  all  knew  about  when  to  expect  the  music. 

During  those  days  of  exposure  Daniel,  in  common  with 
other  cooks,  had  established  his  headquarters  far  in  the  rear, 
and  could  be  scarcely  ever  gotten  up  to  the  front.  One  day, 
one  of  the  fellows  was  back  at  Daniel's  establishment,  and 


406 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


informed  that  worthy  that  a flag  of  truce  had  been  sent  in, 
and  there  was  to  be  no  more  flring  for  twenty-four  hours,  and 
that  the  captain  wanted  him  to  come  up  to  the  company  and 
cook  a big  dfuner  for  the  boys.  The  materials  to  be  furnished 
by  the  brigade  commissary. 

This  was  good  news  for  the  loyal  cook.  Though  not  bril- 
liant in  feats  of  arms,  3ret  no  other  man  shone  Avith  greater 
lustre  than  he  among  cooking  utensils,  and  he  Avas  but  too 
glad  to  go  to  the  front  and  get  up  a feast  for  the  boys ; his 
preparations  were  most  ample  ; he  packed  up  immense  quan- 
tities of  tin  ware  and  suspended  cooking  utensils  about  his 
person  Avlierever  it  was  possible. 

At  about  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  he  might  Inive  been 
seen  coming,  a mo\ring  mass  of  tin  ware.  The  heat  Avas 
intense,  and  the  bright  rays  of  the  sun  were  reflected  from 
the  culinary  apparatus.  All  kneAV  it  was  about  time  for  the 
Confederate  guns  to  open.  Slowly  and  Avith  dignity  Daniel 
drew  near  the  intrenched  line,  eAddently  not  dreaming  of  dan- 
ger. Suddenly  a gun  thundered  over  in  a Confederate  fort, 
quickly  followed  by  a dozen  more.  The  shells  came  scream- 
ing with  fiendish  glee  through  the  air.  Daniel  turned,  and 
the  tin  dishes  were  scattered  to  the  four  Avinds  of  heaven,  as 
he  dashed  across  the  fields  to  the  rear.  He  always  blamed 
that  fellow  for  the  joke,  although  he  endeavored  to  explain 
that  it  was  only  a salute  Avhicli  General  Lee  had  fired  in  his 
honor. 


CAMP  OF  DISTRIBUTION. 

A soldier  had  been  absent  from  his  regiment,  Avounded,  and 
upon  his  return  Avas  obliged  to  pass  through  the  Camp  of 
Distribution,  near  Alexandria,  Virginia.  It  Avas  during  the 
autumn  of  1864.  There  Avere  some  two  thousand  men  there 
from  the  hospitals,  aAvaiting  orders  to  be  forwarded  to  their 
regiments  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Each  corps  in  that  army  was  here  represented  by  a street, 
and  the  soldiers  of  that  corps  here  encamped  in  large  circular 
Sibley  tents.  He  found  his  place  on  the  street  of  the  Fifth 


CAMP  OF  DISTRIBUTION. 


407 


corps.  There  were  two  men  detailed  from  each  corps  as 
cooks  for  their  respective  streets.  Upon  going  down  to  draw 
his  rations  for  dinner,  upon  arriving  in  camp,  who  should  he 
find  presiding  over  the  culinary  department  hut  an  old  chum, 
Sam  Fox,  of  Company  F of  his  regiment. 

The  meeting  was  a mutual  surprise,  and  afforded  much  en- 
joyment. Sam  dealt  him  out  a most  generous  dinner,  and 
made  him  promise  to  pay  him  a visit  that  afternoon.  It  is 
needless  to  say  the  promise  was  fulfilled  at  an  early  hour. 
As  he  entered  the  large  tent,  over  which  Sam  was  the  presid- 
ing genius,  he  was  introduced  by  that  worthy  to  Sergeant 
Reuben  E.  Talmage,  of  a New  Jersey  regiment,  and  who 
then  was  in  command  of  the  street  assigned  to  the  Fifth  corps. 

“This  is  the  fellow,’'  cried  Sam,  pointing  to  him,  “he  is 
one  of  the  best  cooks  who  ever  came  from  Maine,  just  the 
man  to  help  me,  and  I want  }-ou  to  detail  him  for  that  pur- 
pose immediately.”  Before  he  could  ask  for  an  explana- 
tion he  was  detailed  by  Sergeant  Talmage  to  assist  Sam  in 
the  cookhouse,  and  the  Sergeant  had  departed.  When  his 
form  was  lost  to  view,  Sam  threw  himself  upon  his  bed,  and 
laughed  as  loud  as  he  could  roar.  “ O,  won't  we  have  a big 
time!”  he  exclaimed,  and  “Didn't  I play  that  well!  We 
will  have  all  the  potatoes,  onions,  beefsteak  and  bread  we 
want,  and  will  stay  here  just  as  long  as  we  please.”  Of 
course  he  could  not  refuse  to  obey  orders,  and  was  forthwith 
established  as  assistant  cook  in  the  Fifth  corps  street,  at 
Camp  Distribution. 

The  eight  weeks  which  followed  were  memorable  ones. 
Sam  and  his  assistant  acquitted  themselves,  in  their  field  of 
labor,  most  successfully.  Such  cooking  one  never  saw  before  ! 
It  was  all  done  in  the  open  air.  A pit,  three  feet  wide  by 
twenty  in  length,  was  digged.  At  each  end  was  a post,  and 
upon  these  posts  was  placed  poles,  on  which  were  suspended 
a dozen  camp  kettles.  In  these  the  rations  were  cooked.  In 
the  trench,  over  which  the  kettles  hung,  was  a hot  fire  of  oak 
wood.  The  rations  consisted  of  salt  pork  and  coffee,  with  a 
little  fresh  beef,  and  a few  onions  and  potatoes  thrown  in  as 


408 


BLUE  AKD  GKAY. 


luxuries.  The  family  varied  in  size  ; men  wei’e  constantly 
arriving,  and  each  week  a squad  would  be  forwarded  to  their 
regiments. 

One  day  would  be  cooked,  perhaps,  enough  for  three  hun- 
dred men,  the  next  day  for  a thousand,  while  the  day  follow- 
ing there  would  not  be  fifty  in  camp.  On  one  occasion  nearly 
a thousand  men  were  to  be  sent,  and  these  were  to  carry  three 
days1  rations.  On  this  day  there  was  much  work  for  the  cooks. 
Among  other  articles  of  food,  two  barrels  of  salt  pork  were 
boiled,  and  to  do  this  they  had  to  work  all  night.  It  was 
cold  and  windy,  and  the  ground  glistened  with  frost.  The 
flames  leaped  forth  from  the  pit  beneath  the  boiling  kettles, 
and  sent  their  ruddy  light  and  glaring  heat  far  out  in  the  cold, 
dark  night.  The  men  who  had  no  fires  in  their  tents  Avere 
attracted  by  this  fire,  and  came  shivering  with  cold,  to  get 
warm.  They  soon  gathered  so  thickly  around  it  that  it  was 
only  Avith  great  difficulty  that  the  cooks  could  reach  the  fire 
to  do  their  Avork.  Soon  Sam  became  enraged  and  made  most 
vigorous  assaults  upon  them.  Late  in  the  evening  he  suc- 
ceeded in  routing  them,  and  they  withdrew  to  their  tents. 
At  two  o’clock  in  the  morning  the  twelve  great  camp  kettles 
were  filled  aneAv  with  pork  and  water,  and  again  suspended 
over  the  fiery  pit.  The  cooks  were  sleepy,  and  Sam  decided 
that  they  had  better  “turn  in,”  saying  that  he  could  easily 
awake  in  season  to  replenish  the  water  in  the  kettles.  Soon 
both  slept  soundly ; Sam  aAvoke  first,  and  a peculiar  odor  ac- 
companied by  a frizzling  sound,  convinced  him  that  he  had 
slept  too  long ; he  caught  up  a kettle  of  cold  water  and  rushed 
out  to  the  fire. 

While  the  cooks  had  been  sleeping  a change  had  been  taking 
place  around  the  fire;  at  least  a score  of  German  soldiers  had 
come  forth  from  the  cold  tents,  spread  their  blankets  upon  the 
ground  around  the  fire  and  were  all  soon  asleep.  The  fire  was 
burning  briskly ; in  the  dozen  camp  kettles  the  pork  Avas  fry- 
ing and  spattering,  the  water  having  all  disappeared,  and  the 
kettles  themselves  being  red  Avith  heat.  Sam  reached  the  end 
of  the  pit  after  having  stumbled  over  half-a-dozen  sleeping 


CAMP  OF  DISTRIBUTION. 


409 


Dutchmen.  His  only  thought  was  to  save  the  pork  and  his 
reputation  as  a cook.  He  flung  the  pail  of  water  in  such  a 
manner  that  a part  of  it  entered  each  kettle  upon  the  pole ; 
but  what  a sensation  was  created!  Sheets  of  fiery  flame, 
forked  and  satanic,  flew  forth  from  each  hissing  kettle,  flying 
through  the  air  in  every  direction,  enfolding  the  sleeping  forms 
resting  so  quietly  upon  the  ground;  burning  fat  fell  upon 
the  faces  and  hands  of  veterans  who  “ fought  mit  Sigel,”  and 
who  upon  being  thus  rudely  awakened  evidently  thought  that 
Stonewall  Jackson  himself  was  upon  them,  and  springing  to 
their  feet,  leaving  their  blankets,  rushed  through  the  darkness 
endeavoring  to  extinguish  the  flames  and  exhausting  the  Ger- 
man vocabulary  of  profanity  as  they  went.  Sam  was  repaid 
for  the  loss  of  Ins  pork.  He  came  back  to  the  tent,  his  fat 
sides  shaking  -with  laughter  as  he  cried,  “ All  the  pork  and 
twenty  Dutchmen  are  burned  up.” 

Of  course  where  so  many  men  were  thrown  together  there 
was  much  stealing,  and  no  property  was  safe  unless  strictly 
guarded.  Of  all  foragers  in  that  camp,  not  one  equaled  Sam 
in  daring  and  success.  Candles  were  one  of  the  greatest  lux- 
uries in  the  army,  and  one  day,  to  the  great  surprise  of  all, 
among  other  rations,  we  drew  a large  box  of  candles.  The 
three  sergeants,  who  had  charge  of  the  street  of  the  Fifth 
corps,  were  present  at  the  time,  and  quietly  remarked  “ that 
as  they  had  much  writing  to  do  evenings,  they  would  not  dis- 
tribute the  candles  among  the  men  but  would  have  them 
carried  immediately  to  their  tents,  which  was  done.  As  they 
did  not  offer  to  divide,  Sam  was  very  indignant,  and,  after 
they  had  gone,  declared  he  would  steal  those  candles. 

That  evening,  while  these  officers  were  eating  their  supper 
in  the  cook-tent,  as  was  customary,  Sam  carelessly  remarked, 
“You  will  have  to  look  out  for  those  candles,  boys,  or  some 
of  the  fellows  will  steal  them.”  “ O,  no  fear  of  that,” 
laughed  one  of  the  trio,  “ I put  them  down  under  the  floor  in 
the  upper  corner  of  the  tent,  where  no  one  would  ever  think 
of  looking.” 

At  midnight  Sam  glided  forth  from  his  tent,  and  skirmished 


410 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


up  to  that  of  the  sergeants,  near  the  head  of  the  street. 
Crawling  upon  the  ground,  he  approached  the  upper  corner, 
and  after  diligently  digging  for  a few  moments  beneath  the 
floor,  pulled  out  a mysterious  looking  box,  and  returned  to 
his  tent.  He,  in  high  glee,  made  his  dispositions  rapidly. 
The  candles  were  taken  from  the  box,  and  the  latter  burned. 
They  ivere  then  placed  in  a box  of  different  form  and  size 
and  carefully  put  under  his  bunk. 

The  next  morning,  at  breakfast,  the  three  sergeants  looked 
crestfallen  enough,  but  Sam,  before  either  of  them  spoke,  said 
gafly,  “ We  purchased  a prize  last  night.”  “What  was  it?” 
“ Why,  a Sixth  corps  fellow  came  here  with  a box  of  candles, 
and  I bought  them  at  so  low  a price  that  I know  I can  double 
my  money  on  them.”  “Let's  see. them?”  cried  the  three  in 
one  breath,  and  Sam  pulled  forth  the  unfamiliar  looking  box. 
“Sam,”  exclaimed  one  of  them,  “some  villain  stole  our  can- 
dles last  night,  and  I will  bet  these  are  the  same  ones.”  “ Yon 
don’t  say  so,”  replied  the  astonished  Sam.  “ W ell,  he  was  a 
hard  looking  fellow  that  sold  them  to  me,  and  when  he  first 
offered  them  I thought  of  yours,  but  remembering  that 
you  had  hidden  them  so  carefulty,  I thought  of  course  they 
were  safe.”  “Well,  won’t  you  divide  with  us?”  asked  one 
of  the  officers.  “I  will  be  accommodating,”  said  Sam,  “but 
I paid  fifteen  dollars  for  those  candles,  and  I can  sell  them  for 
twice  that  amount;  yet  if  you  fellows  want  one  half  of  them 
at  cost,  you  may  have  them : I always  like  to  do  as  I would 
be  done  by.”  “Ah,  Sam,  you  are  a jewel,”  remarked  Tal- 
mage,  as  they  paid  that  worthy  seven  and  one  half  dollars, 
and  without  a shade  of  suspicion  resting  upon  their  minds, 
took  one  half  of  the  box  of  candles  and  walked  away. 

Where  so  many  of  the  men  would  so  suddenly  depart  from 
this  camp  for  their  regiments,  it  would  often  occur  that  many 
rations  would  remain  in  our  hands,  and  the  coffee,  especially, 
was  of  considerable  value.  The  commander  at  the  time  was 
from  Ohio,  and  he  very  patriotically  gave  orders  that  all  such 
rations  should  be  conveyed  to  his  headquarters,  and  turned 
over  to  him.  Sam  did  not  believe  in  that  doctrine,  and  made 


CAMP  OF  DISTRIBUTION. 


411 


arrangements  to  dispose  of  his  own  surplus  rations.  There 
was  an  eating  saloon  over  on  the  outskirts  of  the  convales- 
cent camp,  three  fourths  of  a mile  from  our  tent,  and  Sam 
had  made  arrangements  with  its  proprietor  to  purchase  all 
the  rations  he  could  smuggle  to  him.  This  smuggling  was  a 
most  precarious  business,  and  was  strictly  against  orders, 
while  the  suspicions  of  the  commander  soon  became  aroused, 
as  he  did  not  turn  any  rations  over  to  him,  and  his  police 
were  watching  very  narrowly. 

Occasionally  the  commander  would  call  at  his  tent,  and  in- 
quire as  to  what  became  of  all  the  coffee,  and  Sam,  with  a 
sober,  honest  face,  would  always  answer,  “ The  Fifth  corps 
boys  all  like  their  drink  amazingly  strong,  colonel.”  He  had 
made  elaborate  preparations  to  smuggle  coffee.  He  owned  a 
huge  blue  overcoat,  with  a heavy  cape ; this  coat  was  lined 
from  the  collar  to  the  waist.  He  cut  a small  hole  in  the  lin- 
ing, just  below  the  collar,  then  sewed  the  lining  firmly  to 
the  outside,  down  both  sides,  and  across  the  bottom,  and  thus 
had  a huge  pocket,  which  was  capable  of  containing  from 
thirty  to  forty  pounds  of  coffee.  He  had  a large  amount  on 
hand,  and  was  anxiously  awaiting  for  a favorable  time  to 
come  when  he  could  take  it  to  his  customer.  There  came  a 
dark,  rainy  night ; the  rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  the  wind  blew 
in  wild  gusts  over  the  side  hills,  and  wailed  fearfully  among 
the  cloth  tents.  Occasionally  there  was  a flash  of  lightning, 
and  terrible  peals  of  thunder  would  roll  along  the  darkened 
sky.  This  was  Sam’s  golden  moment.  The  mysterious 
pocket  in  his  coat  was  crowded  full  of  the  contraband  article, 
and  when  by  the  most  violent  crowding  it  could  be  made  to 
contain  no  more,  the  coat  was  placed  on  Sam's  person,  and  he 
departed  on  his  first  trip  for  that  night. 

It  was  a most  ludicrous  spectacle  as  he  went  forth  with  his 
coffee,  and  he  looked  as  if  he  was  a giant.  Arrangements 
were  made  for  his  assistant  to  follow  close  on  his  rear,  and 
give  a signal  if  he  was  trailed  by  any  of  the  watchmen. 
They  both  sallied  forth.  By  the  lightning’s  glare  a view 
could  be  obtained  of  Sam  as  he  waddled  on  in  the  darkness, 


412 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


intent  only  upon  the  success  of  his  expedition.  One  half  of 
the  route  had  been  passed  over,  when  an  angry  oath  escaped 
Sam’s  lips.  A disaster  had  overtaken  him;  his  assistant 
rushed  on  to  the  spot  from  where  his  voice  was  heard,  as  a 
friendly  flash  of  lightning  revealed  the  situation.  Sam  stood 
erect,  the  picture  of  anger  and  dismay.  A stream  of  water, 
the  result  of  the  storm,  was  rushing  on  beside  him,  and  had 
bgen  the  innocent  cause  of  this  misfortune. 

He  had  heard  it  rushing  at  his  feet,  and  had  made  a vigor- 
ous bound  to  leap  over  it,  in  which  he  had  been  successful,  but 
the  violence  of  the  shock  when  his  feet  came  in  contact  with 
the  ground  on  the  other  bank  had  caused  his  pocket  to  burst. 
His  form  had  suddenly  reduced  in  size  as  the  coffee  had  poured 
forth  and  was  being  borne  away  upon  the  tossing  crest  of  the 
laughing  waves.  Disappointed  and  wet,  he  returned  to  his 
tent.  Damages  were  repaired  and  another  and  more  success- 
ful effort  was  made  to  remove  the  remainder  of  the  coffee  that 
night. 

Thus  those  three  weeks  were  filled  up  with  incidents.  Sam 
was  a noble-hearted  fellow,  and  did  all  he  could  to  make  a 
sojourn  in  the  camp  pleasant.  His  assistant  grew  tired  of  such 
a life  and  voluntarily  returned  to  his  regiment ; Sam  soon  fol- 
lowing. When  the  regiment  returned  to  Arlington  Heights, 
at  the  close  of  the  war,  Sergeant  Talmage  was  on  duty  at  one 
of  the  forts  near  by.  A visit  was  made  him,  and  Sam  con- 
fessed that  he  stole  the  candles.  The  assistant  cook  has  never 
met  Sam  since  they  said  good  by  at  Portland  in  1865.  If  he 
is  living  no  doubt  he  often  thinks  of  the  olden  time,  and  of 
the  Camp  of  Distribution,  near  Alexandria,  Virginia. 

BANTY  TIM. 

BY  JOHX  EAT. 

Remarks  of  Sergeant  Tilmon  Joy  to  the  White  Man's  Committee,  Spunky 
Point,  Illinois,  upon  a proposition  to  drive  a colored  man  out  of  town 
who  had  served  in  the  Union  army,  and  saved  the  life  of  Joy. 

I reckon  I git  your  drift,  gents — 

You  ’low  the  hoy  shan’t  stay; 

This  is  a white  man’s  country; 


BANTY  TIM. 


413 


You're  Dimocrats,  you  say; 

And,  whereas,  and  seein’,  and  wherefore, 

The  times  bein’  out  o’  jint. 

The  niggar  has  got  to  mosey 
From  the  limits  o’  Spunky  Pint! 

Let’s  reason  the  thing  a minute: 

I’m  an  old-fashioned  Dimocrat,  too, 

Though  I laid  my  politics  out  o’  the  way 
For  to  keep  till  the  war  was  through. 

But  I come  hack  here  allowin’ 

To  vote  as  I used  to  do, 

Though  it  grieves  me  like  the  devil  to  train 
Along  o’  such  fools  as  you. 

Now,  dog  my  cats  ef  I can  see, 

In  all  the  light  of  the  day, 

What  you’ve  got  to  do  with  the  question 
Ef  Tim  shall  go  or  stay. 

And  furder  than  that,  I give  notice 
Ef  one  of  you  teclies  the  hoy, 

He  kin  check  his  trunk  to  a warmer  clime 
Than  he’ll  find  in  Illanoy. 

Why,  blame  your  hearts,  just  hear  me! 

You  know  that  ungodly  day 
When  our  left  struck  Vicksburg  nights,  how  ripped, 
And  torn  and  tattered  we  lay. 

When  the  rest  retreated  I staid  behind, 

Fur  reasons  sufficient  to  me — 

With  a rib  caved  in,  and  a leg  on  a strike, 

I sprawled  on  that  cursed  glacee. 

Lord!  how  the  hot  sun  went  for  us, 

And  boiled  and  blistered  and  burned ! 

How  the  rebel  bullets  whizzed  round  us, 

When  a cuss  in  his  death-grip  turned! 

Till  along  toward  dusk  I seen  a thing 
I couldn't  believe  fur  a spell: 

That  niggar — that  Tim — was  a crawlin’  to  me 
Through  that  fire-proof,  gilt-edged  hell! 

The  rebels  seen  him  as  quick  as  me, 

And  the  bullets  buzzed  like  bees; 

But  he  jumped  for  me,  and  shouldered  me, 

Though  a shot  brought  him  once  to  his  knees: 


414 


CLUE  AND  GRAY. 


But  lie  staggered  up  and  packed  me  off, 
With  a dozen  tumbles  and  falls, 

Till  safe  in  our  lines  lie  dropped  us  both, 
His  black  hide  riddled  with  balls. 

So,  my  gentle  gazelles,  thar’s  my  answer, 
And  here  stays  Banty  Tim. 

He  trumped  Death’s  ace  for  mo  that  day, 
And  I’m  not  going  back  on  him! 

You  may  rezaloot  till  the  cows  come  home, 
But  ef  one  of  you  teches  the  boy, 

He’ll  wrastle  his  hash  to-night  in  hell, 

Or  my  name’s  not  Tilmon  Joy! 


FALL  CAMPAIGN  OF  1863. 


417 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  fall  campaign  of  1863.  Lee  retires  to  the  shenandoah  val- 
ley. Meade  crosses  the  potomac.  Confederates  at  Culpepper. 
Parts  of  both  armies  detached.  Federals  enforcing  new  yoek 

DRAFT.  LoNGSTREET’S  CORPS  SENT  TO  TENNESSEE.  ADVANCE  OF 
FEDERALS.  LEE  FALLS  BACK  ACROSS  THE  RAPIDAN.  FEDERALS  AT 
culpepper.  Eleventh  and  twelfth  corps  sent  to  Tennessee 
Advance  of  confederates.  Federals  fall  back.  Confeder- 
ates REOCCUPY  CULPEPPER.  BATTLE  OF  BRISTOE’s  STATION.  CON- 
FEDERATES repulsed.  Death  of  general  mallow.  Federals 

AT  CENTERVILLE.  CAVALRY'  BATTLE  OF  THE  NINETEENTH.  CONFED- 
ERATES victorious.  Battle  of  kellyt’s  ford.  Federals  victo- 
rious. Battle  of  Rappahannock  station.  Federals  victorious. 
Terrible  slaughter  of  troops.  Lee  retreats.  Federals  at 
culpepper.  Advance  to  mine  run.  Preparations  for  battle. 
Federals  retire  across  the  Rappahannock.  Both  armies  in 
winter  quarters.  Poem. 


FALL  CAMPAIGN  OF  1863. 

When  General  Lee  crossed  the  Potomac,  upon  his  retreat 
from  Gettysburg,  he  immediately  moved  his  army  to  the 
Shenandoah  Valley,  and  took  up  the  same  line  on  the  Opequan 
Creek  which  he  had  occupied  after  the  battle  of  Antietam, 
in  1862. 

General  Meade,  pressing  onward  in  pursuit,  at  the  head  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  followed  the  same  route  along 
which  McClellan  had  marched  after  the  battle  of  Antietam, 
east  of  the  Blue  Ridge.  He  thus  closely  pressed  the  moun- 
tains, hoping  to  strike  the  Confederates,  under  advantageous 
circumstances,  before  they  could  burst  through  the  mountain 
passes.  So  slowly  did  he  move,  however,  that  General  Lee 
outstripped  him,  and  occupied  Culpepper  before  he  was  inter- 
cepted. After  this,  each  army  enjoyed  a much  needed  rest. 
27 


418 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PARTS  OF  BOTH  ARMIES  DETACHED. 

A portion  of  the  Federal  army  was  now  detached,  and  sent 
to  South  Carolina,  while  another  part  was  sent  to  New  York 
to  enforce  the  draft.  At  the  same  time  Longstreet's  corps  of 
the  Confederates  was  sent  to  Tennessee,  and  General  Lee 
appeared  to  assume  a mere  defensive  attitude. 

General  Meade  becoming  aware  of  the  withdrawal  of  Long- 
street’s  corps,  ordered  his  cavalry  to  cross  the  Rappahannock 
river.  Lee  now  retired  across  the  Rapidan,  and  Meade  ad- 
vanced his  whole  line,  occupying  Culpepper  Court-house. 
Soon  after  this  movement  was  made,  the  Eleventh  and 
Twelfth  corps  were  detached  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
and  sent  to  Tennessee,  under  the  command  of  Hooker. 

This  so  reduced  the  strength  of  Meade's  army,  that  the 
troops  returned  from  New  York,  about  the  middle  of  October. 
He  now  intended  to  make  a movement,  but  was  prevented 
from  so  doing  by  a sudden  forward  movement  on  the  part  of 
General  Lee,  who,  being  aware  of  the  reduction  of  Meade’s 
forces,  determined  to  compel  him  to  fall  back  from  his  line, 
near  the  Rapidan.  This  plan  was  to  move  around  Meade's 
right  flank,  and,  if  possible,  get  between  him  and  Washing- 
ton. This  would  take  up  the  attention  of  Meade,  and  pre- 
vent his  advance  into  the  interior  of  Virginia  during  the 
autumn,  and  allow  him  to  reinforce  his  army  during  the 
winter  by  troops  from  the  West. 

Lee  crossed  the  Rapidan,  October  ninth,  and  marched  by 
way  of  Madison  Court-house  around  Meade's  right.  General 
Stuart,  with  a division  of  cavalry,  moved  to  the  light  of  this 
advancing  column,  while  Fitz  Lee's  division,  together  with  a 
detachment  of  infantry,  was  left  to  hold  the  fords  of  the 
Rapidan,  and  cover  the  movement  from  the  view  of  the 
Federals. 

The  first  intimation  General  Meade  received  of  General 
Lee’s  advance,  was  upon  his  position  on  his  right.  This  was 
attacked,  at  James  City,  by  General  Stuart,  on  the  tenth,  and 
driven  back  upon  Culpepper.  Meade  at  once  understood  that 


TARTS  OF  BOTH  ARMIES  DETACHED. 


419 


General  Lee  intended  to  turn  his  right,  and  he  therefore 
ordered  his  trains  to  fall  back  across  the  Rappahannock,  and 
On  the  following  day  moved  his  entire  command  across  that 
river. 

Arriving  at  Culpepper,  on  the  eleventh,  Lee  found  that  his 
antagonist  had  retired ; he  therefore  remained  quiet  with 
his  infantry  during  that  day,  but  sent  Stuart  to  harass  his 
rear,  which  was  being  protected  by  the  Federal  cavalry,  under 
General  Pleasanton.  General  Lee  again  advanced,  on  the 
morning  of  the  twelfth,  and,  finding  that  Meade  was  falling 
back,  determined  to  make  another  flank  movement,  and,  if 
possible,  get  between  Meade  and  Washington. 

Upon  learning  of  Lee's  occupation  of  Culpepper,  Meade 
decided  that  his  retreat  had  been  too  hasty.  He  therefore  re- 
solved to  advance  his  army,  and  the  Second,  Fifth  and  Sixth 
corps,  with  a division  of  cavalry,  were  ordered  to  the  south 
bank  of  the  Rappahannock.  While  the  main  portion  of 
Meade's  army  was  thus  moving  southward,  to  strike  Lee  at 
Culpepper,  that  General  was  moving  along  parallel  roads 
northward,  to  cut  Meade's  line  of  communications. 

General  French,  with  the  Third  corps,  and  General  Gregg, 
with  a division  of  cavalry,  had  been  left  on  the  north  bank  of 
the  Rappahannock,  to  guard  the  fords  against  any  passage  of 
Lee's  army. 

General  Lee,  in  moving  northward,  reached  Sulphur 
Springs,  where  he  came  into  collision  with  the  Federal  cav- 
alry, under  General  Gregg,  whom  he  hurled  back  with  con- 
siderable loss.  Upon  this  becoming  known  to  General  Meade, 
he  at  once  understood  Lee's  intentions,  and  immediately  re- 
called the  three  corps  which  had  been  sent  to  Culpepper. 
This  order  reached  them  at  nightfall,  but  was  promptly 
obeyed,  and  they  at  once  recrossed  the  Rappahannock. 

On  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth  both  armies  were  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  above  named  river,  and  then  began  a most 
desperate  race  between  the  two. 

Lee  determined  to  strike  the  Orange  and  Alexandria  rail- 
road, and  thus  cut  off  Meade's  line  of  retreat.  The  Federal 


420 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


commander  resolved  to  defeat  the  plan  of  his  antagonist  by  a 
swift  backward  movement  of  his  troops,  and  during  the  thir- 
teenth fell  back  along  the  line  of  the  railroad,  while  Lee, 
moving  in  the  same  direction,  advanced  to  Warrenton.  From 
this  place  the  Confederate  army  moved  in  two  columns ; the 
corps  of  General  Hill  moving  northward,  by  the  Warrenton 
Pike,  to  New  Baltimore,  from  whence,  striking  to  the  east, 
seized  Bristoe  Station.  The  other  column,  under  General 
Ewell,  was  to  pass  through  Auburn  and  Greenwich,  and  join 
Hill  at  Bristoe  Station.  On  the  morning  of  the  fourteenth 
the  whole  Confederate  force  was  in  motion  to  carry  out  the 
plan  of  General  Lee. 

The  success  of  the  Confederates  of  course  depended  upon 
their  ability  to  outmarch  the  Federals.  Meade’s  route  was 
shorter  than  that  of  Lee,  but  the  latter  had  a definite  pur- 
pose in  view,  while  his  antagonist  was  uncertain  as  to  what 
his  opponents  plans  really  were. 

In  this  retrograde  movement  the  Second  corps,  under  Gem 
eral  Warren,  was,  with  the  cavalry  under  General  Kilpatrick, 
to  cover  the  Federal  rear.  When  General  Lee  encamped  at 
Warrenton,  on  the  night  of  the  thirteenth,  Warren  camped  at 
Auburn,  only  five  miles  away.  While  the  two  armies  were 
thus  encamped  for  the  night,  a very  amusing  incident  occurred, 
which  served  the  double  purpose  of  displaying  the  dashing 
bravery  of  General  Stuart,  commanding  the  Confederate  cav- 
alry, as  also  that  of  disclosing  the  close  proximity  of  the  hos- 
tile forces.  General  Warren,  suspecting  that  Lee  was  closely 
pressing  on  the  Federal  rear,  ordered  Caldwell’s  division,  to- 
gether with  the  batteries  of  Rickett,  Arnold  and  Ames,  to 
be  placed  in  a position  upon  the  banks  of  Cedar  Run  to  guard 
against  any  attack  of  the  enemy  from  the  direction  of 
Warrenton. 

Before  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  fourteenth,  while 
the  head  of  Warren's  corps  was  crossing  Cedar  Run,  Cald- 
well’s men  kindled  fires  on  the  heights  they  occupied,  for  the 
purpose  of  cooking  breakfast,  when,  to  their  surprise,  as  also 
to  that  of  General  Warren,  a hot  fire  of  artillery  was  opened 


TARTS  OF  BOTH  ARMIES  DETACHED. 


421 


upon  them  from  batteries  planted  directly  across  the  road 
along  which  Warren  was  to  march  to  reach  Catlett's  station. 
The  fire  was  so  deadly,  that  Caldwell’s  men  changed  their 
position  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  hill,  where  they  also  re- 
ceived a fire  from  the  Confederates,  who  were  advancing  along 
the  road  from  Warrenton.  For  a few  moments  it  appeared 
as  though  Warren’s  corps  was  surrounded,  and  all  escape 
would  be  impossible  ; but  the  situation  was  not  as  desperate 
as  was  at  first  supposed,  and  the  mystery  was  quickly  solved. 

On  the  thirteenth  Stuart,  with  his  accustomed  dash  and 
daring,  had  moved  around  the  Federal  flank,  and  having 
encountered  French's  command,  and  being  repulsed,  had  re- 
treated in  the  direction  of  Catlett's  station ; and  as  Sykes 
marched  up  the  railroad  with  the  Fifth  corps,  Stuart  found 
himself  between  these  two  Federal  columns.  Darkness  came 
on  and  the  dashing  Confederate  commander  bivouacked  his 
command  within  less  than  two  miles  of  the  headquarters  of 
General  Meade,  and  in  less  than  half  a mile  of  Caldwell’s 
division. 

In  the  early  morn  of  the  fourteenth  he  was  concealed  in  the 
valley  by  the  heavy  mists,  while  the  fires  of  Caldwell’s  men 
could  be  plainly  seen  by  his  troops,  and  he  ordered  his  guns 
to  be  opened  on  them,  with  the  result  above  stated.  After 
thus  paying  his  compliments  to  his  enemy  he  dashed  away  by 
the  flank  and  escaped. 

The  fire  which  Warren  received  from  the  direction  of  War- 
renton came  from  Ewell’s  corps,  then  moving  forward  to  strike 
the  Federal  rear.  His  army  was  now  pressing  hard  for  Cen- 
terville where  General  Meade  had  resolved  to  halt  and  give 
battle.  General  Lee  was  at  the  same  time  straining  every 
nerve  to  reach  Bristoe  station  to  strike  Meade's  passing  col- 
umns. It  was  a most  desperate  race,  and  each  army  under- 
stood the  great  prize  which  was  at  stake.  Warren  brought 
up  the  Federal  rear,  while  Hill  aud  Ewell  led  the  Confederate 
advance.  Hill's  corps  moved  from  Hew  Baltimore,  and  when, 
in  the  early  afternoon  of  the  fourteenth  it  drew  near  to  Bris- 
toe station,  all  of  Meade’s  army  had  passed  that  point,  with 


422 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  exception  of  Warren's  corps.  As  the  head  of  the  Confed- 
erate column  reached  this  point  the  rear  of  Sykes’  corps  was 
crossing  Broad  Run,  and  retiring  toward  Centerville. 

BATTLE  OF  BRISTOE’s  STATION. 

General  Hill  supposing  this  to  be  the  rear  of  the  Federal 
army  threw  forward  a line  of  battle  to  press  upon  it,  but  just 
as  this  movement  was  to  be  made  ho  Avas  surprised  to  see 
Warren’s  corps  hastening  along  the  railroad  from  the  point 
where  it  had  encountered  Ewell  that  morning.  The  latter 
General  had  not  moved  as  rapidly  as  Warren  bad,  and  noAV 
the  Federals  had  only  to  encounter  General  Ilill.  General 
Warren  was  much  surprised  at  finding  Bristoe  station  in  the 
hands  of  the  Confederates,  as  General  IVfeade  had  indicated 
to  him  that  he  Avould  find  the  Fifth  corps  under  General  Sykes 
at  that  point.  His  position  boav  was  a very  critical  one ; if  he 
tarried  to  fight  Hill  in  his  front,  he  knew  that  Ewell  would  fall 
upon,  his  rear.  When  Hill  saw  the  command  of  Warren  he 
advanced  a line  of  battle  toward  the  railroad. 

Seeing  this  movement,  and  being  perfectly  familiar  with  the 
locality,  Warren  quickly  planned  his  action.  There  was  a 
deep  cut  in  the  railroad  which  neither  commander  could  see, 
but  the  Federal  commander  knew  its  value  and  location. 
He  instantly  ordered  Webb’s  division  to  form,  and,  on  the 
doublequick,  to  seize  that  point.  This  the  division  did  just 
in  time  to  prevent  the  adAmnce  of  the  enemy  from  occupying 
the  coveted  position.  The  Confederates  receiving  a tenable 
fire  from  this  division,  as  also  from  Rickett’s  battery,  fell  back 
in  much  confusion.  Warren  immediately  ordered  a line  of 
battle  to  pursue  them,  and  five  hundred  prisoners,  five  pieces 
of  artillery,  and  two  battle  flags  Avere  captured. 

At  this  time  Caldwell’s  division  arrived,  but  the  engage- 
ment Avas  decided,  the  Federal  loss  being  slight.  Among  the 
killed  was  the  gallant  General  MalloAV,  commanding  the 
Third  brigade  of  Webb's  division.  Although  Warren  had 
thus  gallantly  repulsed  Hill,  he  was  still  in  a most  critical  sit- 
uation, a3  that  officer  still  remained  in  his  front,  and  General 


» 


BATTLE  OF  BRTSTOE’S  STATION. 


425 


Ewell  soon  appeared  in  his  rear.  It  now  became  a very  seri- 
ous problem  as  to  how  he  should  extricate  the  Second  corps 
in  the  presence  of  so  superior  a force.  Night  came  on,  and 
under  the  shelter  of  darkness,  while  Lee  was  making  plans  to 
attack  him,  he  skillfully  withdrew  his  command,  and  joined 
the  remainder  of  the  army  at  Centerville. 

The  position  which  General  Meade  now  occupied  was  one 
of  great  strength.  General  Lee  had  failed  in  his  plan  to 
thrust  his  command  between  the  Federal  army  and  Wash- 
ington, and  continued  his  advance  no  farther.  He  now  threw 
a small  force  forward,  and  destroyed  the  Orange  and  Alexan- 
dria railway,  from  Bristoe  to  the  Rappahannock.  -He  then 
fell  back  with  his  whole  army,  while  Meade  cautiously  ad- 
vanced in  pursuit.  The  only  engagements  fought  were  those 
between  the  cavalry,  however. 

On  the  nineteenth  the  cavalry  division  of  Kilpatrick  came 
into  collision  with  the  troops  of  General  Hampton  and  Fitz 
Lee,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Stuart.  The  conflict 
was  fierce  and  bloody.  Fitz  Lee  made  a gallant  dash  upon 
the  flank  of  Kilpatrick,  when  the  Federals  gave  way,  and 
were  pursued  for  several  miles  by  the  victorious  Confederates. 

General  Meade  now  advanced  his  army  to  Warrenton,  and 
there  waited  until  the  railroad  was  repaired.  Upon  the  sev- 
enth of  November  the  army  advanced  toward  the  Rappahan- 
nock river  in  two  columns.  The  right  wing,  composed  of  the 
Fifth  and  Sixth  corps,  under  General  Sedgwick,  and  the  left, 
composed  of  the  First,  Second  and  Third  corps,  under  Gen- 
eral French.  Sedgwick's  orders  were  to  cross  the  river  at 
Rappahannock  Station,  while  French  was  to  cross  at  Kelly’s 
Ford,  several  miles  below. 

General  Lee’s  army  was  then  on  the  south  bank  of  the 
Rappahannock,  with  headquarters  at  Culpepper  Court-house, 
but  with  advanced  detachments  of  his  troops  at  Rappahan- 
nock Station  and  Kelly’s  Ford.  At  the  first  named  place,  the 
Confederates  were  upon  both  banks  of  the  river,  while  at  the 
latter  they  were  only  upon  the  south  bank.  General  Birney, 
in  command  of  the  Third  corps,  led  the  advance  of  the  left 


426 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


column  upon  Kelly’s  Ford,  and  as  soon  as  the  Federala 
reached  the  river,  one  division  immediately  forded  it  before 
the  pontoons  Avere  laid,  and  a storming  party,  composed  of 
Bordan’s  sharpshooters,  Fortieth  New  York,  One  Hundred 
and  Tenth  Pennsylvania,  Third  and  Fifth  Michigan,  and  the 
First  and  Twentieth  Indiana,  assaulted  the  Confederate  rifle- 
pits  and  captured  several  hundred  prisoners.  The  Federal 
artillery,  posted  on  the  northern  bank  of  the  river,  rendered 
effective  .service  by  shelling  the  fields  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  thus  preventing  the  Confederates  from  reinforcing 
their  troops.  The  Federal  loss  was  light. 

BATTLE  OF  RAPPAHANNOCK  STATION. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  at  Kelly’s  Ford,  more 
important  ones  were  occurring  at  Rappahannock  Station. 
The  Confederates  here  occupied  a strong  line  of  earthworks, 
thrown  up  by  the  Federate  some  time  before,  with  two  thou- 
sand men  of  Early’s  division.  A heavy  cannonade  was  opened 
upon  this  line,  during  the  afternoon  of  the  seventh,  to  which 
the  Confederates  savagely  replied.  Just  before  dark  an 
assaulting  column  was  formed,  consisting  of  portions  of  Up- 
ton’s and  Russell’s  brigades  of  the  Sixth  corps.  In  making 
the  assault,  they  were  joined  by  a detachment  of  skirmishers 
from  the  Twentieth  Maine.  This  attack  was  one  of  the  most 
desperate  and  daring  of  the  war.  Several  of  the  regiments 
thus  engaged  won  imperishable  honors,  but  none  gained  more 
than  did  the  gallant  Sixth  Maine,  which  bore  the  brunt  of  the 
enen^’s  fire  and  was  the  first  to  enter  the  Confederate  works. 

In  this  assault  the  slaughter  of  the  Federate  was  terrible, 
but  their  efforts  were  entirely  successful,  the  entire  position 
being  carried.  Among  the  trophies  were  one  thousand  five 
hundred  prisoners  and  four  guns.  The  few  Confederates  who 
escaped  forded  the  river  and  retreated  to  their  lines  near 
Culpepper  Court-house. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac  crossed  the  river  on  the  nights 
of  the  sixth  and  seventh,  and  morning  of  the  eighth,  and  if 
the  victories  of  the  seventh  had  been  followed  up  by  a vig- 


BATTLE  OF  RAPPAHANNOCK  STATION.  427 

orous  movement  on  the  part  of  General  Meade,  the  Confed- 
erate position  would  have  been  a very  embarrassing  one. 

During  Meade's  delay  on  the  eighth,  General  Lee  recrossed 
the  Rapidan  river,  and  General  Meade  advanced  to  Culpepper. 
Both  armies  now  occupied  nearly  the  same  position  they  did 
before  the  movement  of  General  Lee  upon  Centerville  began. 
Neither  General  had  accomplished  any  important  results  from 
this  movement,  while  both  have  been  criticised  for  their  tardy 
movements. 

General  Warren  was  one  of  the  most  important  actors  in 
the  campaign,  and  displayed  more  genius  than  any  other  offi- 
cer in  the  Federal  army.  There  had  been  many  weary 
marches,  but  once  more  the  two  armies  were  facing  each 
other  in  grim  defiance  from  across  the  Rapidan  river.  Win- 
ter was  now  rapidly  approaching,  and  General  Meade  was 
very  anxious  to  bring  on  a general  engagement  before  the 
storms  of  winter  should  make  the  roads  impassable. 

At  that  time  the  left  of  the  Confederate  army  rested  upon 
the  Rapidan  river,  near  Morton's  Ford.  Lee  had  left  the 
lower  fords  of  the  Rapidan  uncovered,  and  his  line  was  ex- 
tended in  almost  a straight  course  from  the  river  along  the 
western  bank  of  Mine  Run,  a tributary  of  the  Rapidan  which 
empties  into  it  at  Morton’s  Ford.  This  position  was  natu- 
rally a very  strong  one,  and  feeling  perfectly  secure,  General 
Lee  had  scattered  his  army  over  a great  extent  of  territory, 
as  it  could  be  more  easily  subsisted.  Ewell's  corps  was  scat- 
tered from  Morton’s  Ford  to  Orange  Court-house,  and  Hill’s 
occupied  a position  along  the  railroad  in  the  direction  of 
Charlottesville,  leaving  a space  of  several  miles  between  the 
two. 

When  General  Meade  learned  of  the  situation  of  the  Con- 
federate army  he  conceived  the  plan  of  crossing  the  Rapidan 
at  the  uncovered  fords  by  a rapid  advance  along  the  Wilder- 
ness turnpike  and  the  Orange  Court-house  plank  road,  and 
thus  turn  the  Confederate  right,  and  thrust  his  columns  be- 
tween the  commands  of  Hill  and  Ewell.  Ten  days  rations 
were  issued  to  the  army,  and  all  the  trains  left  on  the  north- 


428 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ern  bank  of  the  Rappahannock  river.  This  bold  movement 
began  on  the  twenty-sixth  of  November.  The  First  and 
Fifth  corps,  Fifth  in  advance,  were  to  cross  the  Rapidan  at 
Culpepper  Mine  Ford,  and  advance  along  the  plank  road  to 
Parker’s  store,  the  Second  to  cross  at  Germania  Ford,  and 
move  along  the  Wilderness  turnpike  to  Robertson’s  tavern, 
there  to  be  joined  by  the  Third  and  Sixth,  which  had  ad- 
vanced by  other  routes. 

The  Federal  right  would  thus  rest  upon  Robertson’s  tav- 
ern, and  the  left  at  Parker's  store.  The  distance  to  be 
marched  was  about  twenty  miles.  By  an  early  move  on  the 
morning  of  the  twenty-sixth,  General  Meade  estimated  that 
the  corps  would  all  be  in  the  positions  assigned  them  by  noon 
of  the  twenty-seventh.  Numerous  delays  occurred.  Twenty- 
four  hours  were  consumed  in  reaching  and  crossing  the  Rapi- 
dan, when  only  one  half  the  distance  had  been  passed. 

Earl)'  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  the  army  pressed  for- 
ward with  much  vigor,  General  Warren  at  the  head  of  the  Sec- 
ond corps,  reaching  Robertson's  tavern  in  the  early  afternoon. 
Here  he  encountered  a force  of  Confederates.  A sharp  skir- 
mish soon  developed  the  Confederate  position.  The  Second 
corps  was  here  to  have  been  joined  by  the  Third,  under  Gen- 
eral French,  nor  was  an  attack  to  be  made  until  that  force 
arrived.  Having  met  with  numerous  delays,  after  crossing 
the  Rapidan  at  Jacob's  Mill,  this  corps  pursued  the  wrong 
road,  misleading  it  far  to  the  right,  and  bringing  it  into  col- 
lision with  Johnson’s  division  of  Ewell’s  corps.  After  a brisk 
skirmish,  General  French  extricated  his  command  from  this 
difficulty,  but  did  not  reach  Robertson’s  tavern  until  dark. 

General  Lee  had  discovered  the  design  of  his  antagonist. 
Ewell’s  corps  was  now  withdrawn  across  Mine  Run ; Hill 
was  called  to  the  same  place,  and  the  entire  Confederate  army 
stood. on  the  western  bank  of  the  river,  to  offer  battle  to  the 
Eederals.-  Their  position  was  upon  the  crest  of  a long  ridge, 
extending  north  and  south,  a distance  of  six  miles.  In  the 
rear  of  this  line  was  a very  heavy  growth  of  timber,  while  in 
front,  with  its  marshy,  mucky  banks,  was  Mine  Run,  over 


FEDERALS  RETIRE  ACROSS  THE  RAPID  AN.  429 

which  infantry  could  only  pass  with  the  greatest  difficulty. 
It  was  one  of  the  strongest  positions  which  General  Lee  occu- 
pied during  the  war.  Meade  followed  up  the  withdrawal  of 
Ewell's  corps,  and  did  not  halt  until  he  reached  Mine  Run, 
and  discovered  the  Confederate  position. 

The  Federals  immediately  made  preparations  for  attack. 
Each  corps  commander  was  entrusted  with  the  close  exami- 
nation of  the  position  of  the  enemy  in  his  immediate  front. 
Warren  on  the  left,  and  Sedgwick  on  the  right,  after  having 
closely  observed  the  enemy’s  lines,  reported  in  favor  of  an 
assault.  Preparations  for  this  were  not  completed  until  late 
on  Sunday  the  twenty-ninth,  and  it  was  determined  to  make 
the  attack  early  on  Monday  morning.  Before  eight  o’clock, 
on  the  morning  of  the  last  named  day,  the  army  was  in  line 
waiting  for  the  order  of  battle.  Every  soldier  who  wore  a 
blue  uniform  oh  that  day,  knew  well,  that  if  the  Confederate 
line  was  to  be  assaulted,  it  must  be  at  a terrible  sacrifice  of 
life,  but  not  a man  faltered.  Soon  the  roar  of  Sedgwick’s 
guns  were  heard  through  the  dense  forest,  telling  that  the 
battle  had  opened  on  the  right.  Not  a sound  from  Warren 
on  the  left,  had  been  heard.  This  silence  was  explained  about 
nine  o’clock. 

At  daylight  General  Warren  had  made  a very  close  obser- 
vation of  the  Confederate  positon,  and  ascertained  that  Gen- 
eral Lee  had  so  strengthened  it  during  the  night  that  he  did 
not  deem  it  wise  to  make  an  assault,  which  he  assuredly  be- 
lieved would  only  end  in  defeat,  and  the  slaughter  of  his 
brave  men.  He  therefore  assumed  the  responsibility  of  sus- 
pending the  attack.  General  Meade  rode  over  to  the  left  and 
surveyed  the  situation,  and  became  satisfied  that  General 
Warren  had  acted  wisely.  There  was  nothing  now  left  for 
the  Eederal  commander  to  do  but  retire  across  the  Rapidan. 

FEDERALS  RETIRE  ACROSS  THE  RAPIDAN. 

During  the  following  night  the  army  was  quietly  with- 
drawn, and  took  up  its  old  position  on  the  north  bank  of  that 
river. 


430 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


t 

111  other  sections  of  Virginia  other  operations  about  the 
close  of  the  year  were  on  a very  small  scale,  comparatively, 
the  most  important  event  being  upon  the  line  of  Virginia  and 
East  Tennessee,  in  the  district  commanded  by  the  Confeder- 
ate General,  Sam  Jones.  Here  the  Federals,  under  General 
Averill,  successfully  struck  the  Virginia  and  Tennessee  rail- 
road at  Salem,  and  severed  what,  at  that  time,  was  the  most 
important  line  of  communications  in  the  South.  The  two 
great  armies  went  into  winter  quarters,  the  Federals  on  the 
line  of  the  Rappahannock  and  the  Confederates  on  the  Rapi- 
dan,  which  closed  the  operations  of  the  campaign,  and 
dropped  the  veil  over  the  great  scenes  of  the  war  in  Virginia 
for  the  year  1863. 


ROLL  CALL. 

BY  N.  G.  SHE  CHERT. 

“Corporal  Green!”  the  orderly  cried; 

“Here!”  was  the  answer,  loud  and  clear, 

From  the  lips  of  the  soldier  who  stood  near; 

And  “Here!”  was  the  word  the  next  replied. 

“Cyrus  Drew!”  then  a silence  fell; 

This  time  no  answer  followed  the  call; 

Only  his  rear  man  had  seen  him  fall, 

Killed  or  wounded,  he  could  not  tell. 

There  they  stood  in  the  failing  light; 

These  men  of  battle,  with  grave,  dark  looks, 

As  plain  to  be  read  as  open  books, 

While  slowly  gathered  the  shades  of  night. 

The  fern  on  the  hillsides  was  splashed  with  blood, 
And  down  in  the  corn  where  the  poppies  grew, 
Were  redder  stains  than  the  poppies  knew; 

And  crimson  dyed  was  the  river’s  flood. 

For  the  foe  had  crossed  from  the  other  side 
That  day,  in  the  face  of  a murderous  fire 
That  swept  them  down,  in  .its  terrible  ire, 

And  their  life-blood  went  to  color  the  tide. 

“Herbert  Kline!”  At  the  call  there  came 
Two  stalwart  soldiers  into  the  line, 
t Bearing  between  them  this  Herbert  Kline, 

Wounded  and  bleeding,  to  answer  his  name. 


ROLL  CALL. 


431 


“Ezra  Kerr!”  and  a voice  answered  “Here!” 

“Hiram  Kerr!”  but  no  man  replied. 

They  were  brothers,  these  two;  the  sad  winds  sighed, 
And  a shudder  crept  through  the  cornfield  near. 

“Ephraim  Deane!”  then  a soldier  spoke: 

“Deane  carried  our  regiment's  colors,”  he  said; 

“ Where  our  ensign  was  shot  I left  him  dead, 

Just  after  the  enemy  wavered  and  broke. 

“ Close  to  the  roadside  his  body  lies. 

I paused  a moment  and  gave  him  drink; 

He  murmured  his  mother’s  name,  I think, 

And  death  came  with  it  and  closed  his  eyes.” 

’Twas  a victory;  yes,  but  it  cost  us  dear, 

For  that  company’s  roll,  when  called  at  night, 

Of  a hundred  men  who  went  into  the  fight, 

Numbered  but  twenty,  that  answered,  "Here!” 


432 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  POEM. 

THE  LOST  PIG. 

Ip  there  was  any  one  thing  in  the  army  which  had  a ten- 
dency more  than  another  to  keep  up  the  good  spirits  of  the 
men,  it  was  to  be  able  to  play  some  trick  upon  the  officers  of 
their  own  commands. 

In  the  early  days  of  the  war,  any  depredation  upon  the 
citizen  by  the  soldiers  was  punishable,  and  while  they  had  no 
excuse  for  stealing,  there  being  an  abundance  of  all  they 
needed,  yet  they  sometimes  did  things  which  got  them  into 
trouble. 

A light  battery  was  quartered  at  Point  of  Rocks,  on  the 
Appomattox,  in  1862.  The  fat  pigs  of  the  farmers  ran  at 
liberty  about  the  camp,  and  orders  had  been  given  that  they 
were  not  to  be  disturbed  by  any  one.  One  morning  a planter 
rode  to  the  captain’s  tent,  and  complained  of  the  loss  of  one 
of  his  pigs.  Captain  R.,  who  was  a whole  souled  kind  of 
fellow,  told  him  that  he  was  very  sorry  for  it,  and  further, 
that  his  camp  should  be  searched,  and  the  offender  made  to 
suffer,  if  he  could  be  found.  Diligent  search  failed  to  get 
any  clue  to  the  pig,  or  the  men  who  killed  it,  and  there  the 
matter  dropped.  The  captain  declared,  if  he  could  find  out 
who  killed  the  pig,  or  any  one  who  ate  any  part  of  it,  that  he 
should  pay  for  it. 

The  next  day  some  of  the  non-commissioned  officers  invited 
the  Captain  and  his  lieutenants  to  dine  with  them,  as  they  had 
just  received  several  boxes  from  their  homes.  The  invitation 
was  accepted  and  the  next  day  the  feast  was  spread  in  grand 
style.  In  seating  the  officers  at  the  table,  the  Captain  was 
given  the  most  prominent  seat,  before  which  had  been  placed 


FORAGING  FOR  MELONS. 


433 


a fine  cut  of  shote.  This  the  officer  was  askecl  to  cut.  Soon 
all  were  seated  and  having  a good  time,  when  a burst  of  mer- 
riment told  the  story.  Captain  R.  had  carved  the  pig  as 
requested,  during  which  act  he  had  placed  a piece  in  his 
mouth ; this  Avas  a part  of  the  planter’s  lost  pig,  and  so,  in 
accordance  with  his  own  orders,  he  had  to  pay  for  it. 

FORAGING  FOR  MELONS. 

While  the  Confederates  were  in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond 
during  the  summer,  the  truck  patches  and  cornfields  of  those 
who  supplied  the  markets  of  the  city  with  vegetables  often 
suffered  very  severely.  The  soldiers,  whose  rations  were 
slim,  used  to  raid  on  these  garden  patches,  and  commit  great 
havoc.  Sentinels  were  frequently  placed  to  guard  them,  but 
who  were  the  sentinels  ? only  the  messmates  of  the  raiders. 

On  one  occasion  a truckman,  named  Heckler,  a Dutchman, 
had  a very  large  and  fine  garden,  on  the  Charles  City  road, 
which  was  repeatedly  robbed,  although  sentinels  were  sta- 
tioned all  around  his  field.  He  therefore  concluded  to  do  a 
little  duty  in  this  line,  himself,  to  see  if  he  could  not  detect 
the  sokliers  who  were  thus  pilfering  his  fields. 

There  was  a large  crop  of  very  luscious  water  melons, 
just  ripe,  occupying  a part  of  the  garden  which  is  known 
in  that  section  as  neAV  ground.  There  remained  many  of  the 
stumps  of  the  trees  which  had  been  cut  from  this  plot,  in 
the  midst  of  Avhich  the  melons  grew  sumptuously.  The 
night  Heckler,  gun  in  hand,  went  to  Avatch  his  field,  the  sol- 
diers of  an  artillery  company  Avent  to  forage  for  melons, 
neither  the  sentinels  or  the  soldiers  knowing  that  the  old  man 
Avas  on  guard.  The  moon  shone  but  dimly,  about  the  time 
half-a-dozen  men  crept  stealthily  by  the  careless  guard,  and 
into  the  patch  'of  melons.  Before  this,  the  owner  had  con- 
cealed himself  behind  a big  stump  in  the  middle  of  the  field 
to  await  results.  Time  hanging  heaAdly  on  him,  he  finally 
fell  asleep.  Then  came  the  soldiers,  and  quickly  began  to 
gather  the  fine  melons,  and  hurriedly  placed  them  in  sacks, 
brought  for  that  purpose,  soon  filling  them  all. 

28 


434 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Not  thinking  of  clanger,  the  men  thought  they  would  then 
and  there  take  a large  melon  to  eat,  and  one  fellow  raised  it 
high,  and  dropped  it  upon  what  he  conceived  to  be  a black 
stump.  The  melon  was  broken  in  many  pieces,  not  over  a 
stump,  however,  but  over  the  head  of  Heckler,  who,  being 
thus  suddenly  aroused,  was  frightened  nearly  to  death,  and 
dropping  his  gun,  fled  in  one  direction,  while  the  astonished 
soldier,  equally  surprised,  ran  in  the  opposite. 

Poor  Heckler  ran  right  into  the  guard,  who  captured  and 
sent  him  to  the  commanding  officer  to  be  tried  for  robbing  his 
own  melon  patch. 


THE  REVERSE. 

It  has  often  been  observed  that  a term  of  enlistment  gave 
a fine  opportunity  to  develop  character.  The  true  disposi- 
tions of  men  were  by  this  means  thoroughly  shown,  and  a 
close  study  revealed  the  full  caliber  of  individual  composition, 
mentally,  morally  and  physically  speaking. 

Often  it  has  been  remarked,  that  those  who  constituted, 
what  might  be  termed,  in  civil  life,  men  of  much  prorvess 
were  the  most  arrant  cowards  as  soldiers.  These  were  men 
whose  physical  qualifications  constituted  their  all,  their  mental 
characters  being  too  meagre  to  be  observable  in  the  slightest 
degree. 

In  camp,  they  were  at  all  times  ready  to  pick  upon  the 
less  formidable,  who  might  be  in  their  midst,  but  when  faced 
by  the  dangers  of  battle  would  skulk  in  the  most  cowardly 
manner.  They  were,  moreover,  endowed  with  but  little  power 
of  endurance,  scarcely  ever  being  able  to  bear  equal  fatigue 
with  their  comrades  of  frailer  build,  but  on  the  contrary,  hun- 
dreds of  instances  have  been  known  where  the  weak  in  body 
were  giants  in  will  and  daring. 

TRUE  MANHOOD. 

“ Lead  my  command  safely  out  of  your  lines,  and  you  shall 
receive  ten  thousand  dollars,'’  said  a cavalry  raider,  who  had 
been  entrapped  near  Stony  Creek. 


THE  DIFFERENCE. 


435 


This  offer  was  made  to  a citizen.  “ I would  not  do  it  were 
I able,"’  replied  the  old  man.  “ You  are  surrounded,  and  es- 
cape is  almost  impossible.  Keep  your  money;  I don't  want 
it  on  any  such  terms.” 

“ Then  you  are  my  prisoner,  and  shall  suffer  for  your  re- 
fusal,” said  the  irate  officer. 

“ To  suffer  at  your  hands,  I expect,  but  turn  traitor  to  my 
country,  never ! ” cried  the  old  patriot. 

The  firm  spirit  of  the  aged  scion  of  Virginia  touched  the 
cords  of  manly  admiration  in  the  breast  of  the  soldier,  and 
he  told  the  white-headed  citizen  that  he  did  not  blame  him, 
but  admired  him  the  more. 

Had  all  men,  both  North  and  South,  shown  this  true  prin- 
ciple, many  would  today  enjoy  much  more  of  the  esteem  and 
respect  of  their  fellow-citizens.  Brave  men  are  always  the 
recipients  of  admiration,  while  from  the  weak  and  dissem- 
bling this  mark  of  esteem  is  justly  withheld. 

THE  DIFFERENCE. 

Young  men  who  left  the  luxuries  of  ease  and  comfort,  often 
made  the  more  rugged  soldiers,  and  cases  have  come  to  light 
where  they  shrank  from  encountering  a physical  contest  with 
any  of  their  own  comrades,  and  yet  they  displayed  far  more 
courage  when  faced  by  the  common  foe  than  those  whose 
overbearing  taunts  they  would  not  resent  in  the  camp. 

Two  officers,  both  young  men,  had  a personal  difficulty  over 
some  conceived  grievance,  resulting  in  one  of  them  being 
slapped  in  the  face  by  the  other.  This  insult  was  not  resented 
by  the  victim  who  was  a much  smaller  man  physically.  He 
repaired  to  his  tent,  and  in  due  course  of  time  sent  a challenge 
to  his  antagonist.  This  was  accepted  by  the  first  aggressor, 
who,  in  accordance  with  the  code,  had  the  choice  of  weapons. 
In  exercising  this  right  he  chose  double-barreled  shot  guns, 
ten  paces  distant ; each  barrel  to  be  loaded  with  large  shot, 
and  each  to  fire  until  one  or  both  fell.  He  hoped  by  thus 
acting  to  frighten  the  challenging  party  and  bring  about  an 
amicable  settlement. 


436 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


In  this  he  was  vastly  mistaken,  however,  as  his  terms  were 
promptly  accepted  and  time  of  meeting  arranged.  Being  a 
natural  coward  he  instinctively  shrank  from  the  barbarous 
proposition  which  he  had  made,  and  actually  withdrew  it. 
Ever  after  this  he  labored  under  the  contemptuous  ridicule  of 
his  brother  officers. 

At  the  battle  of  Yellow  Tavern  when  Stuart  fell  the  officer 
whom  the  bully  had  attempted  to  frighten  was  close  by  the 
side  of  his  General,  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  while  his 
former  antagonist  was  made  conspicuous  by  his  absence 
without  leave. 


COURT-MARTIALED. 

Among  other  military  requirements  was  that  of  respectful 
obedience  to  the  officers,  and  the  prompt  discharge  of  their 
commands.  No  officer  had  a right,  however,  to  abuse  his 
authority  or  use  disrespect  toward  his  inferiors  in  rank.  To 
show  what  results  such  an  abuse  of  authority  would  some- 
times produce,  the  following  instance  will  illustrate : 

The  major  of  a certain  regiment,  in  riding  around  his  picket 
line,  came  to  a post,  under  command  of  a lieutenant,  the  local- 
ity of  which  he  did  not  approve. 

It  so  happened  that  the  commanding  general  had,  in  person, 
placed  the  picket  in  the  position  occupied,  and  ordered  the 
lieutenant  to  there  remain. 

When  the  major  came  up,  he  ordered  the  removal  of  the 
post  to  another  position,  which  he  designated.  At  this  the 
officer  in  charge  informed  him  that  the  general  had  stationed 
the  pickets  in  person,  and  that  he  could  not  move,  unless  that 
officer’s  orders  were  presented.  This  enraged  the  major,  and 
with  a very  profane  oath,  he  demanded  to  know  of  the  lieu- 
tenant if  he  intended  to  disobey  his  order,  at  the  same  time 
applying  anything  but  a gentlemanly  epithet  to  him. 

“ No,”  said  the  post  commander,  “Ido  not  intend  to  dis- 
obey the  order  of  my  commanding  general  or  the  natural 
inclinations  of  my  mind  either,’’  and  drawing  his  sabre,  he 
struck  the  major  a telling  blow  across  the  face,  which  knocked 


TAKE  IT  AWAY.  437 

him  from  his  horse.  Thoroughly  enraged,  the  major  arose, 
and  again  mounting,  rode  off. 

Soon  came  another  officer  to  relieve  the  post  commander, 
and  with  orders  that  he  report  at  headquarters.  He  was  then 
ordered  to  his  quarters  under  arrest. 

A court-martial  was  convened  and  the  inferior  officer  was 
arraigned  on  the  charge  of  having  struck  a superior.  He 
plead  justification.  Upon  a full  hearing,  he  was  sustained  in 
his  plea,  and  the  major  was  not  only  censured  for  what  he 
had  done,  but  was  debarred  from  drawing  his  pay  for  a 
month.  This  lesson  had  a healthy  effect  in  the  regiment  and 
ever  afterward,  courtesy  and  politeness  superseded  arrogance 
and  self-assumed  importance. 

MASONRY  EXEMPLIFIED. 

There  was  much  advantage  gained  by  some  during  the  war 
as  representatives  of  masonry,  as  the  following  instance  will 
show : 

A squad  of  Federal  cavalry  dashed  up  to  a plantation  while 
on  the  march,  and  its  members  proceeded  to  pillage.  Some 
invaded  the  stable,  others  the  dairy,  while  others  the  dwell- 
ing-house. The  owner  was  standing  helplessly  by,  a silent 
witness  to  these  wicked  proceedings,  when  an  officer  came  up, 
and  some  sign  of  recognition  was  made  him,  which  was  im- 
mediately responded  to  by  the  Federal. 

In  an  instant,  orders  were  given  for  the  men  to  remount, 
their  commander  first  causing  them  to  disgorge  everything 
they  had  laid  hands  on,  and  bidding  the  planter  a hearty 
adieu,  rode  off. 

TAKE  IT  AWAY. 

Many  amusing  jokes  have  been  told  of  a very  prominent 
officer  of  the  Federal  army,  who  was  made  conspicuous  by  his 
inordinate  desire  to  accumulate  wealth  through  the  medium 
of  spoons. 

Perhaps  it  is  not  generally  known  that  a report  was  in  cir- 
culation, while  he  commanded  the  forces  in  charge  of  a prom- 


438 


BLUE  AXD  GEAT. 


inent  southern  city,  that  this  veritable  specimen  of  humanity 
appropriated  to  his  own  use,  a steamboat,  without  being  de- 
tected. A contraband  transport  being  captured  by  the  gun- 
boats, was  turned  over  to  this  commander  to  be  accredited  to 
the  general  government.  This,  so  goes  the  report,  was  not 
done,  but  for  an  enormous  sum,  the  steamer  was  leased  to 
Uncle  Sam,  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  lease,  sold  to  him, 
and  the  proceeds  pocketed. 

When  the  war  was  closed,  the  city  of  Richmond  was  filled 
Avith  northern  visitors.  Among  others,  this  gentleman  hap- 
pened to  be  in  the  cit}r,  a guest  at  a prominent  hotel,  then  the 
headquarters  of  most  of  the  northern  people. 

At  dinner,  one  day,  while  he  was  seated  with  many  others, 
at  the  same  table,  a gentleman  occupying  the  seat  opposite  to 
where  our  hero  sat,  created  quite  a sensation  at  his  expense. 
In  ordering  his  dessert,  there  was  brought  him,  among  other 
things,  a spoon.  On  seeing  it,  the  gentleman  excitedly  called 
to  the  waiter  as  he  moved  away,  and  ordered  his  immediate 
attention.  These  actions  had  attracted  the  notice  of  every 
one  in  the  room,  among  others  being  the  general.  “ Waiter,” 
he  said,  “ take  this  spoon  right  awajn  I have  always  borne 
a good  character,  and  I don't  want  to  lose  it.  I see  by  the 

morning  paper  that  General is  in  this  city,  a guest  of 

this  house,  and  if  any  spoons  are  missing  I wont  be  respon- 
sible for  them.” 

This  speech  brought  down  the  house,  the  victim  of  the 
sport  joining  heartily  in  the  laugh  which  had  been  inaugurated 
at  his  expense. 

PRAYED  FOR  HISSEF  ART)  DE  BOTE. 

The  army  of  General  Magruder  was  being  entrenched 
about  Williamsburg  and  Yorktown,  and  many  negroes  from 
the  opposite  side  of  the  James  river  were  pressed  into  the  ser- 
vice by  the  authorities,  and  made  to  assist  in  the  building  of 
breastworks. 

During  a storm,  a boat,  containing  quite  a number  of  slaves 
and  their  guard,  was  crossing  the  river.  The  wind  blew  so 


THE  REWARD  OF  MERIT. 


439 


fiercely  there  was  danger  of  all  being  lost  before  it  could 
reach  the  shore.  Soon  the  man  who  had  command  began  to 
pray,  while  through  the  skillful  management  of  the  negroes, 
it  safely  landed. 

One  of  the  negroes  being  asked  by  a soldier  who  witnessed 
the  peril  from  the  shore,  if  he  was  frightened,  answered, 
“ no,"  but  he  “ thought  the  guard  was.”  “ What  did  he  do  ? ” 
continued  the  soldier.  “Well,  sar,”  said  the  negro,  “he 
prayed  for  liissef  and  de  bote,  but  he  didn't  say  a word  about 
we  niggers,  so  I spects  he  was  harmed.” 

THE  REWARD  OF  MERIT. 

If  the  genuine  friendship  of  a negro  was  once  gained, 
nothing  could  alienate  the  feelings  of  these  people  from  those 
whom  they  “sot  store  by , ” loved. 

A young  Virginia  planter,  when  about  to  leave  his  home 
to  join  the  army,  was  asked  by  one  of  his  favorite  negroes,  to 
be  allowed  to  follow  him.  This  slave,  the  planter  had  re- 
tained from  his  childhood  as  a body  servant,  and  shared  with 
him  every  comfort  of  life.  “ John,”  replied  his  master,  “ I am 
afraid  you  might  be  killed  if  I allowed  you  to  go  to  the  war. 
Are  you  not  satisfied  to  stay  at  home  with  your  mistress,  out 
of  danger?”  “Vo  master,  do  you  think  I could  rest  nights 
in  my  bed,  when  I knew  that  you  were  suffering?  I want  to 
go,  sir."  “ Then  be  it  so,  you  may  go.” 

John  followed  his  master  through  the  first  two  years  of  the 
war,  and  never  a fight  in  which  his  master  took  part,  did  he 
miss.  At  the  fearful  battle  of  Chantilty,  the  planter  soldier 
was  shot  from  his  horse  and  left  in  the  lines  of  the  enemy, 
either  to  die,  or  be  taken  prisoner. 

When  the  negro  heard  of  it,  and  while  the  fight  was  still 
raging,  he  mounted  the  extra  horse  which  his  master  had  pro- 
vided for  his  use,  and  dashed  to  the  front,  in  the  direction  in- 
dicated by  the  men.  In  the  midst  of  the  exploding  shells  and 
humming  bullets,  he  pressed  his  way,  until  his  efforts  were 
rewarded  by  seeing  his  master  lying  before  him,  apparently 
dead.  Quickly  dismounting  he  lifted  him  upon  the  back  of 


440 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  horse  which  he  had  ridden,  and  soon  bore  him  from  the 
field.  The  act  of  daring  had  been  witnessed  by  an  officer  of 
high  rank,  and  an  especial  medal  was  awarded  the  negro  for 
this  deed  of  valor. 

His  master  recovered;  John  still  following  him  until  he 
laid  down  his  arms  at  Appomattox.  In  course  of  time  this 
ex-rebel  soldier  became  a national  law  maker,  and  one  of  the 
first  appointments  which  was  made  at  his  suggestion,  was  con- 
ferred upon  this  faithful  man  who  had  been  his  slave. 

THE  BATTLE  OF  BETHEL. 

Not  every  one  in  the  South  favored  the  course  the  seceding 
states  assumed,  and  when  a full  realization  of  Avar  was  fairly 
presented  to  the  more  careful  and  discreet,  many  regrets  Avere 
expressed  by  thousands. 

As  the  boom  of  heavy  guns  aroused  the  people  for  miles 
around  on  that  June  morning  of  1861,  and  forced  them  to 
recognize  the  fact  that  hostilities  had  been  indeed  inaugurated 
upon  a determined  scale  of  bloody  Avar,  the  excitement  among 
the  inhabitants  Avas  fearful  and  melancholy.  Strong  men 
Avrung  their  hands  in  bitter  anguish ; Avomen  wept,  Avhile  ter- 
rified little  ones  clung  to  the  garments  of  their  parents  in 
childish  affright.  The  memories  of  the  battle  of  Bethel  Avill 
long  live  in  the  minds  of  the  people  of  Eastern  Virginia,  and 
time  alone  can  obliterate  the  impressions  Avhich  Avere  made 
upon  the  surroundings  of  that  first  field  of  strife.  Only  one 
class,  the  slaves,  looked  on  that  event  Avith  any  impulses  of 
pleasure,  and  e\ren  they  mingled  their  tears  Avith  their  joys. 

THE  SOLDIERS’  COMPANIONS. 

The  many  thousands  Avho  took  no  paid  in  the  civil  war,  but 
remained  at  their  homes  surrounded  by  the  comforts,  luxuries 
and  pleasures  which  ease  and  Avealth  afford,  had  no  idea  what 
means  were  often  employed  in  the  camp,  on  the  picket  post, 
and  in  the  lonely  prison  pens,  to  divert  the  mind  from  the 
thought  of  the  terrible  reality  through  Avhich  the  army  was 
passing.  Every  means  Avas  employed  Avhich  could  be  devised, 


AN  INVENTIVE  GENIUS. 


441 


and  every  one  made  an  effort  to  excel  his  neighbor  in  the  at- 
tempt to  produce  something  original  in  character  calculated 
to  interest  the  whole  for  a season. 

In  this  way  many  an  hour  which  would  otherwise  have 
hung  heavily  passed  away.  Debates  on  topics  of  general  in- 
terest were  often  indulged  in  ; songs  and  dances  filled  many  a 
blank  space;  and  last,  though  not  least,  the  fighting  of  gray 
backs  caused  more  sport  than  any  other  one  thing  ever  intro- 
duced. This  doubtless  sounds  strange  to  the  readers  of  the 
present  day,  and  yet  we  can  assure  them  that  many  a dollar, 
plug  of  tobacco,  or  some  similar  article  changed  hands  through 
this  medium. 

Perhaps  it  would  be  well  to  give  a little  insight  into  this 
procedure  that  the  uninitiated  may  have  a better  idea  of  what 
is  meant.  It  is  an  indisputable  fact  that  at  least  two  thirds  of 
every  regiment  in  the  field  became  lousy  during  some  period 
of  their  term  of  enlistment.  Many  of  these  vermin  were  as 
large  as  grains  of  wheat,  some  having  a little  spot  upon  their 
backs,  and  thus  differing  from  many  others.  They  were  espec- 
ially noted  for  their  ferocity,  and  all  that  was  necessary  to  do 
was  to  bring  one  of  each  variety  in  contact  to  create  a row. 
A battle  ground  was  easily  arranged  by  laying  a canteen  upon 
its  side  and  describing  a circle  thereon  with  chalk  or  charcoal. 
Then  the  combatants  would  be  taken  from  the  clothing  of  two 
soldiers,  one  from  each,  and  placed  in  the  ring. 

It  is  rather  a singular  fact,  and  yet  true,  that  these  little 
creatures  will  fight  savagely.  The  men  indulging  in  this 
sport  will  wager  anything  upon  their  bug,  often  the  fight 
being  kept  up  until  one,  or  both,  of  the  insects  are  dead.  It 
was  nothing  unusual  to  see  a dozen  groups  of  men  so  en- 
gaged, eagerly  witnessing  one  of  these  encounters.  Any  old 
soldier  has  heard  of  this  sport,  and  knows  that  this  is  no  far 
fetched  yarn. 

AN  INVENTIVE  GENIUS. 

While  thousands  of  Confederates  were  confined  at  Point 
Lookout,  as  prisoners  of  war,  many  ingenious  inventions  were 
got  up  by  the  soldiers. 


442 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Among  these  curiosities  was  a steam  engine  and  train  of 
cars.  A young  Alabamian,  Avho  remained  in  that  prison 
for  quite  a length  of  time,  being  the  mechanical  genius. 
The  material  used  in  its  construction  was  such  as  could 
be  found  about  the  prison.  Tin,  nails,  wire  and  wood  were 
the  only  ingredients  used,  and  yet  a perfect  locomotive  was 
constructed,  and  when  fired  up  would  actually  draw  the 
miniature  train  of  cars  around  the  circular  track,  made  for 
this  especial  purpose.  So  unique  and  perfect  was  this  de- 
vice that  a Federal  officer  purchased  it,  and  sent  it  home  to 
his  children,  paying  the  soldier  well  for  it.  There  was  cer- 
tainly no  better  place  in  the  world  to  develop  talent,  than 
the  prison  pen. 


THE  SKULKER. 

Every  soldier  who  has  seen  active  service,  knows  what  is 
meant  by  the  word  skulker , and  no  body  of  men  were  en- 
rolled without  having  one  or  more  of  this  class  among  them. 
He  is  always  ready  to  do  anything  to  avoid  danger,  and  if 
chance  brings  him  in  peril,  he  will  find  a way  to  evade  it. 

An  instance  to  the  point  occurred  in  front  of  Petersburg. 
His  regiment  was  engaged  on  the  skirmish  line,  and  during 
the  fight,  one  of  his  comrades  was  badly  wounded  in  the  foot, 
and  needed  to  be  assisted  to  the  rear.  The  skulker  immedi- 
ately offered  his  services,  and  was  ordered  to  go.  Instead  of 
aiding  the  wounded  man,  he  made  for  the  rear  at  a brisk 
walk,  beckoning  to  the  wounded  man  to  follow  him.  He 
hobbled  along  the  best  he  could,  while  the  skulker  still  kept 
in  advance,  and  rendered  him  no  assistance  whatever.  Just 
at  this  time  an  exploding  shell  wounded  the  skulker  in  both 
feet,  and  he  began  to  howl  most  piteously  for  help.  This  the 
other  could  not  render,  but  went  on  to  the  rear,  and  told  the 
story.  During  the  whole  day  that  fellow  lay  there,  and  when 
removed  was  very  nearly  dead.  It  was  a good  lesson,  how- 
ever, and  taught  others  never  to  evade  the  dangers  which 
brave  men  are  called  upon  to  face. 


OLD  REUBEN. 


443 


CAPTURING  A REGIMENT. 

Not  far  from  Stony  Creek,  a station  on  the  Weldon  rail- 
road, quite  an  unusual  occurrence  once  transpired,  which,  to 
many,  will  at  first  seem  incredible.  General  Wilson  of  Fed- 
eral cavalry  fame,  at  the  head  of  thousands  was  raiding  that 
section  at  will,  but  after  doing  much  damage,  he  was  severely 
punished  for  his  daring  by  the  Confederates. 

After  a very  severe  and  bloody  engagement,  in  which  many 
lives  were  lost,  his  cavalry  was  completely  routed,  and  scat- 
tered in  many  directions.  The  country  around  Sussex  Court- 
house was  swarming  with  broken  regiments  of  Union  cavalry, 
while  those  of  the  Confederates  were  in  hot  pursuit. 

A member  of  the  — Virginia  had  been  detailed  as  a des- 
patch bearer,  and  was  in  the  act  of  passing  through  a piece 
of  wood  to  another  part  of  the  line.  This  line  was  so  drawn 
that  many  of  the  Federals  were  surrounded,  and  in  going 
through  the  wood  above  mentioned,  he  was  captured  by  a 
Federal  regiment.  The  Union  men  knew  the  dangerous  posi- 
tion they  occupied,  and  expected  to  be  captured  as  they  were 
entirely  surrounded  by  larger  numbers.  The  despatch  bearer 
when  questioned  by  the  colonel,  told  him  of  the  condition  of 
affairs,  and  at  the  same  time  gave  him  to  understand  that 
escape  was  impossible. 

The  Federal  commander  took  from  him  the  despatches,  and 
found  that  they  contained  orders  to  cease  firing,  as  the  enemy 
were  surrounded  and  would  soon  be  captured. 

Accepting  the  situation,  as  any  sensible  man  would  have 
done,  he  surrendered  his  regiment  to  the  courier,  and  quietly 
followed  his  lead  into  the  Confederate  lines.  This,  doubtless, 
is  the  only  case  on  record  where  one  man  captured  a regiment 
and  successfully  escorted  it  to  the  rear. 

OLD  REUBEN. 

An  instance  is  recorded,  at  least  in  the  memory  of  those  of 
the  family  to  whom  it  has  reference,  in  regard  to  the  devotion 
of  an  old  negro  slave,  which  will  bear  repetition  here. 

A planter  living  in  a convenient  and  dangerous  locality, 


444 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


fled  with  his  family  to  a place  of  refuge  in  another  state,  leav- 
ing his  large  plantation,  and  thousands  of  dollars  worth  of 
property,  in  the  keeping  of  one  of  his  negroes.  This  faithful 
servant  had  won  the  implicit  confidence  of  his  master,  by  his 
earnest  zeal  in  his  behalf  years  before,  and  nothing  could 
shake  the  confidence  which  existed  between  the  two  men. 
All  of  the  slaves  of  this  estate  fled  to  the  enemy,  excepting 
this  one,  leaving  him  alone  on  the  plantation,  “monarch of  all 
he  surveyed.”  He  had  entire  liberty  to  do  as  he  pleased, 
which  power  had  been  delegated  him  by  his  master. 

For  several  months  everything  went  quietly  on,  until  at 
last  the  enemy  invaded  the  district,  and  began  to  pillage  and 
destroy.  Reaching  this  plantation,  the  old  negro,  who  was 
sagacious  and  shrewd,  met  them,  and  notified  the  leader  of  the 
party  that  everything  on  the  premises  belonged  to  him,  and  if 
anything  was  disturbed,  he  would  make  complaint  to  the 
commanding  general,  forthwith.  This  had  the  desired  effect, 
and  while  every  other  plantation  for  miles  around,  was  devas- 
tated and  laid  waste,  this  one  escaped  untouched,  not  a single 
thing  being  carried  off  or  destroyed.  So  faithfully  did  Reu- 
ben look  after  the  interest  of  his  master,  that  when  hostilities 
ceased,  and  the  inhabitants  returned  to  their  deserted  homes, 
his  master  found  everything  in  good  order,  and  his  stock  much 
increased  in  number.  This  faithful  man  did  not  go  unre- 
warded for  his  devotion.  A hundred  acres  of  land,  with  all 
necessary  appliances  for  cultivating  it,  was  the  price  he  re- 
ceived at  the  grateful  hand  of  his  ex-owner,  and  today,  there 
cannot  be  found  a more  prosperous,  respectable,  or  happier 
family  among  the  blacks  in  the  whole  communit}r,  than  that 
of  this  negro.  Shortly  after  the  return  of  peace,  his  old  mas- 
ter died,  and  conspicuous  among  the  mourners  who  followed 
him  to  his  last  resting-place,  was  Reuben. 

A BIG  PRIZE. 

Sometimes  officers  of  high  rank  placed  themselves  in  posi- 
tions which  laid  their  lives  in  imminent  danger  were  the  fact 
discovered  by  the  enemy. 


COLONEL  ROBINS. 


445 


One  morning  in  the  summer  of  1864,  on  the  peninsula,  with 
the  enemy’s  batteries  but  a short  distance  away,  there  were 
collected  in  front  of  the  Confederate  works,  in  a group,  sev- 
eral general  officers,  which,  had  they  been  captured,  would 
have  been  the  death  blow  to  the  Confederacy.  These  were 
Generals  Lee,  Hill,  Longstreet,  with  arm  in  sling,  Bushrod 
Johnson,  Hoke,  and  Field.  Nothing  protected  them  from  the 
enemy’s  guns,  while  only  a small  cavalry  picket  was  in  advance 
of  them.  Had  a descent  by  the  Federals  been  made  upon 
them  it  would  have  been  a close  escape,  as  the  men  behind  the 
works  conld  not  have  fired  for  fear  of  striking  them.  No 
doubt,  had  the  enemy  known  who  constituted  that  party  of 
horsemen,  they  would  have  made  a desperate  effort  to  either 
kill  or  capture  them. 

COLONEL  ROBINS. 

It  is  a well-known  fact  that  the  men  composing  the  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia,  not  only  had  great  confidence  in  Gen- 
eral Lee,  but  fairly  idolized  him.  His  appearance  at  the 
front,  along  the  line,  or  even  in  the  camp,  was  ahvays  signal- 
ized by  a prolonged  cheer,  and  this  being  continued  until  it 
reached  the  extremity  of  the  line,  it  mattered  not  how  long 
that  line  might  be. 

One  morning  a general  shout  was  heard  on  the  left  of  the 
Confederate  line,  resting  near  the  Mechanicsville  pike,  on  the 
peninsula  side  of  the  James  river,  and  was  taken  up  by  the 
various  troops  along,  it  only  ceasing  after  having  reached  the 
extreme  right  of  the  Confederate  line,  many  miles  away. 
The  soldiers  had  begun  this  cheering  as  an  officer,  whom  they 
mistook  for  General  Lee,  accompanied  by  several  others,  rode 
by,  seemingly  inspecting  the  works.  Conceive  of  their  dis- 
gust, when  it  became  generally  understood  a few  hours 
afterward,  that  it  was  not  General  Lee,  but  only  Colonel 
Robins  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Virginia,  who  bore  a striking 
resemblance  to  the  great  commander. 


446 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


THE  SCAVENGER. 

There  were  a class  of  men  who  enlisted  in  the  armies  of 
the  rebellion  who  were  a disgrace  to  themselves  and  their 
commands.  As  true  soldiers  they  could  never  be  depended 
on,  neither  did  they  enjoy  the  respect  of  their  more  honorable 
comrades. 

In  the  performance  of  the  duties  of  camp  life  they  were 
always  reluctant,  and  when  ordered  out  to  battle  never  could 
be  relied  on  Avithany  degree  of  certainty.  Their  disreputable 
natures  Avere  only  contented  Avhen  indulging  in  some  character 
of  mischief,  and  in  abusing  every  obligation  of  right  and  fair- 
ness. Entirely  indifferent  to  consequences,  and  regardless  of 
the  good  name  of  their  commands,  they  wo;dd  stoop  to  per- 
form any  act,  let  it  be  ever  so  disgraceful  or  cowardly.  This 
class  Avas  knoAvn  as  scavengers. 

After  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks  one  of  these  land  pirates  Avas 
moving  about  among  the  dead  and  Avounded,  stealing  Avhat- 
ever  he  could  find  among  those  Avho  had  been  killed  or 
Avounded.  It  made  no  difference  with  the  scavenger  whether 
his  victim  Avas  friend  or  foe.  A squad  of  men  engaged  in 
burying  the  dead  observed  the  scavenger,  and  as  he  did  not 
notice  the  fact,  Avatched  him  closely  to  see  Avhat  he  Avould  do. 

An  officer  of  the  enemy  had  been  shot  and  fell  in  such  a 
manner  that  his  body  Avas  supported  by  tAVo  small  trees  against 
Avhieh  he  had  fallen,  he  being  partially  on  his  feet. 

Upon  his  person,  among  other  articles  of  value,  Avas  a very 
nice  and  long-legged  pair  of  boots.  These  attracted  the  at- 
tention of  the  thief,  and  straightway  he  approached  the  sup- 
posed dead  man.  After  carefully  looking  about  him  to  see 
that  no  one  Avas  a Avitness  to  his  contemplated  villainy,  he 
stooped  down  and  was  in  the  act  of  drawing  off  the  hoots 
from  the  feet  of  the  soldier,  Avhen  he  lifted  his  head  and  said 
to  the  scavenger,  “ Can't  you  Avait  until  I die  ? ” The  aston- 
ished man  dropped  the  booted  foot,  and  sneaked  aAvay  like 
a Avhipped  cur,  nor  Avas  he  ever  afterward  known  to  rob  the 
dead  or  dying. 


THREE  NEGROES. 


447 


ABSENT  WITHOUT  LEAVE. 

Just  before  the  war  closed,  no  southern  officer  or  man  was 
allowed  leave  of  absence  for  more  than  twenty-four  hours ; 
all  furloughs  having  been  stopped  for  some  time. 

An  officer  of  a North  Carolina  regiment  received  a letter 
announcing  the  severe  illness  of  his  wife,  and  went  to  the 
headquarters  of  his  commanding  general,  and  after  showing 
him  the  summons,  asked  permission  to  visit  his  home,  as  in 
all  probability  his  wife  was  dying.  The  general,  it  is  said, 
turned  to  the  officer  and  remarked : “ Major,  I am  sorry  for 
you,  but  my  orders  from  General  Lee  are  very  imperative  ; I 
cannot  grant  your  request ; no  man  is  allowed  a permit  to 
quit  the  lines,  unless  he  is  killed,  and  then  he  is  invariably 
marked  absent  without  leave.” 

THREE  NEGROES. 

It  was  well  known  how  violently  the  Southern  soldiers 
opposed  the  enlistment  of  the  negroes,  by  the  Union  authori- 
ties, and  before  this  class  of  troops  had  really  appeared  in  the 
field,  the  Confederates  swore  they  would  not  recognize  them 
as  soldiers,  or  treat  them  as  prisoners  of  war. 

The  first  negro  cavalry  regiment  which  did  duty  on  the 
south  side  of  the  James  river,  was  stationed  near  City  Point, 
and  their  pickets  were  captured  by  the  Confederates.  This 
was,  indeed,  a novel  thing,  and  the  men  did  not  know  exactly 
what  to  do  with  them,  — three  in  number. 

Being  dressed  in  the  Federal  uniform,  however,  discretion 
suggested  that  it  would  not  be  proper  to  deal  with  them  too 
harshly,  so  they  were  taken  to  the  headquarters  of  General 
Wise,  at  Petersburg.  Upon  the  irascible  old  General  being 
made  acquainted  with  the  fact,  he  is  said  to  have  exclaimed, 
“What  did  you  bring  these  men  here  for?  Couldn’t  you  find 
a hole  big  enough  to  bury  three  ‘niggers,’  between  City  Point 
and  Petersburg  ? ” 

In  justice  to  him,  however,  let  it  be  said,  that  the  negroes 
were  treated  with  all  the  honors  to  which  prisoners  were 
entitled. 


448 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


MARKING  TIME. 

Once  while  doing  duty  near  Richmond,  in  the  night  time, 
a soldier  while  on  post  was  confronted  by  a man,  who,  claim- 
ing to  be  the  Confederate  Secretary  of  War,  asked  permission 
to  pass  his  beat. 

“Halt,”  commanded  the  sentinel,  “you  can't  play  that 
game  here.  You  are  the  third  rascal  that  has  tried  that  thing 
on  me  in  the  last  two  hours.  Mark  time,  sir  ! ” Thus  he  was 
kept  tramping  for  full  twenty  minutes,  until  the  arrival  of 
the  corporal,  who,  upon  releasing  the  man,  found  that  it  was 
indeed,  the  secretary. 

The  soldier's  name,  company,  and  regiment  were  taken, 
and  the  next  day  that  private  had  an  officer’s  strap  upon  his 
shoulder. 

WEIRD  BAND  OF  THE  CHICKAHOMINY. 

There  is  no  place  like  the  army  to  harden  men’s  feelings, 
or  make  them  so  careless  of  death  and  its  melancholy  sur- 
roundings. That  feeling  of  his  dreaded  presence  which  will 
come  over  us  in  civil  life,  is  entirely  ignored  and  his  approach 
is  seldom  noticed  with  any  feeling  of  awe.  The  nursery  tales 
which  are  imbued  into  our  minds  respecting  hobgoblins  and 
ghostly  phantoms  are  forgotten.  Stories  of  apparitions  are  not 
countenanced  by  soldiers.  There  are  exceptions  to  all  rules, 
however,  and  while  one  will  be  given  we  do  not  ask  our 
readers  to  believe  it,  but  simply  to  ponder  on  the  strange 
phenomenon  and  solve  it  for  themselves. 

Near  Deep  Bottom,  on  the  James  river  peninsula,  a cavalry 
regiment  was  doing  picket  duty.  What  took  place  there 
would  have  been  vouched  for  by  every  member  of  the  com- 
mand. The  Bottom  is  on  that  part  of  the  peninsula  over 
which  the  armies  fought  during  the  campaign  of  1862,  when 
thousands  fell. 

One  dreary  night  in  October,  the  pickets  were  startled  by 
what  they  took  to  be  the  shrill  notes  of  a bugle,  seemingly 
about  a mile  in  their  front,  although  it  was  not  known  that 


WEIRD  BAND  OF  THE  CHICKAHOMINY. 


449 


the  enenij”  were  west  of  the  Chickahominy  swamp.  Soon 
drums  began  to  beat,  and  then  a full  ' band  of  music  rang  out 
on  the  chilly  night  air,  apparently  much  closer  than  the  first 
notes  of  the  bugle.  Believing  the  enemy  were  either  advanc- 
ing, or  were  in  closer  proximity  than  was  expected,  the  men 
fell  back,  and  reported  an  enemy  in  their  front.  The  whole 
regiment  was  immediately  on  the  alert  and  placed  in  line  of 
battle  to  meet  the  approaching  foe. 

Hour  after  hour  passed  anxiously  away,  the  music  of  the 
band  being  heard,  at  intervals,  by  all,  until  daylight  dawned 
and  all  was  quiet.  No  enemy  had  been  seen,  nor  could  any 
evidences  of  his  approach  be  ascertained.  This  rather  singu- 
lar occurrence  caused  many  to  doubt  the  evidences  of  their 
own  senses.  That  night  the  pickets  again  were  posted,  and 
when  the  hour  of  midnight  came,  the  same  bugle  call  was 
heard  in  the  distance,  and  the  drums  beat  a general  alarm, 
followed  by  martial  music,  as  on  the  preceding  night. 

Again  the  regiment  was  aroused,  and  this  time  advanced  in 
close  column,  in  the  direction  from  which  the  harmonious 
sounds  emanated,  and  as  it  advanced,  the  strains  seemed  to 
recede.  A halt  was  now  ordered,  the  line  having  penetrated 
the  gloom  over  the  distance  of  a mile.  Suddenly  the  sound 
came  from  the  rear,  the  notes  of  the  Star  Spangled  Banner 
falling  distinctly  on  the  ear  of  all. 

The  amazement  of  the  men  was  great,  but  they  about  faced 
and  followed  the  sound,  which  again  ceased,  and  left  them  in 
the  deepest  perplexity.  In  this  way  another  night  passed, 
away,  and  the  scouts,  who  came  in  from  below  the  next  morn- 
ing, reported  that  there  was  no  enemy  west  of  the  Chicka- 
hominy river  ten  miles  distant. 

Nothing  more  was  heard  of  this  singular  occurrence  for 
nearly  two  weeks;  not  until  the  Union  army  again  invaded  the 
haunted  precincts,  when  the  same  coincidence  was  repeated, 
and  was  distinctly  heard  by  the  advance  of  both  armies,  at 
about  equal  distances  from  their  posts. 

We  make  no  effort  toward  explanation  of  this  singular 
story,  only  remarking  that  it  was  known,  by  those  who  re- 
29 


450 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


mained  at  their  homes,  as  the  “Weird  band  of  the  Chicka- 
hominy,”  which  had  been  heard  at  intervals  for  two  years. 

THE  BREAD  RIOT. 

All  who  were  in  Richmond  will  vividly  remember  the 
awful  scenes  which  were  witnessed  during  the  bread  riot. 
Main  street  was  filled  with  women  and  children  in  great  num- 
bers. Old  and  young  seemed  perfectly  desperate.  All  were 
heedless  of  consequences,  and  ran  madly  about,  first  in  one 
store,  and  then  in  another,  seemingly  determined  to  commit 
as  much  wanton  destruction  as  possible.  Regardless  of  their 
especial  wants,  everything  which  they  could  put  their  hands 
on,  was  either  stolen  or  destroyed  by  the  infuriated  multitude. 

During  the  morning,  while  the  street  was  one  solid  mass  of 
moving  humanity,  a battery  of  artillery  was  planted  in  the 
street  about  Seventh.  This  position  was  upon  the  crest  of  the 
hill,  the  guns  bearing  directly  down  the  street  upon  the  mob 
who  filled  it,  to  Eighteenth  street.  They  were  allowed  ten 
minutes  to  disperse,  during  which  brief  lapse  of  time,  an  awful 
and  melancholy  spectacle  presented  itself. 

There,  before  the  very  jaws  of  death,  were  the  famishing 
families  of  soldiers,  little  ones  crying  for  bread,  while  their 
fathers  were  with  the  army,  far,  far  away.  The  artillerists, 
leaning  on  their  pieces,  only  awaited  the  order  to  hurl  this 
surging  mass  into  eternity.  Five  minutes  passed  away,  and 
not  one  of  the  mob  had  left  the  street.  The  order  was  given 
to  load  the  guns  with  cannister.  As  much  as  the  soldiers  de- 
plored this  act,  they  were  true  to  their  duty,  and  reluctantly 
obeyed  the  command  of  their  officers. 

Before  the  allotted  time  had  expired,  however,  better  coun- 
cil prevailed,  and  the  mob  began  to  fall  back  into  the  side 
and  cross  streets.  In  less  than  twenty  minutes  the  street 
was  freed  from  them,  and  quiet,  without  bloodshed,  once 
more  reigned ; but  who  can  tell  what  might  have  been  the 
result,  had  it  actually  become  necessary  for  that  body  of  ar- 
tillerists to  have  opened  upon  the  crowd  of  women  and 
children. 


BIT  OFF  MORE’N  WE  CAN  CHAW. 


451 


“BIT  OFF  MORE'N  WE  CAN  CHAW.” 

"When  Pickett's  division  was  making  its  famous  charge  at 
Gettysburg  there  were  many  anxious  spectators  within  the 
Confederate  lines,  it  being  well  understood  that  not  only  the 
result  of  the  battle  rested  upon  its  success,  but  the  destiny  of 
the  Confederacy,  perhaps,  as  well. 

General  Lee  was  the  most  interested  of  all,  as  he  stood  in 
the  scattering  growth  of  oak  trees  on  Seminary  Ridge  and  saw 
them  move  forth  to  their  desperate  undertaking.  LTpon  wit- 
nessing their  gallant  bearing  his  face  flushed  with  pride,  and 
as  the  shot  and  shells  from  the  Federal  guns  ploughed  through 
their  ranks  with  frightful  slaughter,  his  face  would  turn  pale 
and  anxious;  but  when  those  brave  and  heroically  gallant 
Virginians  closed  up  their  ranks  and  he  saw  how  they  were 
honoring  their  beloved  state,  his  brow  was  mantled  with  a 
crimson  flush  of  pride,  and  thus  watched,  they  crossed  the 
Emmittsburg  road,  and  disappeared  amid  a cloud  of  smoke 
which  hung  over  the  Federal  line  of  battle. 

General  Lee  was  standing  alone,  while  to  his  left  at  a short 
distance,  was  one  of  Longstreet’s  veterans,  clad  in  his  ragged 
butternut  suit,  with  an  old  slouched  hat  far  down  over  his 
face,  his  hair  and  beard  uncut  and  uncombed ; his  face  was 
dirty,  and  as  he  leaned  over  the  broken  wheel  of  a gun  car- 
riage busily  chewing  tobacco  and  strewing  the  juice  in  every 
direction,  he  seemed  to  be  as  much  interested  in  the  great 
charge  of  Pickett  as  was  General  Lee  himself,  and  with  that 
officer  saw  the  brave  Virginians  disappear  in  the  smoke.  -Soon 
they  saw  them  rise  above  the  Federal  breastworks  and  plant 
their  flags  upon  the  Federal  guns,  but  a moment  later  they 
were  swept  back  in  a terrible  defeat. 

Just  at  this  moment,  when  a shade  of  agony  was  passing 
over  the  features  of  the  great  Confederate  chieftain,  this  vet- 
eran, as  if  wishing  to  sympathize  with  his  beloved  commander, 
looked  up  into  his  face  and  said,  “ General,  we  have  bit  off 
more’n  we  can  chaw.” 


452 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“AREN’T  THAT  YANKEE  BATTERY  A GODSEND.” 

At  a point  on  the  famous  retreat  from  Gettysburg,  a portion 
of  the  baggage  train  got  stuck  in  the  mud.  The  Federals 
were  close  in  the  rear,  and  the  officer  having  the  train  in 
charge,  rode  back  to  General  Early  and  informed  him,  that  as 
it  was  impossible  to  move  the  wagons,  they  would  be  obliged 
to  unhook  the  teams  and  abandon  them  to  the  enemy. 

Early  swore  that  the  trains  must  go,  while  the  officer  per- 
sisted that  it  was  impossible.  General  Early  turned  to  the 
commander  of  a battery  at  his  right,  and  ordered  him  to  place 
his  guns  in  position  upon  the  brow  of  a hill,  and  open  fire  on 
the  baggage  train.  The  officer  hastened  to  obey. 

The  guns  were  soon  unlimbered  and  the  men  began  to  load 
them,  when,  at  that  moment,  a Federal  battery,  some  half  a 
mile  in  the  rear,  opened  fire  and  the  shells  came  hurling 
through  the  air,  and  falling  in  the  midst  of  the  wagons  which 
were  stuck  in  the  mud.  By  an  almost  superhuman  exertion 
the  train  was  extricated  from  its  difficulty  and  moved  on,  as 
General  Early  exultantly  exclaimed,  “Aren’t  that  Yankee 
battery  a Godsend  ? ” 

“ i won’t  stand  much  crowding.” 

To  General  Early  was  assigned  the  delicate  task  of  cover- 
ing the  retreat  of  the  Confederate  army  from  Gettysburg,  and 
most  gallantly  he  performed  his  duty.  The  rain  poured  down 
in  torrents  until  every  road  became  a bed  of  muck,  and  every 
rivulet  was  transformed  into  a wild,  rushing  torrent.  The 
Confederates  would  straggle,  much  to  the  displeasure  of 
General  Early. 

One  afternoon  it  was  raining  very  rapidly,  and  as  he  sat 
upon  his  horse  in  a corner  of  the  road,  waiting  for  the  last  of 
the  line  of  stragglers  to  pass  by,  his  staff  and  body  guard 
being  on  duty  elsewhere,  he  was  alone. 

The  Federal  cavalry  were  pursuing  him  savagely,  while  a 
few  squadrons  of  Confederate  troopers,  not  over  half  a mile 
beyond  where  he  sat,  were  contending  with  overwhelming 


GENERAL  LEE  TO  THE  REAR.  453 

numbers,  in  the  attempt  to  hold  the  Federals  in  check,  until 
the  stragglers  had  reached  a place  of  safety. 

The  fellows  tramping  through  the  mud,  all  saw  that  “ old 
Jube”  was  mad,  and  supposed  that  reliable  information  con- 
cerning the  enemy’s  movements  would  be  of  value  to  him. 
So  one  would  touch  his  hat  and  say,  “ General,  the  Yankees 
are  coming ! ” and  he  would  be  followed  by  many  others  mak- 
ing reports  something  like  the  following  : “ The  Yankees  are 

pressing  us  ! ” “ They  are  coming  right  smart ! ” “ They  are 

almost  up  to  us ! ” and  all  the  while  the  rattle  of  the  skir- 
mishers could  be  very  distinctly  heard.  General  Early’s 
anger  was  increasing,  and  before  long  he  exploded. 

One  fellow  had  just  reported,  “The  Yankees  are  crowding 
us,  General ! ” when  the  wrathful  old  man  bounced  up  from 
his  saddle  and  yelled  in  his  loudest  tones,  “ Damn  them,  let 
’em  come,  I don’t  propose  to  stand  much  crowding  in  my 
present  humor.” 


GENERAL  LEE  TO  THE  REAR. 

In  the  earliest  dawn  of  a misty  morning,  that  of  the  mem- 
orable twelfth  of  May,  1864,  one  of  those  powerfully  massed 
columns  which  from  time  to  time  during  that  frightful  cam- 
paign was  hurled  against  the  army  of  Northern  Virginia, 
dashed  against  its  lines  with  the  force  and  fury  of  a tornado, 
bursting  it  asunder,  and  through  the  breach  poured  line  after 
line,  and  column  after  column,  as  wave  follows  wave  in  ocean 
storm.  In  that  moment  hung  suspended  the  fate  of  the  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia. 

At  that  instant,  just  on  that  spot,  that  rushing,  solid,  ever 
increasing  .mass  must  be  met,  stopped,  hurled  back,  or  all  is 
lost.  Nearly  in  rear  of  the  breach  were  two  brigades  lying 
along  the  line  of  their  stacked  arms.  In  a few  seconds  after 
the  order  to  “Fall  in,”  was  given,  they  were  ready  for  action, 
and  General  Lee  rode  to  the  front. 

The  picture  he  made  as  the  grand  old  man  sat  there  upon 
his  horse,  with  his  noble  head  bare,  looking  from  right  to  left 


454 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


as  if  to  meet  each  eye  that  flashed  along  the  line,  can  never 
be  forgotten  by  any  man  who  stood  there. 

Every  soldier  knew  what  that  look  meant.  Knew  that  it 
meant,  follow  your  General.  Knew  that  work  so  desperate 
was  to  be  done  and  that  interests  so  tremendous  hung  upon 
its  successful  doing,  that  everything,  even  the  life  of  the 
great  chief  himself,  must  be  put  to  the  dreadful  hazard,  if 
necessary,  to  secure  the  result.  But  those  gallant  men  needed 
no  such  example  set  them.  From  three  thousand  lips,  at 
once,  burst  the  cry,  “ General  Lee  to  the  rear  ! ” and  not  a 
foot  would  they  stir  until  he  was  led  back  through  a gap  in 
their  line. 

Then  the  word  was  given,  and  the  column  moved  forward 
without  a pause,  or  waver,  or  break.  Right  on,  up  to  the 
very  face  of  the  solid,  opposing  mass.  On  till  sabres  clashed 
and  bayonets  crossed,  on  until  the  first  line  of  the  Federals 
were  driven  back  upon  the  second,  and  the  second  was  hurled 
back  in  confusion  upon  the  captured  angle,  where  batteries, 
on  right  and  left,  poured  in  a storm  of  shot  and  shell  upon 
either  flank ; and  still  on,  until  the  earth  was  covered  with 
piles  of  slain, — blue  and  gray,  piled  in  one  horrible  mass,  and 
thus  the  Confederate  army  was  preserved  from  its  awful 
danger. 

The  following  poem,  by  John  R.  Thompson,  splendidly 
portrays  the  hour : 

Dawn  of  a pleasant  morning  in  May- 
Broke  through  the  Wilderness,  cool  and  gray, 

While  perched  in  the  tallest  tree-tops,  the  birds 
Were  carrolling  Mendelsshon’s  “ songs  without  words.” 

Far  from  the  haunts  of  man  remote,  • 

The  brook  brawled  on  with  a liquid  note, 

And  nature,  all  tranquil  and  lovely,  wore 
The  smile  of  spring,  as  in  Eden  of  yore. 

Little  by  little,  as  daylight  increased, 

And  deepened  the  roseate  flush  in  the  east; 

Little  by  little  did  morn  reveal 
Two  long,  glittering  lines  of  steel 


GENERAL  LEE  TO  THE  REAR. 


455 


Where  two  hundred  thousand  bayonets  gleam, 

Tipped  with  the  light  of  the  earliest  beam, 

And  the  faces  are  sullen  and  grim  to  see, 

In  the  hostile  armies  of  Grant  and  Lee. 

All  of  a sudden,  ere  rose  the  sun, 

Pealed  on  the  silence  the  opening  gun — 

A little  white  puff  of  smoke  there  came, 

And  anon  the  valley  was  wreathed  in  flame. 

Down  on  the  left  of  the  Rebel  lines, 

Where  a breast  work  stands  in  a copse  of  pines, 

Before  the  Rebels  their  ranks  can  form 
The  Yankees  have  carried  the  place  by  storm. 

Stars  and  stripes  o’er  the  salient  wave, 

Where  many  a hero  has  found  his  grave, 

And  the  gallant  Confederates  strive  in  vain 

The  ground  they  have  drenched  with  their  blood  to  regain ! 

Yet  louder  the  thunder  of  battle  roared, 

Yet  a deadlier  fire  on  their  columns  poured — 

Slaughter  infernal  rode  with  despair, 

Furies  twain,  through  the  smoky  air. 

Not  far  off,  in  the  saddle  there  sat 
A gray-bearded  man,  with  a black  slouched  hat, 

Not  much  moved  by  the  fire  was  he, 

Calm  and  resolute,  Robert  E.  Lee. 

Quick  and  watchful,  he  kept  his  eye 
On  two  bold  Rebel  brigades  close  by — 

Reserves  that  were  standing  (and  dying)  at  ease, 

Where  the  tempest  of  wrath  toppled  over  the  trees. 

For  still  with  their  loud,  deep,  bull-dog  bay, 

The  Yankee  batteries  blazed  away, 

And  with  every  murderous  second  that  sped, 

A dozen  brave  fellows,  alas,  fell  dead. 

The  grand  old  gray-beard,  rode  to  the  space, 

Where  death  and  his  victims  stood  face  to  face, 

And  silently  waved  his  old  slouched  hat — 

A world  of  meaning  there  was  in  that. 

“Follow  me!  Steady!  We’ll  save  the  day!  ” 

This  is  what  he  seemed  to  say ; 

And  to  the  light  of  his  glorious  eye 
The  bold  brigades  thus  made  reply : 


456 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“ We’ll  go  forward,  but  you  must  go  back,” 

And  they  moved  not  an  inch  in  the  perilous  track. 

“ Go  to  the  rear,  and  we’ll  send  them  to  h — ! ” 

Then  the  sound  of  the  battle  was  lost  in  their  yelL 

Turning  his  bridle,  Robert  Lee 

Rode  to  the  rear.  Like  the  waves  of  the  sea, 

Bursting  the  dykes  in  their  overflow, 

Madly  his  veterans  dashed  on  the  foe. 

And  backward  in  terror  the  foe  was  driven, 

Their  banners  rent  and  their  columns  riven, 
Wherever  the  tide  of  battle  rolled, 

Over  the  wilderness,  wood  and  w old. 

Sunset  out  of  a crimson  sky 
Streamed  o’er  a field  of  a ruddier  dye, 

And  the  brook  ran  on  with  a purple  stain, 

From  the  blood  of  ten  thousand  foemen  slain. 

Seasons  have  passed  since  that  day  and  year; 

Again  o’er  its  pebbles  the  brook  runs  clear, 

And  the  field  in  a richer  green  is  drest 
Where  the  dead  of  the  terrible  conflict  rest. 

Hushed  is  the  roll  of  the  Rebel  drum, 

The  sabers  are  sheathed  and  the  cannon  are  dumb ; 

And  Fate,  with  pitiless  hand  has  furled 

The  flag  that  once  challenged  the  gaze  of  the  world. 

But  the  fame  of  the  Wilderness  fight  abides, 

And  down  into  history  grandly  rides, 

Calm  and  unmoved  as  in  battle  he  sat, 

The  gray-bearded  man  iu  the  black  slouch  hat. 


GENERAL  STUART. 


457 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

PEN-PICTURES,  MEMOIRS  AND  ANECDOTES  OF  FA- 
MOUS GENERALS. 

GENERAL  STUART. 

' From  some  memoirs  of  General  Stuart,  collected  from  his 
staff  officers,  we  extract  some  incidents  indicative  of  the 
character  of  the  man,  designated  as  the  “ Prince  Rupert  ” of 
the  Confederate  army. — Pollard. 

One  of  the  marked  traits  of  this  preux  chevalier  was  his 
indifference  to  danger,  which  impressed  every  one.  It  would 
be  difficult  to  imagine  a coolness  more  supreme.  It  was  not 
that  he  seemed  to  defy  peril  — he  appeared  unconcious  of  it. 

At  the  battle  of  Oxhill,  in  September,  1862,  he  advanced  a 
piece  of  artillery  down  the  road  to  Fairfax  Court-house,  and 
suddenly  found  himself  in  the  presence  of  a buzzing  hornet’s 
nest  of  Federal  sharpshooters,  who  rose  from  the  tall  weeds  a 
few  score  yards  distant,  and  poured  a deadly  fire  into  the 
cannoneers.  Stuart  was  at  the  gun  directing  the  firing,  and 
sat  on  his  horse,  full  front  to  the  fire,  with  so  perfect  an  air 
of  unconsciousness,  that  it  was  hard  to  believe  that  he  realized 
his  danger. 

When  a staff  officer  said,  “ This  fire  is  rather  peculiar,  Gen- 
eral,” Stuart  seemed  to  wake  up,  as  it  were,  to  whistling  bul- 
lets, and  said,  indifferently,  “ It  is  getting  rather  warm.”  He 
met  his  death  in  this  way,  and  the  only  matter  for  astonish- 
ment is  that  he  was  not  killed  long  before. 

He  was  constantly  on  the  most  advanced  line  of  skirmish- 
ers, cheering  them  on,  a most  conspicuous  mark  to  the  enemy. 
He  used  to  laugh  when  he  was  warned  against  such  exposure 
of  himself  and  said  that  he  was  not  afraid  of  any  ball  aimed 
at  him,  but  I know  that  he  never  expected  to  get  through  the 


458 


BLUE  AiSTD  GRAY. 


war.  He  deeply  deplored  its  existence,  and  said,  one  day,  “ I 
would  lay  down  my  right  hand  and  have  it  cut  off  at  the 
wrist  to  end  it.”  But  he  was  conscientious  in  his  espousal  of 
the  Southern  cause,  and  was  ready  to  die  for  it. 

The  habitual  temper  of  his  mind  toward  his  adversaries  was 
cool  and  soldierly.  Federal  prisoners  were  treated  by  him 
with  uniform  courtesy,  and  often  left  his  headquarters,  declar- 
ing that  they  would  never  forget  the  kindness  they  had  ex- 
perienced. I remember  an  appeal  once  made  to  him  by  a 
prisoner,  which  amused  everybody.  One  of  his  escort  spoke 
roughly  to  the  prisoner,  when  the  latter,  seeing  the  General, 
exclaimed,  “ General  Stuart,  I did  not  come  here  to  be  black- 
guarded,” at  which  Stuart  laughed  good  humoredly,  and 
reprimanded  the  person  who  had  addressed  the  prisoner. 

At  Verdierville,  in  August,  1862,  Stuart  stopped  at  a 
deserted  house  on  the  road  side,  and  lay  down  with  his  staff 
and  escort,  without  videttes,  pickets,  or  other  precaution. 
The  consequence  was  that  he  was  aroused  by  the  tramp  of 
Federal  cavalry  close  on  him,  and  had  just  time  to  throw 
himself,  hatless,  on  his  unbridled  horse,  leap  the  fence  and 
fly.  He  left  his  hat,  coat,  and  gloves,  which  his  adversaries 
carried  off  in  triumph  ; but  at  Catlett’s,  soon  after,  he  retorted 
by  capturing  General  Pope’s  coat  and  hat,  which  was  a fair 
offset. 

The  gay,  humorous,  and  high  spirits  of  the  man  did  not 
wholly  desert  him  even  on  the  most  serious  occasions.  Noth- 
ing was  more  common  than  to  hear  him  humming  a song  during 
an  engagement,  and  I was  reading  the  other  day  somewhere  a 
soldier’s  description  of  a fight  in  Culpepper,  and  what  an 
electric  effect  was  produced  upon  the  infantry  by  the  appear- 
ance of  Stuart  riding  in  front  of  them,  singing  gaily,  and 
cheering  them  on. 

At  Chancellorsville  when  Jackson  fell  he  was  called  to  com- 
mand the  corps,  and  led  the  assault  in  person  the  next  morn- 
ing. An  eye  witness  says  that  he  could  not  get  rid  of  the 
idea  that  Henry  of  Navarre  had  come  back,  except  that 
Stuart’s  plume  was  black.  Everywhere,  like  Navarre,  he  was 


GENERAL  STUART. 


459 


in  front,  and  the  men  “ followed  the  feather.”  At  the  risk, 
however,  of  spoiling  this  romantic  picture,  and  passing  the 
sublime,  to  what  some  people  may  call  the  ridiculous,  an 
additional  fact  may  be  stated,  namely  : That  General  Stuart, 
attacking  with  General  Jackson's  veteran  corps,  and  carrying 
line  after  line  of  works,  moved  at  the  head  of  his  men,  sing- 
ing “Old  Joe  Hooker,  will  you  come  out  of  the  Wilderness.” 

There  was  nothing  notable  in  Stuart's  habits  except  his 
abstinence  from  all  stimulants,  coffee  excepted.  At  his  broad, 
paper  covered  desk,  in  the  long  winter  evenings,  he  busied 
himself,  not  with  “official”  work  only.  A favorite  amuse- 
ment with  him  was  the  composition  of  parodies  in  verse,  some 
of  them  exceedingly  good. 

He  was  not  a great  reader.  He  was  fond  of  society,  of 
telling  stories,  jesting,  and  whiling  away  time  with  his  staff. 
No  boy  could  be  merrier  than  Stuart,  at  such  moments,  and 
he  dearly  loved  a practical  joke. 

No  analysis  of  military  movements  or  discussion  of  military 
endowments  is  here  intended,  but  it  is  almost  impossible  to 
separate  Stuart,  the  man,  from  Stuart,  the  soldier.  He  was 
ready  for  a “fight  or  a frolic,”  and  gifted  by  nature  with  an 
enormous  animal  physique,  which  enabled  him  to  defy  fatigue, 
whether  produced  by  marching  night  or  day,  or  dancing  until 
dawn. 

Ambitious,  fond  of  glory  and  sensitive  to  blame  or  praise, 
he  was  yet  endowed  with  a bold  and  independent  spirit  which 
enabled  him  to  defy  all  of  his  enemies.  He  was  warm-hearted, 
and  never  did  man  love  friends  more  dearly.  Stuart  always 
seemed  to  be  a perfect  embodiment  of  the  traits  generally 
attributed  to  the  English  cavaliers.  There  was  in  him  a rol- 
licking love  of  frolic,  a gallantry  toward  ladies,  a fondness  for 
bright  colors,  brilliant  spectacles,  and  gay  adventure,  which 
made  him  resemble  strongly  the  class  of  men  who  followed 
the  fortunes  of  Charles  I.,  and  as  Naseby  died  rather  than 
retreat  or  surrender. 

Stuart’s  nerve  was  of  stern  stuff,  and  under  all  that  laughter 
there  was  a soul  that  no  peril  could  touch.  The  bright,  blue 


460 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


eye  looked  into  the  very  face  of  death  without  a quiver  of  the 
lid,  and  dared  the  worst.  A man  more  absolutely  indifferent 
to  danger,  I believe,  never  lived ; and  like  some  chevalier  of 
olden  times,  he  rode  to  battle  with  his  lady’s  glove  upon  his 
helm,  humming  a song,  and  determined  to  conquer  or  fall. 

The  following  account  of  General  Stuart’s  last  moments 
was  published  in  the  Richmond  newspapers : 

“About  noon  President  Davis  visited  his  bedside  and  spent 
some  time  with  the  dying  chief.  In  reply  to  the  question  put 
by  the  President,  ‘General,  how  do  you  feel?’  lie  replied, 
‘ Easy,  but  willing  to  die  if  God  and  my  country  think  I have 
fulfilled  my  destiny,  and  done  my  duty.’ 

“ During  the  day  occasional  delirium  attacked  him,  and  in 
moments  of  mental  wandering  his  faculties  were  busy  with  the 
past.  His  camqiaigns  on  the  peninsula,  his  raids  into  Penn- 
sylvania, his  doings  on  the  Rapidan,  and  his  several  engage- 
ments were  subjects  that  quickly  chased  themselves  through 
his  brain.  Fresh  orders  were  given  as  if  still  on  the  battle- 
field, and  injunctions  to  his  couriers  to  ‘make  haste.’  Then 
he  would  wander  to  his  wife  and  children,  one  of  whom,  his 
eldest  son,  had  died  a year  previous  while  fighting  on  the  Rap- 
pahannock ; and  in  relation  to  whom  he  had  said  when  receiv- 
ing a telegram  that  the  boy  was  dying:  ‘I  must  leave  my  child 
in  the  hands  of  God ; my  country  needs  me  here ; I cannot 
come.’  Then  his  mind  would  again  carry  him  on  to  the 
battlefield,  and  so  it  continued  throughout  the  day. 

“Occasionally  his  intellect  was  clear,  and  he  was  then  calm 
and  resigned,  though  at  all  times  suffering  the  most  acute 
agony.  He  would  even  with  his  own  hand  apply  the  ice  that 
was  intended  to  relieve  the  pain  of  his  wound. 

“ As  evening  wore  on,  mortification  set  in  rapidly.  In 
answer  to  his  inquiry,  he  was  told  that  death  was  fast  ap- 
proaching. He  then  said,  ‘ I am  resigned  if  it  be  God's  will, 
but  I would  like  to  see  my  wife ; but  God's  will  be  done.’ 
Several  times  he  roused  up  and  asked  if  she  had  come.  Un- 
fortunately, she  was  in  the  country  at  the  time,  and  did  not 
arrive  until  too  late. 


GENERAL  STUART. 


461 


“As  the  last  moments  approached,  the  dying  man,  with  a 
mind  perfectly  clear  and  possessed,  then  made  a disposition  of 
his  effects.  To  Mrs.  General  R.  E.  Lee,  he  directed  that  the 
golden  spurs  be  given  as  a dying  memento  of  his  love  and 
esteem  for  her  husband.  To  his  staff  officers  he  gave  his 
horses ; and  other  mementos  he  disposed  of  in  a similar  man- 
ner. To  his  young  son  he  left  his  sword.  He  then  turned  to 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Peterkin,  of  the  Episcopal  church,  of  which  he 
was  a strict  member,  and  asked  him  to  sing  the  hymn,  com- 
mencing : 

“ Rock  of  ages  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee.” 

“ In  this  he  joined  with  all  the  strength  of  voice  his  failing 
powers  permitted.  He  then  prayed  with  the  minister  and 
friends  around  him,  and  with  the  words,  4 1 am  going  fast  now; 
I am  resigned;  God’s  will  be  done,’  yielded  his  fleeting  spirit 
to  Him  who  gave  it. 

“ The  funeral  of  this  much  lamented  and  brave  General 
took  place  on  the  thirteenth,  at  five  o’clock,  from  St.  James’ 
church,  corner  of  Marshall  and  Fifth  streets. 

“ At  the  appointed  hour  the  cortege  appeared  in  front  of 
the  church,  and  the  metallic  coffin,  containing  the  remains  of 
the  noble  soldier,  whose  now  silent  voice  had  so  often  startled 
the  enemy  with  his  stirring  battle-crj^,  was  carried  down  the 
centre  aisle,  and  placed  before  the  altar.  Wreaths,  and  a 
cross  of  evergreens,  interwoven  with  delicate  lilies  of  the 
valley,  laurel,  and  other  flowers  of  purest  white,  decked  the 
coffin. 

“ The  pall-bearers  were  General  Bragg,  Major-General  Mc- 
Cown,  General  Clinton,  Brigadier-General  Lawton,  Commo- 
dore Forest,  Captain  Lee,  of  the  Navy,  and  General  George 
W.  Randolph,  formerly  secretary  of  war. 

“ The  scene  was  sad  and  impressive.  President  Davis  sat 
near  the  front,  and  with  a look  of  grief  upon  his  care-worn 
face ; his  cabinet  officers  were  gathered  around,  while  on 
either  side  were  the  senators  and  representatives  of  the 
Confederate  Congress. 


462 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


“ Scattered  through  the  church  were  a number  of  generals 
and  other  officers  of  less  rank,  among  the  former,  General 
Ransom,  commanding  the  department  of  Richmond.  Hun- 
dreds of  sad  faces  witnessed  the  scene  ; but  the  brave  Fitz 
Hugh  Lee  and  other  war-wearied  and  war-worn  men,  whom 
the  dead  Stuart  had  so  often  led  where  the  red  battle  was 
fiercest,  and  who  would  have  given  their  lives  for  his,  were 
away  in  the  fight,  doubtless  striking  with  a double  courage  as 
they  thought  of  their  fallen  general. 

“ The  short  service  was  read  by  Dr.  Peterkin,  a funeral 
anthem  sung,  and  the  remains  were  carried  out  and  placed  in 
the  hearse,  which  proceeded  to  Hollywood  Cemetery,  followed 
by  a long  train  of  carriages. 

“No  military  escort  accompanied  the  procession,  but  the 
hero  was  laid  in  his  last  resting-place  on  the  hillside,  while 
the  earth  trembled  with  the  roar  of  artillery  and  the  noise 
of  the  deadly  strife  of  armies, — the  one  bent  upon  desecrat- 
ing and  devastating  his  native  land,  and  the  other,  proudly 
and  defiantly  standing  in  the  path  and  invoking  the  blessing 
of  heaven  upon  their  cause,  to  fight  in  better  cheer  for  the 
memory  of  such  as  Stonewall  Jackson  and  J.  E.  B.  Stuart.” 

HIRAM  G.  BERRY. 

This  lamented  officer  was  a native  of  Rockland,  Maine. 
When  the  first  call  came  for  troops  to  suppress  the  rebellion, 
he  raised  several  companies  of  volunteers  and  was  commis- 
sioned colonel  of  the  Fourth  Maine  regiment. 

No  officer  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  more  rapidly  im- 
pressed his  superiors  in  the  field  and  at  Washington,  with  his 
ability,  as  a commander,  than  did  General  Berry.  He  rose 
rapidly  in  rank,  and,  when  the  army,  under  Hooker,  marched 
to  Chancellorsville  in  1863,  he  was  in  command  of  a division. 

On  the  afternoon  of  May  sixth,  when  Jackson  made  his 
•terrible  attack  on  General  Howard,  and  as  the  troops  of  the 
latter  came  fleeing  down  the  plank  road  in  defeat,  General 
Hooker  ordered  General  Berry  to  move  down  the  plank  road 
with  his  division  and,  if  possible,  stay  the  Confederate  ad- 


STONEWALL  JACKSON. 


463 

vance.  It  was  a desperate  undertaking,  but  General  Berry, 
with  his  division,  obeyed  the  order.  His  men  had  the  fullest 
confidence  in  him  as  a commander  and  they  dashed  down  the 
road,  through  the  crowds  of  demoralized  soldiers,  and  formed 
a line  from  which  the  Confederate  advance  recoiled. 

On  the  following  morning,  General  Stuart  leading  the  Con- 
federates, Berry’s  command  was  formed  to  the  right,  with  his 
left  resting  upon  the  plank  road.  That  position  soon  became 
the  scene  of  some  of  the  most  desperate  fighting  of  the  war. 
Berry  was  out-numbered  and  overpowered,  but  lie  would  not 
yield.  He  vainly  looked  in  the  direction  of  Chancellorsville, 
expecting  his  chief  would  send  him  the  much  needed  rein- 
forcements, but,  like  Sickles,  Slocum,  Hancock,  and  others  on 
that  day,  he  looked  in  vain. 

When  the  blue  lines  were  forced  to  retire  before  the  great 
masses  hurled  upon  them,  Berry  stood  firm  and  true  to  the 
motto  “ Dirigo,  ” inscribed  upon  the  banner  of  his  native 
state,  his  sword  flashed  along  the  front  of  his  gallant  division 
in  the  extreme  front  of  the  Federal  lines.  He  was  shot  dead 
at  the  head  of  his  troops ; sacrificed  by  the  incompetency  of 
his  commanding  general. 

Had  he  lived,  there  are  those  who  were  then  in  position  to 
know,  who  will  affirm  that,  in  all  probability,  Hiram  G.  Berry 
would  have  been  placed  in  command  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac. 

The  citizens,  around  the  battlefield  of  Chancellorsville,  still 
point  out  to  visitors  the  place  where  the  two  great  generals, 
Jackson  and  Berry,  fell,  the  two  points  being  separated  by 
but  a short  distance. 

STONEWALL  JACKSON. 

An  officer  on  the  staff  of  Jackson  at  the  time  he  was  ordered 
to  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  writes  as  follows  in  a pleasant, 
private  letter  of  his  experiences  of  the  campaign,  and  of  the 
peculiarities  of  the  commander  : 

“When  we  were  ordered  up  the  valley  with  old  Jackson,  it 
was  considered  to  be  a source  of  congratulation  to  all  for 


464 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


going  into  active  service ; but,  believe  me,  I would  have  will- 
ingly gone  back  into  winter  quarters  again,  after  a week's 
trial,  for  Jackson  is  the  greatest  marcher  in  the  world.  When 
we  first  moved  up  here  our  orders  were  for  a march  to  Charles- 
town ; next  day  we  moved  back  to  Winchester;  in  a few  days 
again  back  to  Charlestown,  and  thence,  from  one  place  to 
another,  until  at  last  I began  to  imagine  that  we  were  com- 
manded by  some  peripatetic  philosophical  madman,  whose 
forte  was  pedestrianism.  With  little  or  no  baggage,  we  are  a 
roving,  hungry,  hardy  lot  of  fellows.  ‘StoneAvall’  may  be  a 
very  fine  old  gentleman,  and  an  honest,  good-tempered,  indus- 
trious man,  but  I should  admire  him  much  more  in  a state  of 
rest  than  continually  seeing  him  moving  in  front. 

“And  such  a dry  old  stick,  too.  As  for  uniform,  he  has 
none;  his  wardrobe  isn’t  worth  a dollar,  and  his  horse  is  quite 
in  keeping,  being  a poor,  lean  animal,  of  little  spirit  or  activ- 
ity. And  don’t  he  keep  his  aids  moving  about?  Thirty  miles’ 
ride  at  night  through  the  mud  is  nothing  of  a job  ; and  if  they 
don’t  come  up  to  time,  I’d  as  soon  face  the  devil,  for  Jackson 
takes  no  excuses  when  duty  is  on  hand. 

“ He  is  solemn  and  thoughtful,  speaks  but  little,  and  always 
in  a calm,  decided  tone ; and  from  what  he  says  there  is  no 
appeal,  for  he  seems  to  know  every  hole  and  corner  of  this 
valley  as  if  he  had  made  it,  or  at  least,  as  if  it  had  been  de- 
signed for  his  own  use. 

“ He  knows  all  the  distances,  all  the  roads,  even  the  cow- 
paths  through  the  woods,  and  goat-tracks  along  the  hills.  I 
have  frequently  seen  him  approach,  in  the  dead  of  night,  and 
enter  into  conversation  with  sentinels  and  ride  off  through 
the  darkness. 

“In  my  opinion  Jackson  will  assuredly  make  his  mark  in 
this  war,  for  his  untiring  industry  and  eternal  watchfulness 
must  tell  upon  a numerous  enemy  unacquainted  with  the 
country,  and  incommoded  by  large  baggage  trains.” 

The  subjoined  poem  appropriately  refers  to  General  Jack- 
son  at  the  time  of  his  fall  at  Chancellorsville : 


JAMES  «S.  WADSWORTH. 


465 


“A  night  of  storms,  but  not  like  those 
That  sweep  the  mountain’s  breast ; 
Not  like  the  hurricane  that  blows 
To  break  the  ocean’s  rest. 

It  lightened,  ’twas  the  sheeted  flash 
From  serried  ranks  that  flew  ; 

It  thundered,  ’twas  the  cannon’s  crash, 
That  tore  the  forest  through. 

Oh  ! night  of  horrors,  thou  didst  see 
With  all  thy  starry  eyes, 

The  holocaust  of  victory, 

A nation’s  sacrifice. 

“ Lo,  prostrate  on  the  field  of  strife 
The  noble  warrior  fell, 

Enriching  with  a martyr’s  life, 

The  land  he  loved  so  well. 

But  round  the  martyred  hero’s  form 
A living  rampart  rose, 

To  shield  him  from  the  hail  and  storm 
Of  his  retreating  foes. 

And  angels  from  the  King  of  kings, 

On  holiest  mission  sped, 

To  weave  a canopy  of  wings 
Around  his  sainted  head.” 


JAMES  S.  WADSWORTH 

Was  a splendid  soldier,  and  one  whose  form  was  familiar  to 
the  men  comprising  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  He  was  a 
tall,  dignified  man,  with  prominently  well  cut  features. 

At  Gettysburg  he  commanded  a division  of  the  first  corps,, 
and  with  his  division  moved  under  the  direction  of  General 
Reynolds.  His  was  the  first  Federal  infantry  that  became 
engaged  upon  that  terrible  field  of  blood,  and  during  the  strug- 
gle he  lost  twenty-four  hundred  men  of  the  four  thousand  of 
his  command  engaged. 

In  the  opening  of  the  spring  campaign  he  commanded  the 
Fourth  division  of  the  Fifth  corps.  He  was  heavily  engaged 
in  the  first  day’s  fight  in  the  Wilderness,  his  command  being 
between  the  plank  road  and  the  old  Wilderness  turnpike. 
When  the  battle  opened  on  the  sixth  of  May,  his  division 
moved  along  the  plank  road  in  connection  with  the  Second 
30 


466 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


corps  under  Hancock,  and  succeeded  in  pressing  the  Confed- 
erates back  with  heavy  loss,  but  in  the  afternoon,  the  latter 
being  reinforced  by  the  corps  of  General  Longstreet,  drove 
the  Federals  back,  with  some  disaster,  to  the  Brock  road. 

General  Wadsworth,  with  his  accustomed  daring,  was  at 
the  head  of  his  division,  vainly  endeavoring  to  stay  the  re- 
pulse, when  he  fell  with  a rifle  ball  in  his  head,  and  before  he 
could  be  removed,  the  Confederates  occupied  the  ground 
where  he  fell.  He  lived  for  two  days,  but  was  unconscious 
all  the  time.  In  his  death  the  country  lost  a brilliant  states- 
man and  gallant  officer. 

MAJOR  JAMES  BREATHED. 

General  Fitz  Hugh  Lee  says  of  this  officer,  “ He  was  the 
most  recklessly  brave  man  I ever  knew.”  There  is  an  inci- 
dent related  of  this  man  by  his  former  commander,  which  is 
too  good  to  be  omitted  in  this  work  of  so  many  reminiscences 
of  gallantry  on  the  part  of  the  Northern  and  Southern 
soldiers. 

Of  this  incident  General  Fitz  Hugh  Lee  wrote  : “ Major 

James  Breathed,  commanding  my  horse  artillery,  by  my  order, 
placed  a single  gun  in  position  on  a little  knoll,  as  we  were 
falling  back,  disputing  the  enemy’s  advance  toward  Spottsyl- 
vania  Court-house. 

“ We  knew  the  enemy’s  infantry  were  marching  in  column 
through  a piece  of  woods,  and  the  object  was  to  fire  upon  the 
head  of  the  column,  as  it  debouched,  to  give  the  idea  that 
their  further  advance  would  be  again  contested,  and  to  com- 
pel them  to  develop  a line  of  battle  with  skirmishers  thrown 
out,  etc.  The  delay  which  it  was  hoped  to  occasion  by  such 
demonstration  was  desirable  in  order  to  increase  the  chances 
of  our  infantry,  then  marching  by  another  and  parallel  route 
to  the  Court-house. 

“Under  Major  Breathed’s  personal  superintendence,  shells 
were  thrown,  and  burst  exactly  in  the  head  of  the  column  as 
it  debouched.  The  desired  effect  was  obtained  ; the  head  of 
the  enemy’s  advance  was  scattered,  and  it  was  only  with  some 


PHILIP  H.  KEARNEY.  467 

difficulty  a line  of  battle  with  skirmishers  in  its  front  was 
formed,  to  continue  the  advance. 

“I  was  sitting  on  my  horse  near  Breathed,  and  directed  him 
to  withdraw  his  gun,  but  he  was  so  much  elated  with  his 
success  that  he  begged  to  be  allowed  to  give  the  enemy  some 
more  rounds.  He  fired  until  their  line  got  so  close  that  you 
could  hear  them  calling  out,  ‘ Surrender  that  gun.’  Breathed's 
own  horse  had  just  been  shot.  The  cannoneers  jumped  on 
their  horses,  expecting,  of  course,  the  gun  to  be  captured,  and 
retreated  down  the  hill.  Breathed  was  left  alone.  He  lim- 
bered the  gun  up,  and  jumped  on  the  lead  horse.  It  was 
shot  from  under  him. 

“ Quick  as  lightning  he  drew  his  knife,  cut  the  leaders  out 
of  the  harness,  and  sprang  upon  a swing  horse.  It  was  also 
shot  from  under  him  just  as  he  was  turning  to  get  into  the 
road.  He  then  severed  the  harness  of  the  swing  horse, 
jumped  upon  one  of  the  wheel  horses,  and  again  made  the 
desperate  trial  for  life.  The  ground  was  open  between  the 
piece  and  woods ; the  enemy  had  a full  view  of  the  exploit, 
and  Breathed  at  last  dashed  off  unharmed,  almost  miracu- 
lously escaping  through  a shower  of  bullets.” 

PHILIP  H.  KEARNEY, 

Whose  untimely  death  on  the  battlefield  of  Chantilly,  cast 
a deep  gloom  over  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  He  was  in 
many  respects  the  beau-ideal  of  the  American  soldier.  Tall, 
slight  of  build,  erect,  quick,  recklessly  brave  and  skillful,  he 
had  no  rival  upon  the  battlefield  during  his  brief  but  glorious 
career.  In  the  Mexican  war,  he  won  his  fame  at  the  cost  of 
an  arm.  He  had  also  seen  service  in  the  Indian  wars  on  the 
frontier,  and  at  the  outbreak  of  the  civil  war  was  ready  for 
any  feat  of  heroic  daring.  He  was  an  excellent  horseman ; 
with  flashing  sword,  plumed  hat,  and  bridle  rein  in  his  teeth, 
he  dashed  through  the  smoke  and  flame  of  battle,  the  person- 
ification of  all  that  was  brilliant  and  brave.  His  soldiers 
almost  worshiped  him,  even  the  Confederates  admiring  the 
reckless  daring  of  their  gallant  foeman. 


468 


BLUE  AND  GRAT. 


Upon  the  peninsula 'he  won  much  honor  by  his  coolness 
ancl  daring,  and  at  the  battle  of  Chantilly,  at  a time  when  the 
Federal  army  under  Pope,  was  suffering  from  daily  defeat  and 
disaster,  this  gallant  knight  dashed  along  the  most  advanced 
Federal  line,  and  suddenly  found  himself  surrounded  by  the 
Confederates,  who  called  upon  him  to  surrender,  but  imitat- 
ing the  maneuver  of  an  Indian  warrior,  he  threw  himself  upon 
one  side  of  his  steed,  and  dashed  away. 

The  Confederates  sent  a volley  after  him,  and  this  gallant 
soldier  fell  dead  from  his  horse.  They  carried  his  remains  to 
the  Chantilly  House,  and  strange  as  it  may  appear,  expressed 
many  regrets  over  his  death.  General  Lee,  with  that  nobility 
of  spirit  characteristic  of  the  man,  sent  his  body,  under  a flag 
of  truce,  to  the  Federal  lines,  escorted  by  an  officer  of  equal 
rank  as  the  dead  warrior. 

The  following  beautiful  and  touching  tribute  to  his  mem- 
ory, is  from  the  pen  of  E.  C.  Stedman  : 

So  that  soldiery  legend  is  still  on  its  journey — 

That  story  of  Kearney  who  knew  not  to  yield ! 

’Twas  the  day  when  with  Jameson,  fierce  Berry  and  Birney 
Against  twenty  thousand  he  rallied  the  field, 

Where  the  red  volleys  poured,  where  the  clamor  rose  highest, 

Where  the  dead  lay  in  clumps  through  the  dwarf  oak  and  pine. 
Where  the  aim  from  the  thicket  was  surest  and  Highest, 

No  charge  like  Phil  Kearney’s  along  the  whole  line. 

When  the  battle  went  ill  and  the  bravest  were  solemn, 

Near  the  dark  Seven  Pines,  where  we  still  held  our  ground, 

He  rode  down  the  length  of  the  withering  column 
And  his  heart  at  our  war  cry  leaped  up  at  a bound, 
lie  snuffed,  like  his  charger,  the  wind  of  the  powder; 

His  sword  waved  us  on  and  we  answered  the  sign. 
liOud  our  cheer  as  we  rushed,  but  his  laugh  rang  the  louder — 

“ There’s  the  devil's  own  fun,  boys,  along  the  whole  line!  ” 

How  he  strode  his  brown  steed!  how  we  saw  his  blade  brighten 
In  the  one  hand  still  left,  and  the  reins  in  his  teeth, 

He  laughed  like  a boy  when  the  holidays  heighten, 

But  a soldier’s  glance  shot  from  his  visor  beneath. 

Up  camo  the  reserves  to  the  valley  infernal, 

Asking  where  to  go  in,  through  the  clearing  or  pine? 

“Oh,  anywhere!  Forward!  ’Tis  all  the  same,  Colonel; 

You’ll  find  lovely  fighting  along  the  whole  line!” 


JOHN  F.  REYNOLDS. 


469 


Oh,  coil  the  black  shroud  of  night  at  Chantilly 
That  hid  him  from  sight  of  his  brave  men  and  tried! 

Foul,  foul  sped  the  bullet  that  clipped  the  white  lily, 

The  flower  of  our  knighthood,  the  whole  army’s  pride. 

Yet  we  dream  that  he  still,  in  that  shad  awy  region, 

Where  the  dead  form  their  ranks  at  the  wan  drummer’s  sign, 
Rides  on  as  of  old,  down  the  length  of  the  legion, 

And  the  word  still  is,  “ Forward ! ” along  the  whole  line. 


OLIVER  O.  HOWARD. 

This  officer,  a graduate  of  West  Point,  who,  by  his  ability 
and  daring  rose  to  the  position  of  a corps  commander,  was 
m tch  respected  by  all  who  value  the  sterling  qualities  of  an 
honest,  manly  character.  He  entered  the  service  as  colonel 
of  the  Third  Maine  regiment,  losing  an  arm  at  the  battle  of 
Fair  Oaks. 

As  a division  commander  he  was  both  popular  and  success- 
ful. By  promotion  he  rose  to  the  command  of  the  Eleventh 
corps.  At  Chancellorsville  he  was  surprised  by  General  Jack- 
son  with  most  disastrous  results.  At  Gettysburg  he  led  the 
same  corps  during  the  battle  of  the  first  day,  and,  after  the 
death  of  General  Reynolds,  assumed  command  of  the  field. 
His  services  that  day  were  of  great  value,  and  were  appre- 
ciated to  such  an  extent  that  Congress  passed  him  a vote  of 
thanks  for  his  loyal  gallantry. 

He  is  a quiet,  kind-hearted,  Christian  officer,  and  still  holds 
an  important  command  in  the  United  States  Regular  Army. 
He  has  been  much  criticised  and  abused,  yet  none  have  reason 
to  doubt  his  military  career,  or  that  it  will  shine  forth  most 
gloriously  upon  a page  of  his  country’s  history  when  the 
names  of  his  traducers  shall  have  been  forgotten.  He  has 
often  been  termed  the  “ Havelock  of  the  American  army.” 
Long  may  he  live  and  honor  the  country  with  his  services. 

JOHN  F.  REYNOLDS. 

This  distinguished  and  lamented  officer  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania, in  1820,  and  graduated  from  West  Point  in  1841. 
He  served  in  the  Mexican  war  as  lieutenant,  under  General 


470 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Taylor,  and  was  brevetted  Captain,  and  Major,  for  gallant 
services.  In  1860  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  West 
Point.  He  commanded  a brigade  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves 
during  the  Peninsula  campaign,  and  was  taken  prisoner  at 
the  battle  of  Glendale.  Being  exchanged  the  following  Au- 
gust, he  commanded  a division  at  the  second  battle  of  Bull 
Run.  In  November,  1862,  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the 
First  army  corps. 

At  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  he  commanded  the  advance  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  opened  that  terrible  battle  on 
the  first  of  J uly.  The  glorious  success  there  won  by  the  Fed- 
eral army  was  in  a large  measure  due  to  his  gallantry  and  the 
wise  disposition  of  the  small  force  at  his  command  when  the 
battle  opened ; also  to  the  splendid  discipline  of  his  old  corps. 
He  was  shot  dead  by  a rifleman  soon  after  the  conflict  began, 
as  he  was  leading  a battalion  on  horseback  to  the  thickest  of 
the  fight.  His  death  caused  great  sorrow  throughout  the 
army,  where  he  was  dearly  beloved,  and  was  considered  a 
national  calamity. 

In  person  he  was  large  and  robust,  well  calculated  for  the 
fatigues  of  active  service  ; large  head,  broad  shoulders,  short, 
thick  beard ; he  appeared  a model  soldier.  He  was  brave, 
active  and  quick  to  perceive  an  opportunity,  and  to  seize  any 
advantage  that  was  offered  upon  the  field  of  strife. 

Upon  a large  pedestal  in  the  National  cemetery  at  Gettys- 
burg, is  a splendid  statue  of  General  Reynolds.  The  country 
will  always  cherish  the  memory  of  this  gallant  son  whose  life 
was  given  in  its  defense. 

JAMES  C.  RICE 

Was  one  of  the  finest  officers  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
In  1861  he  enlisted  as  a private  soldier,  but,  by  his  bravery 
and  intelligence,  soon  won  his  way  to  the  command  of  the 
Forty-fourth  New  York  regiment.  He  served  with  that 
splendid  command  until  Gettysburg  was  reached.  When 
General  Vincent  was  killed,  he  assumed  command  of  the 
brigade.  During  the  following  August  he  was  appointed  to 


DANIEL  E.  SICKLES.  471 

the  command  of  a brigadier-general,  and  was  killed  at  Spottsyl- 
vania  in  1864. 

General  Rice  was  a man  of  spotless  character ; one  of  the 
few  who  lived  a devoted  Christian  life  in  the  midst  of  the 
temptations  of  the  army.  He  was  brave  and  daring  to  a fault. 
The  Forty-fourth  New  York  regiment,  under  his  command, 
became  one  of  the  most  efficient  in  the  army.  For  several 
months  before  he  was  killed,  General  Rice  was  impressed 
with  the  belief  that  he  should  die  upon  the  field  of  battle. 
He  spoke  of  the  matter  with  great  freedom  to  his  friends,  and 
assured  them  that  he  should  never  live  to  see  the  end  of  the 
war. 

At  Spottsylvania,  with  his  usual  daring,  he  led  his  brigade 
into  the  thickest  of  the  fight  and  fell  mortally  wounded.  His 
staff  officers  gathered  around  him  to  remove  him  from  the 
field,  while  the  air  was  filled  with  rifle  balls  and  bursting 
shells.  The  dying  man,  understanding  their  intentions,  mur- 
mured in  his  agony,  “ Turn  my  face  to  the  enemy  and  I will 
die  contented.” 

The  thunders  of  that  terrible  struggle  have  been  hushed  ; 
the  prejudices  there  engendered  have  been  forgotten ; fra- 
ternal relations  bind  both  sides  of  our  great  country  in  one, 
but  the  memorable  words  of  that  gallant  soldier,  when  dying, 
will  be  cherished  through  all  time  to  come. 

DANIEL  E.  SICKLES. 

But  few  men  have  had  a more  eventful  career  than  this 
gallant  commander  of  the  Third  corps. 

In  June,  1861,  he  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Seventieth 
New  York  infantry,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year,  he 
was  promoted  to  a brigade  command.  He  made  a glorious 
military  record  on  the  peninsula,  his  command  there  compos- 
ing a portion  of  Hooker's  division. 

At  Chancellorsville  his  bravery  and  the  reckless  daring  of 
his  command,  went  far  toward  removing  from  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  the  disgrace  attending  that  terrible  defeat. 

At  Gettysburg  his  corps  composed  the  left  of  the  Federal 


472 


BLUE  AND  GEAY. 


line  and  fought  in  the  noted  peach  orchard  and  wheat  field. 
General  Sickles  there  lost  a leg  and  thus  closed  his  active 
service  upon  the  field.  He  was  a fine  looking  officer,  thick- 
set in  form,  with  a large  head,  full  round  face,  heavy  mous- 
tache and  goatee.  He  was  a skillful,  daring  commander,  and 
one  in  whom  his  men  had  the  greatest  confidence.  In  the 
autumn  of  1863,  some  two  or  three  months  after  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg,  General  Sickles  appeared  at  a soldiers’  camp  near 
Washington,  where  there  were  hundreds  of  his  old  comrades 
who  had  been  wounded  at  Gettysburg,  and  were  then  en  route 
for  their  regiments.  When  they  saw  their  old  commander 
their  enthusiasm  was  boundless.  They  rushed  around  him, 
caught  him  up  in  their  arms,  and  bore  him  in  triumph  around 
the  camp,  cheering  like  madmen. 

The  name  of  Sickles  and  the  Third  corps  are  inseparable 
and  will  always  be  associated  with  each  other  in  the  military 
history  of  the  country. 

GENERAL  EARLY. 

The  following  sketch  is  from  a graphic  pen,  and  its  fund  of 
anecdote  is  amusing  and  characteristic. — Pollard. 

He  was  a man  past  middle  age,  and  of  vigorous  and  ath- 
letic appearance.  His  stature  approached,  if  it  did  not  reach, 
six  feet,  and  he  seemed  to  be  capable  of  undergoing  great 
fatigue.  His  hair  was  black  and  curling,  and  just  touched 
with  gray ; his  eyes  dark  and  sparkling,  his  smile  ready  and 
expressive.,  but  somewhat  sarcastic,  as  was  the  bent  of  his 
character.  His  dress  was  plain  gray,  with  slight  decoration ; 
long  exposure  had  made  the  old  coat  which  he  wore  quite 
dingy ; a wide-brimmed  hat  overshadowed  his  sparkling  eyes, 
his  swarthy  features  and  grizzled  hair ; his  face,  set  upon  a 
short  neck  joined  to  stooping  shoulders,  attracted  attention 
from  every  one. 

In  the  dark  eye  you  could  read  the  resolute  character 
of  the  man,  as  in  his  satirical  smile  you  saw  the  evidence  of 
that  dry,  trenchant,  often  mordant  humor  for  which  he  was 
famous.  The  keen  glance  drove  home  the  sarcastic  speech, 


GENERAL  EARLY.  473 

and  almost  every  one  who  ventured  upon  word  combats  with 
Lieut.-General  Early,  sustained  a “palpable  hit.” 

The  soldiers  of  his  army  had  a hundred  jests  and  witti- 
cisms about  him.  They  called  him  “Old  Jube,”  sometimes 
“Old  Jubilee.”  They  delighted  to  relate  how,  after  the  defeat 
of  Fisher’s  Hill,  when  the  troops  Avere  in  full  retreat,  their 
commander  had  checked  his  horse,  raised  his  arms  aloft  and 
exclaimed,  “ My  God,  Avon't  any  of  my  men  make  a rally 
around  Old  Jubal!”  To  Avhich  a philosophic  foot  soldier, 
calmly  seeking  the  rear,  replied:  “Nary  rally,  General.” 

A similar  anecdote,  Avhich  may  or  may  not  be  true,  is  even 
yet  immensely  relished  by  Early’s  old  soldiers.  He  is  said  to 
have  exclaimed,  when  he  heard  of  Lee’s  retreat,  “ Now  let  Ga- 
briel blow  his  horn.  It  is  time  to  die.”  Everything  about  the 
soldier  Avas  characteristic  and  marked.  Speaking  slowly,  and 
Avith  a species  of  drawl  in  his  voice,  all  that  he  said  Avas 
pointed,  direct,  and  full  of  sarcastic  force.  These  hits  he  evi- 
dently enjoyed,  and  he  delivered  them  Avith  the  coolness  of  a 
sAvordsman  making  a mortal  lunge.  All  the  army  had  laughed 
at  one  of  them. 

While  marching  at  the  head  of  his  column,  dusty  in  his 
dingy  gray  uniform,  and  Avith  his  faded  old  hat  over  his  eyes, 
he  had  seen  leaning  over  a fence  and  looking  at  the  column 
as  it  passed,  a former  associate  in  the  Virginia  Convention, 
who  had  violently  adA’ocated  secession. 

This  gentleman  Avas  clad  in  citizen’s  clothes,  black  coat 
and  irreproachable  shirt  bosom,  and  greeted  Early  as  he 
passed.  The  reply  of  the  General  Avas  given  Avith  Iris  habit- 
ual smile  and  sarcastic  drawl : “ Hoav  are  you  ? ” he  said.  “ I 
think  you  said  the  Whigs  Avouldn’t  fight.”  The  bloAv  Avas 
rude,  and  made  the  whole  army  laugh.  Of  this  peculiar  hu- 
mor a better  instance  still  is  given. 

After  Fisher’s  Hill,  Avhen  his  Avhole  army  Avas  in  complete 
retreat,  and  the  Federal  forces  were  pressing  him  close,  he 
was  riding  Avith  General  Breckinridge.  It  might  have  been 
supposed  that  their  conversation  Avould  relate  to  the  disastrous 
events  of  the  day,  but  General  Early  did  not  seem  to  trouble 


474 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


himself  upon  that  subject.  In  full  retreat  as  they  were,  and 
followed  by  an  enraged  enemy,  his  companion  was  astonished 
to  hear  from  Early  the  cool  and  nonchalant  question  : “ Well, 
Breckinridge,  what  do  you  think  of  the  decision  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  in  the  Dred  Scott  case,  in  its  bearings  upon  the 
rights  of  the  South  in  the  territories  ? ” 

The  man  who  could  amuse  himself  with  political  discus- 
sions between  Fisher’s  Hill  and  Woodstock  on  the  twenty- 
second  of  September,  1864,  must  have  been  of  hard  stuff  or 
peculiar  humor. 

There  were  many  persons  in  and  out  of  the  army,  who 
doubted  the  soundness  of  his  judgment;  there  were  none  who 
ever  called  in  question  the  tough  fiber  of  his  courage. 


SPRING  CAMPAIGN  OF  ’64 


475 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Spring  campaign  of  ’64.  From  the  rapidan  to  the  james.  Rela- 
tive COMPARISON  OF  OPPOSING  FORCES.  FEDERALS  CROSS  THE  RAP- 
IDAN. Grant  in  command  of  the  army.  His  line  of  march. 
Rare  generalship  of  confederate  chief.  Confederates  in 
motion.  Federal  plan  of  attack.  Battle  of  the  wilderness. 
The  situation  of  the  armies.  Death  of  general  hay'es.  Fear- 
ful LOSS  OF  LIFE.  BATTLE  OF  THE  SIXTH  OF  MAY.  DEATH  OF  GEN- 
ERAL WADSWORTH.  GENERAL  LOXGSTREET  WOUNDED.  THE  FOREST 

on  fire.  Generals  shaler  and  sey'hour  captured.  An  inde- 
cisive BATTLE.  FEDERALS  LOSE  THIRTEEN  THOUSAND  MEN.  THE 
Confederates  lose  eight  thousand  men.  The  object  of  the 
BATTLE  OF  THE  WILDERNESS.  A DRAWN  BATTLE.  GENERAL  MEADE’S 
order.  Confederates  on  the  alert.  Federals  surprised. 
Federal  advance  blocked  by  lee.  Death  of  general  Sedg- 
wick. Battle  of  spottsylvania.  Death  of  general  rice.  Bat- 
tle of  the  twelfth  of  may.  Capture  of  general  edward 
Johnson.  Dreadful  loss  of  life.  Grant’s  flank  movement. 
Sheridan’s  raid.  Battle  of  yellow  tavern.  Death  of  gen- 
eral stuart.  Battle  of  the  north  anna.  Withdrawal  of 

FEDERALS.  BATTLE  OF  HAWES’  SHOP.  BATTLE  OF  HANOVER  COURT- 
HOUSE. Battle  of  cold  harbor.  Terrible  loss  of  life.  Feder- 
als DEFEATED.  DEATHS  OF  COLONELS  MCMAHON,  HASKELL,  MORRIS, 
PORTER  AND  MCKEEN.  GENERAL  TYLER  WOUNDED.  WITHDRAWAL 
OF  FEDERALS.  MARCH  TO  THE  JAMES  RIVER.  CROSSING  TO  THE 
SOUTH  SIDE.  ROSTER. 

When  General  Grant  came  to  Virginia,  in  the  spring  of 
1864,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  powerful  in  numbers,  in 
a high  state  of  discipline,  and  in  excellent  spirits.  It  had 
been  reorganized  into  three  corps.  The  Second,  commanded 
by  Major-General  Winfield  S.  Hancock,  the  Fifth  by  Major- 
General  Gouverneur  Iv.  Warren,  and  the  Sixth  commanded 
by  Major-General  John  Sedgwick.  General  Meade  still  re- 
tained the  command  of  the  army.  At  no  time  since  its  or- 
ganization had  this  army  been  so  well  officered  as  at  this  pe- 
riod. The  cavalry  corps  was  placed  under  the  command  of 


476 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


that  peerless  general,  Philip  H.  Sheridan.  When  the  active 
operations  of  the  campaign  began,  the  Ninth  corps,  under 
General  Burnside,  reinforced  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  al- 
though it  constituted  an  independent  command  from  that  of 
General  Meade.  The  combined  strength  of  these  four  corps 
gave  General  Grant  a force  of  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand 
men. 

The  rolls  of  General  Lee’s  army  at  this  time  showed  a force 
of  fifty-three  thousand  men,  including  infantry,  cavalry,  and 
artillery.  The  defensive  line  which  the  Confederates  had 
occupied  for  months,  amid  the  wild  fastnesses  south  of  the 
Rapidan  river,  were  so  strong  by  nature,  and  made  doubly  so 
by  skillful  art,  that  a direct  attack  upon  them  was  out  of  the 
question.  Lee  did  not  fear  such  an  attack,  nor  did  Grant 
design  it. 

EEDERALS  CROSS  THE  RAPIDAN. 

After  much  consideration,  it  was  decided  to  cross  the 
Rapidan  by  the  lower,  fords,  and  turn  the  left  flank  of  Gen- 
eral Lee,  and  on  the  third  of  May  the  order  was  given  for  the 
great  army  to  move  forth  on  its  memorable  campaign. 

On  May  fourth  the  whole  army  was  in  motion.  It  was  an 
imposing  and  magnificent  spectacle  as  it  moved  out  from  its 
winter  quarters  and  formed  its  splendidly  steel  crowned  lines 
of  blue.  The  advance  was  made  in  two  columns,  the  right 
being  composed  of  Warren’s  and  Sedgwick’s  corps,  who  were 
to  cross  the  river  at  Germania  Ford.  The  left  was  composed 
of  Hancock’s  corps,  and  was  to  cross  at  Ely’s  Ford,  six  miles 
below. 

Warren’s  corps  led  the  advance,  preceded  by  Wilson’s 
cavalry,  and  reached  Germania  Ford  at  six  o’clock  on  the 
morning  of  May  fourth.  A pontoon  bridge  was  quickly  laid, 
and  by  one  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  the  whole  of  Warren’s 
corps  had  crossed.  During  that  evening  Sedgwick’s  corps 
also  crossed,  and  bivouacked  near  the  river.  Warren’s  corps 
advanced  rapidly  in  a southern  direction  from  the  Rapidan, 
and  encamped  for  the  night  near  the  old  Wilderness  Tavern, 


THE  LINE  OF  MARCH. 


477 


at  a point  not  far  from  where  the  Germania  Ford  road  crosses 
the  old  Wilderness  pike,  at  a road  leading  from  Fredericks- 
burg to  Orange  Court-house.  Wilson’s  cavalry  was  thrown 
out  along  this  road  in  the  direction  of  Robertson’s  Tavern, 
to  guard  against  any  attack  being  made  by  the  enemy  during 
the  night. 

Hancock’s  corps  moved  from  its  temporary  encampment  on 
the  fourth,  from  Stevensburg,  and  advanced  to  Ely’s  Ford, 
being  preceded  by  Gregg’s  division  of  cavalry.  This  whole 
force  rapidly  crossed  the  Rapidan,  and,  at  nine  o’clock  in  the 
morning,  reached  Chancellorsville,  where  the  infantry  en- 
camped, while  the  cavalry  advanced  a considerable  distance 
along  the  roads  leading  to  Todd’s  Tavern  and  Fredericksburg. 

On  the  night  of  May  fourth,  over  one  hundred  thousand 
Union  soldiers  had  crossed  the  river,  which,  like  an  impassa- 
ble barrier,  had  separated  the  two  armies  for  so  long  a time, 
and  were  preparing  to  enter  upon  that  terrible  struggle  of 
death,  so  soon  to  take  place  in  the  gloomy  depths  of  the  Wil- 
derness. Up  to  this  time  the  Federal  army  had  encountered 
no  opposition,  but  the  Confederates  were  not  inactive. 

General  Lee  had  decided  to  offer  no  opposition  to  the  cross- 
ing of  the  Rapidan  by  General  Grant,  but  to  hold  his 
army  well  in  hand,  and  to  fall  upon  his  opponent  at  the  first 
favorable  opportunity,  after  he  had  crossed.  At  this  time, 
Longstreet’s  corps  was  near  Gordonsville,  Hill  at  Orange 
Court-house,  and  Ewell  in  the  advance  near  the  Rapidan. 
Grant’s  enormous  baggage  train  of  four  thousand  wagons 
also  crossed  with  his  army. 

THE  LINE  OF  MARCH. 

The  line  of  march  which  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  to 
follow,  was  through  a dense  wilderness  of  pine  and  oak,  ex- 
tending south  from  the  Rapidan  for  many  miles  and  west  to 
Mine  Run.  Upon  the  margin  of  this  gloomy  and  desolate 
region,  the  bloody  battle  of  Chancellorsville  had  been  fought 
the  year  before.  It  was  not  the  intention  of  the  Federal 
commander  to  fight  the  battle  in  such  a place  as  the  Wilder- 


478 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ness,  and  the  two  columns  were  ordered  to  advance  on  May- 
fifth,  in  the  following  order. 

Warren  and  Sedgwick  forming  the  right  column,  Avere  to 
advance  along  the  Wilderness  turnpike,  while  Hancock  was 
to  move  along  the  Orange  Court-house  plank  road.  These 
roads  ran  in  parallel  lines,  and  this  day’s  march,  if  uninter- 
rupted, would  place  them  around  Lee’s  right  flank,  and  upon 
his  line  of  communications  with  Richmond. 

RARE  GENERALSHIP  OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  CHIEF. 

General  Lee  saw  the  danger  which  thus  threatened  him, 
and  resolved  to  avert  it  by  a rapid  and  daring  movement. 
This  movement  must  be  considered  one  of  the  most  darinsr 
and  brilliant  of  any  executed  by  General  Lee  during  the  war. 
It  was  to  block  the  advance  of  the  Federal  army,  shut  it  up, 
and  oblige  General  Grant  to  fight  a battle  in  the  dense  thick- 
ets of  the  Wilderness.  This  course  presented  many  advan- 
tages to  General  Lee,  and  it  is  to  be  wondered  at  that  the 
Federal  commanders  had  not  anticipated  such  a movement 
upon  the  part  of  their  opponent. 

This  region,  of  which  the  Federals  knew  nothing,  was  one 
with  which  the  Confederates  were  perfectly  familiar.  In  its 
thickets  artillery  could  not  be  used,  and  as  heavy  columns  of 
troops  could  not  advance,  the  Federal  army  would  lose  the 
great  advantage  of  its  superiority  of  numbers,  while  the  Con- 
federate troops,  skilled  in  wood-craft,  could  lie  unseen  in  their 
gray  uniforms,  and  pour  death  upon  the  Federal  lines.  It  was 
a desperate  undertaking,  but  also  one  which  held  out  many 
prospects  of  success  to  General  Lee. 

He  having  been  informed  that  the  army  of  General  Grant 
had  crossed  the  Rapidan  on  the  fourth,  immediately  ordered 
his  troops  to  be  put  in  motion,  so  as  to  meet  his  antagonist  in 
the  Wilderness  on  the  fifth. 

CONFEDERATES  IN  MOTION. 

Ewell’s  men  were  to  advance  along  the  pike,  and  those 
under  Hill  along  the  plank  road.  Thus  when  the  Army  of 


CONFEDERATES  IN  MOTION. 


479 


the  Potomac  bivouacked  for  the  night  on  the  fourth,  in  the 
edge  of  the  wilderness  bordering  upon  the  Rapidan  river,  the 
Confederates  camped  upon  the  opposite  border  of  the  same 
wilderness  near  Orange  Court-house.  The  vans  of  the  two 
armies  were  but  a few  miles  apart,  and  both  intending  to  ad- 
vance along  the  same  road  on  the  morning  of  the  fifth. 

Early  on  that  day  the  Federals  were  in  motion.  Hancock 
was  to  advance  along  the  plank  road  from  Chancellorsville  to 
Shady  Grove  church,  and  the  right  column  led  by  Warren’s 
corps  was  to  advance  along  the  turnpike  to  Parker’s  store. 

The  advance  of  the  Confederates  was  not  known  to  General 
Warren,  as  the  cavalry  in  front,  after  having  advanced  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  fourth  nearly  to  Robertson’s  tavern,  had 
been  withdrawn  to  make  a scout  upon  the  plank  road  to  Par- 
ker’s store,  and  consequently  there  were  no  pickets  out  along 
the  turnpike  when  Ewell  was  advancing. 

Griffin’s  division  was  thrown  out  on  the  fifth  to  an  advanced 
position  on  the  turnpike  to  guard  against  any  possible  sur- 
prise being  made  by  the  Confederates  upon  the  flanks  of  Sedg- 
wick’s corps,  which  was  moving  from  Germania  Ford  to  the 
old  Wilderness  Tavern.  At  the  same  time  Crawford’s  division 
of  the  Fifth  corps  was  ordered  to  move  along  a wood  road 
running  diagonally  to  the  left  of  Griffin’s  position,  and  ex- 
tending from  the  turnpike,  near  the  Wilderness  Tavern,  to 
Parker's  store  on  the  plank  road. 

Meantime  Ewell  continued  his  advance  along  the  turnpike, 
so  that  before  noon  the  skirmishers  of  Griffin,  who  were  well 
in  advance  of  his  line  of  battle,  came  suddenly  in  contact  with 
the  Confederate  advance,  and  when  Crawford's  advance  came 
near  to  Parker's  store  the  cavalry  picket  came  dashing  back 
with  the  information  that  a column  of  the  enemy  was  rapidly 
advancing  along  the  plank  road,  which  proved  to  be  the  corps 
of  General  Hill. 

Generals  Grant  and  Meade,  who  on  the  morning  of  the  fifth 
had  arrived  at,  and  established  their  headquarters  at  the  Wil- 
derness Tavern,  did  not  believe  the  Confederates  were  there 
in  force,  but  that  it  was  simply  a division  thrown  forward  by 


480 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


General  Lee  to  cover  some  movement  he  was  making  in  the 
direction  of  Richmond  to  protect  his  line  of  communications, 
and  it  was  determined  to  brush  this  small  force  away  and  con- 
tinue the  advance  ; but  as  this  decision  was  based  upon  such 
an  erroneous  understanding  of  the  situation,  the  force  em- 
ployed was  wholly  inadequate  for  the  task. 

The  principal  opposition  had  thus  far  been  developed  in 
Griffin’s  front.  Crawford’s  advance,  however,  upon  the  plank 
road  had  been  checked.  Wadsworth’s  division  of  the  Fifth 
corps  was  ordered  to  form  upon  the  left  of  Griffin’s  division, 
with  that  of  Robinson  in  reserve. 

Soon  after  noon  a most  vigorous  attack  was  made  on  the 
Confederates  by  Griffin’s  division  as  it  advanced  along  the 
turnpike,  with  Ayer’s  brigade  on  the  right  and  Bartlett’s  upon 
the  left  of  that  road.  These  troops  gallantly  swept  every- 
thing before  them  and  drove  the  van  of  Ewell’s  corps  back 
for  nearly  a mile.  If  they  had  been  properly  supported  Ewell’s 
corps  would  have  been  defeated  in  detail,  as  .only  a portion  of 
it  was  then  upon  the  scene  of  action. 

The  attack  had  been  made  upon  what  was  supposed  to  be 
only  the  rear  guard  of  a retreating  army.  Recovering  from 
their  repulse  the  Confederates  reformed  their  lines,  and  being 
reinforced,  were  enabled  not  only  to  hold  their  own  but  to 
assume  the  offensive. 

FEDERAL  PLAN  OF  ATTACK. 

The  plan  of  battle  was  for  a division  of  the  Sixth  corps, 
commanded  by  General  Wright,  to  form  upon  the  right  of 
General  Griffin’s  command  and  make  a simultaneous  advance 
with  the  Fifth  corps,  but  owing  to  the  dense  growth  of  woods 
which  covered  the  ground  Wright  was  unable  to  connect 
with  Griffin,  and  thus  the  right  flank  of  the  latter  was  left 
uncovered. 

Upon  this  exposed  flank  the  Confederates  made  a spirited 
attack,  and  Ayer’s  brigade  of  Griffin’s  division  was  forced 
back.  This  exposed  the  flank  of  Bartlett’s  brigade,  and  his 
line  being  taken  in  reverse,  was  also  compelled  to  yield  the 


BATTLE  OF  THE  WILDERNESS. 


483 


ground  which  they  had  taken.  Two  brass  guns  which  had 
been  advanced  along  the  turnpike  could  not  be  withdrawn,  as 
the  horses  had  been  all  killed,  and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Confederates.  Wadsworth's  division  was  also  flanked  and 
obliged  to  fall  back,  while  that  of  Crawford  was  nearly  sur- 
rounded in  the  dense  forest,  and  escaped  with  heavy  loss. 
Thus  the  whole  of  the  Fifth  corps  was  hurled  back  by  the 
corps  of  Ewell  and  Hill,  and  all  the  ground  taken  by  the 
Federals  had  been  recaptured  by  the  Confederates,  bui  they 
did  not  follow  up  their  advantage. 

BATTLE  OF  THE  WILDERNESS. 

Warren  reformed  his  line  across  the  turnpike  some  distance 
in  advance  of  the  Wilderness  Tavern.  The  fighting  had  been 
of  a most  desperate  character.  Warren  lost  three  thousand. 
The  Confederates  had  also  lost  heavfiy. 

These  developments  had  convinced  the  Federal  command- 
ers that  General  Lee  was. in  their  front  with  his  entire  army, 
and  preparations  were  immediately  made  to  give  him  battle 
ou  the  morrow.  The  Sixth  corps  was  ordered  to  form  on 
Warren’s  right,  and  Hancock’s  corps,  which  was  a long  dis- 
tance to  the  left,  near  Todd’s  Tavern,  was  ordered  to  move 
up  the  Brock  road,  until  he  should  reach  the  point  where  it 
crossed  the  plank  road.  This  point  is  some  four  miles  east 
of  Parker’s  store,  where  Crawford’s  division  of  the  Fifth 

- - A 

corps  had  encountered  the  Confederates  early  on  the  morning 
of  the  fifth. 

This  movement  was  of  vast  importance,  for  if  Hill  could 
seize  it  first,  the  Federal  army  would  have  been  cut  in  twain. 
General  Meade  understood  this  danger,  and  early  in  the  day 
had  sent  Getty's  division  of  the  Sixth  corps  to  seize  and  hold 
the  position,  until  Hancock  should  arrive,  and  thus  form  a 
junction  with  the  rest  of  the  army. 

Long  before  Hancock  arrived  the  Confederates  made  a de- 
termined attack  upon  Getty’s  divison,  but  he  succeeded  in 
holding  them  in  check  until  Hancock  came  up.  To  make  this 
important  position  more  secure,  the  latter  general  immediately 


484 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ordered  heavy  lines  of  breastworks  to  be  built,  the  line  resting 
upon  and  running  parallel  with  the  Brock  road,  but  before 
these  works  Avere  completed  Hancock  received  orders  to  ad- 
vance and  drive  the  Confederates  back  beyond  Parker’s  store 
upon  the  plank  road. 

The  situation  of  the  armies  was  a most  peculiar  one.  War- 
ren had  fought  with  EAvell  upon  the  turnpike,  and  the  result 
has  already  been  given.  Noav  Hancock  aa^us  to  attack  Hill 
upon  the  plank  road,  but  owing  to  the  dense  Avoods  there  Avas 
no  connection  whatever  between  these  two  corps  of  the  Fed- 
erals,  or  those  of  the  Confederate  armjn  Each  combat  was 
separate  and  distinct,  and  had  but  little  bearing  upon  the 
other.  At  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  May  fifth,  Hancock’s 
corps,  with  Getty’s  division  in  front  on  each  side  of  the  road, 
advanced  upon  the  command  of  Hill,  the  divisions  of  Birney 
and  Mott  moving  in  support  of  that  of  Getty.  They  found 
the  Confederate  line  within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  Brock 
road,  and  the  battle  opened  with  terrible  fury. 

Hancock  hurled  his  men  foiuvard  Avith  great  vigor,  but  the 
Confederates  lying  upon  the  ground  and  concealed  by  the 
forest,  poured  in  such  rapid  and  deadly  volleys  that  each  as- 
sault of  Hancock  Avas  repulsed.  Mott’s  division  gave  way, 
and  General  Alexander  Hayes,  Avhile  endeavoring  to  repair 
the  damage,  was  killed  Avhile  gallantly  leading  his  command 
amid  the  terrible  fire.  Generals  Grant  and  Meade,  at  the  old 
Wilderness  Tavern  could  hear  distinctly  the  heavy  firing 
where  Hancock  Avas  engaged,  and  kneAv  that  the  enemy  Avas 
there  in  great  force,  and  to  relieve  him  from  a portion  of  this 
pressure  they  ordered  General  WadsAvorth  Avith  his  division 
and  the  brigade  of  Baxter  to  move  through  the  forest  in  a 
southerly  direction  toward  the  plank  road,  and  fall  upon  the 
left  flank  of  General  Hill. 

The  thickets  were  so  tangled,  however,  that  night  came  on 
before  Wadsworth  could  get  into  position.  His  men  slept  on 
their  arms  that  night,  Avhile  his  skirmishers  Avere  exchanging 
shots  Avith  those  of  General  Hill.  Hancock  continued  to 
make  his  desperate  assaults  upon  the  enemy  until  eight  o’clock 


BATTLE  OF  THE  SIXTH  OF  MAT. 


485 


in  the  evening,  then  both  forces  being  utterly  exhausted  sank 
upon  the  ground  to  sleep.  Hundreds  of  dead  soldiers  were 
lying  as  they  fell  in  the  tangled  growth  of  underbrush,  while 
the  groans  of 'thousands  of  wounded  were  ascending  in  the 
evening  air. 

Burnside’s  corps  made  a forced  march  during  the  afternoon 
and  night  of  the  fifth,  and  early  on  the  morning  of  the  sixth 
it  arrived,  and  took  its  position  on  the  right  of  Hancock,  be- 
tween the  plank  road  and  the  turnpike.  The  Federal  line  on 
the  sixth  was  formed  with  Sedgwick  on  the  right,  then  War- 
ren, Burnside  and  Hancock.  This  line  ran  north  and  south, 
facing  west,  and  was  nearly  six  miles  in  length. 

On  the  side  of  the  Confederates,  General  Longstreet’s 
corps,  which  at  the  opening  of  the  campaign  was  at  Gordons- 
ville,  forty  miles  away,  did  not  arrive  to  take  part  in  the 
battle  of  the  fifth,  but  it  encamped  that  night  near  the  battle- 
field and  could  be  brought  up  early  on  the  sixth.  General 
Lee’s  plans  were  unchanged.  Ewell  was  to  fight  upon  the 
Confederate  left,  on  the  turnpike,  Hill  upon  the  plank  road, 
the  flanks  of  both  to  form  a junction,  while  Longstreet  was  to 
form  on  the  right  of  Hill. 

BATTLE  OF  THE  SIXTH  OF  MAY. 

General  Grant  gave  orders  to  attack  at  six  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  sixth  along  the  whole  line.  General  Lee  had 
also  decided  to  make  an  early  attack  on  the  same  morning. 
This  he  intended  to  make  with  an  overwhelming  force  upon 
the  extreme  left  flank  of  the  Federal  army,  but  it  could  not 
be  made  until  Longstreet  should  arrive.  To  divert  attention 
from  the  real  point  of  attack  while  waiting  for  Longstreet, 
Lee  resolved  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  extreme  right  of  the 
Federal  army,  and  fifteen  minutes  before  the  time  General 
Grant  ordered  the  attack  to  be  made,  the  sudden  roar  of  bat- 
tle upon  Sedgwick’s  right  informed  General  Grant  that  Lee 
had  resolved  to  give  the  first  blow  that  morning. 

General  Sedgwick  easily  checked  this  attack,  and  advanced 
his  line  a few  hundred  yards.  Warren  and  Hancock  also 


486 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


opened  the  battle  along  the  entire  line.  The  divisions  of 
Getty  and  Birney,  under  Hancock,  advanced  with  such  vigor 
that  Hill’s  flank  was  pressed  back.  At  the  same  time,  Wads- 
worth's division  on  Hancock’s  right  advanced,  and  under  this 
combined  attack  the  Confederate  line  was  overpowered  and 
hurled  back  a distance  of  nearly  two  miles  upon  the  wagon 
train,  artillery  and  their  headquarters. 

If  this  advantage  could  have  been  followed  up,  it  un- 
doubtedly would  have  compelled  General  Lee’s  line  to  fall 
back,  but  the  Federal  line  was  much  shattered  and  demoral- 
ized by  advancing  so  far  through  the  thick  woods  and  the 
bullets  of  the  enemy.  A halt  was  ordered  while  the  line  was 
being  reformed.  At  this  time,  in  the  midst  of  the  confusion 
in  the  Confederate  lines  caused  by  the  defeat  of  General 
Hill,  General  Anderson’s  brigade  came  rushing  forward  to 
the  support  of  their  defeated  comrades,  and  a few  moments 
later  the  head  of  General  Longstreet’s  corps  marched  upon 
the  scene  of  conflict. 

At  nine  o'clock  Hancock  again  assumed  the  aggressive,  and 
although  he  had  been  reinforced  by  Stevenson's  division  of  the 
Ninth  corps,  he  could  make  no  headway.  The  arrival  of 
Longstreet  had  restored  the  Confederate  line.  When  Han- 
cock found  he,  could  not  advance,  there  was  a lull  in  the  strife 
which  lasted  for  several  hours.  Hancock  did  not  dare  move 
with  all  of  his  command,  upon  the  foe  in  .his  front,  for  fear 
Longstreet  would  make  an  attack  upon  his  left  flank,  from 
the  direction  of  Todd’s  Tavern,  a large  portion  of  his  troops 
being  available  to  make  such  an  attack  and  not  available  for 
the  battle  in  front. 

Longstreet  massed  his  troops  as  rapidly  as  they  arrived  upon 
the  field,  and  soon  threw  them  upon  the  lines  of  General 
Hancock  with  such  vigor  that  the  Federals,  after  the  most 
desperate  resistance,  Avere  hurled  back.  General  Hancock 
bravely  endeavored  to  hold  his  advanced  position. 


GENERAL  LONGSTREET  WOUNDED. 


487 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  WADSWORTH. 

The  division  of  General  Wadsworth  on  Hancock’s  right 
was  also  thrown  back,  and  while  endeavoring  to  rally  them, 
this  gallant  commander  received  a bullet  through  his  head, 
and  died  a prisoner  on  the  following  day. 

In  the  midst  of  the  fury  and  victory  of  the  Confederate 
advance  they  were  suddenly  checked  by  an  unlooked  for  event. 
Longstreet  had  arranged  for  a decisive  blow,  and  while  ad- 
vancing a portion  of  his  corps  upon  Hancock's  front,  he  sent 
another  portion  around  Hancock’s  left  flank  to  seize  the  Brock 
road  and  thus  get  in  his  rear.  When  the  Federals  were  fall- 
ing back  and  the  Confederates  following  them  up,  Longstreet 
and  his  staff  rode  out  in  front  of  the  Confederate  line  and 
unexpectedly  came  upon  a portion  of  their  own  flanking  force. 

GENERAL  LONGSTREET  WOUNDED. 

The  troops  mistook  this  cavalcade  for  a party  of  Federal 
horsemen  and  poured  a deadly  fire  upon  them,  severely  wound- 
ing General  Longstreet,  a ball  entering  his  throat  and  passing 
out  through  his  shoulder.  This  event  caused  a long  delay  in 
the  Confederate  advance,  during  which  General  Hancock 
placed  his  troops  securely  upon  the  plank  road. 

While  Hancock  had  been  thus  heavily  engaged  with  Hill 
and  Longstreet  upon  the  Federal  left,  the  battle  had  also  been 
raging  with  great  fury  upon  their  right.  Sedgwick  had  made 
determined  but  unsuccessful  efforts  to  carry  the  position  in 
his  front.  Two  divisions  of  the  Fifth  corps  having  been  sent 
to  the  aid  of  Hancock,  the  remaining  divisions  of  Griffin  and 
Crawford  held  only  a defensive  position,  indulging  in  heavy 
skirmishing  during  the  day. 

At  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  General  Lee  having  well 
reorganized  the  Confederate  right,  made  a brilliant  assault 
upon  General  Hancock.  The  Confederates  advanced  boldly 
to  within  one  hundred  yards  of  his  position,  where  they  were 
'checked,  and  for  a long  time  exchanged  terrible  volleys  of 
musketry.  Their  loss  was  heavy,  while  the  troops  of  Han- 
cock, being  behind  breastworks,  suffered  less. 


488 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


THE  FOREST  ON  FIRE. 

At  this  critical  moment  the  forest  in  Hancock’s  front  caught 

O 

fire,  the  wind  blowing  the  flame  and  smoke  directly  upon  his 
line.  The  log  breastworks  were  on  fire  and  the  men  were 
obliged  to  fall  back,  while  the  Confederates  advanced  and 
seized  a portion  of  this  line,  but  were  repulsed  by  Carroll’s 
brigade.  The  attack  at  this  point  was  then  abandoned  by 
the  Confederates. 

Just  before  night  General  Ewell,  with  a massed  force,  made 
a terrible  assault  upon  the  right  flank  of  Sedgwick’s  corps. 
Rickett’s  division  was  forced  back,  Brigadier-Generals  Shaler 
and  Seymour  being  captured  and  with  a large  number  of  other 
prisoners  were  borne  within  the  Confederate  lines.  This 
ended  the  battle  of  the  sixth  of  May.  During  the  seventh 
both  commanders,  who  up  to  this  time  had  acted  upon  the 
offensive,  were  now  well  satisfied  to  act  upon  the  defensive. 
There  was  no  general  movement  of  either  army  during  that 
day,  but  heavy  and  deadly  skirmishing  all  along  the  line. 

Thus  ended  the  terrible  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  which  for 
the  fierceness  of  the  combatants  was  perhaps  without  a par- 
allel in  the  whole  Avar.  The  Federals  reported  their  loss  at 
thirteen  thousand  men  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  Avhile 
the  Confederates  placed  theirs  at  eight  thousand  men. 

THE  OBJECT  OF  THE  BATTLE  OF  THE  WILDERNESS. 

In  fighting  this  terrible  battle  each  commander  had  a great 
object  in  view : General  Grant’s  object  Avas  to  crush  and 
overwhelm  the  army  of  General  Lee.  The  design  of  the  Con- 
federate commander  being  to  frustrate  the  campaign  of  the 
Federal  commander,  and  to  drive  his  army  back  across  the 
Rapidan  river. 

It  is  quite  needless  to  state  that  both  of  these  generals 
failed  in  their  designs ; and  it  is  safe  to  remark  that,  had  each 
one  known  more  of  the  caliber  and  mettle  of  his  foe,  they 
would  have  been  less  ambitious  in  their  expectations.  There 
was  something  terrible  in  this  battle,  so  shrouded  by  the  mys- 
teries of  that  gloomy  forest.  The  movements  of  the  troops 


GENERAL  MEADE’S  ORDER. 


489 


■were  all  veiled  to  human  sight.  An  advance  or  retreat  could 
only  be  told  by  the  ringing  volleys  of  musketry  which  would 
roll  and  crash  through  the  forest,  and  when  the  conflict  ended, 
it  was  in  every  respect  a drawn  battle. 

While  General  Grant  was  undoubtedly  somewhat  disap- 
pointed at  the  results  of  this  battle,  he  was  not  for  a moment 
discouraged,  and  during  the  seventh  he  decided  to  make  a 
flank  movement  by  way  of  Spottsylvania,  and  by  thus  turn- 
ing Lee’s  right,  he  would  place  himself  upon  Lee’s  line  of 
communications  with  the  Confederate  capital.  Spottsylvania 
Court-house  is  fifteen  miles  southeast  from  the  battlefield  of 
the  Wilderness.  The  infantry  were  not  to  move  until  after 
dark,  but  during  the  afternoon  the  immense  trains  were  con- 
voved  to  Chancellorsville,  where  they  were  to  remain  for  the 
night.  General  Grant’s  plans  were  made  clear  by  the  follow- 
ing general  order  of  General  Meade. 

GENERAL  MEADE’S  ORDER. 

Headquarters  Army  of  the  Potomac,  ) 
May  7th,  3 p.m.  ) 

The  following  movements  are  ordered  for  to-day  and  to-night: 

First.  The  trains  of  the  Sixth  corps  authorized  to  accompany  the 
troops  will  be  moved,  at  four  o’clock  p.m.,  to  Chancellorsville,  and  park 
on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  held  ready  to  follow  the  Sixth  corps  during 
the  night  march. 

Second.  The  trains  of  the  Fifth  corps  authorized  to  accompany  the 
troops  will  he  moved,  at  five  o’clock  p.m.,  to  Chancellorsville,  following 
the  Sixth  corps,  and  parking  with  them,  and  held  ready  to  follow  those 
trains  in  the  movement  to-night. 

Third.  The  trains  of  the  Second  corps  authorized  to  accompany  the 
troops  will  he  moved,  at  six  o’clock  p.m.,  to  Chancellorsville,  and  park  on 
the  right  of  the  road,  and  held  ready  to  move  at  the  same  hour  with  the 
other  trains,  by  way  of  Furnace’s,  to  Todd’s  Tavern,  keeping  clear  of  the 
Brock  l'oad,  which  will  be  used  by  the  troops. 

Fourth.  Corps  commanders  will  send  escorts  with  these  trains. 

Fifth.  The  reserve  artillery  will  move  at  seven  o’clock,  by  way  of  Chan- 
cellorsville, Aldrich’s,  and  Piney  Branch  church,  to  the  intersection  of  the 
road  from  Piney  Branch  church  to  Spottsylvania  Court-house,  and  the 
road  from  Alsop’s  to  Block  house,  and  park  to  the  rear  of  the  last  named 
road,  so  as  to  give  room  for  the  Sixth  corps. 

Sixth.  At  half-past  eight  p.m.,  Major-General  Warren,  commanding 
Fifth  corps,  will  move  to  Spottsylvania  Court-house,  by  way  of  Brock  road 
and  Todd’s  Tavern. 


490 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Seventh.  At  eight  and  one-half  o’clock  p.m.,  Major-General  Sedgwick, 
commanding  Sixth  corps,  will  move,  by  the  pike  and  plank  road,  to  Chan- 
cellorsville,  when  he  will  be  joined  by  the  authorized  trains  of  his  own 
corps  and  those  of  the  Fifth  corps;  thence,  by  way  of  Aldrich’s  and  Tiney 
Branch  church,  to  Spottsylvania  Court-house,  and  the  road  from  Alsop’s 
to  Block  house.  The  trains  of  Fifth  corps  will  then  join  the  corps  at 
Spottsylvania  Court-house. 

Eighth.  Major-General  Hancock,  commanding  the  Second  corps,  will 
move  to  Todd’s  Tavern,  by  the  Brock  road,  following  Fifth  corps  closely. 

Ninth.  Headquarters  during  the  movement  will  be  along  the  route  of 
the  Fifth  and  Sixth  corps,  and  at  the  close  of  the  movement,  near  the 
Sixth. 

Tenth.  The  pickets  of  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  corps  will  be  withdrawn  at 
one  o’clock  a.m„  and  those  of  the  second  at  two  a.m  , and  will  follow  the 
routes  of  their  respective  corps. 

Eleventh.  The  cavalry,  now  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Hammond, 
will  bo  left  by  General  Sedgwick  at  the  old  Wilderness  Tavern,  and  upon 
being  informed  by  General  Hancock  of  the  withdrawal  of  this  corps  and 
pickets,  will  follow  that  corps. 

Twelfth.  Corps  commanders  will  see  that  the  movements  are  made 
with  punctuality  and  promptitude. 

Thirteenth.  Major-General  Sheridan,  commanding  cavalry  corps,  will 
have  a sufficient  force,  on  the  approaches  from  the  right,  to  keep  the 
corps  commanders  advised  in  time  of  the  appearance  of  the  enemy. 

Fourteenth.  It  is  understood  that  General  Burnside’s  command  will 
follow  the  Sixth  corps. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  MEADE. 

General  Lee  was  on  tlie  alert  to  discover  any  movement  his 
opponent  should  make,  and  was  advised  of  the  baggage  train 
of  the  Federal  army  being  moved  to  Chancellorsville,  but  he 
could  not  determine  whether  Grant  was  designing  to  move  by 
Fredericksburg  or  Spottsylvania,  yet  knowing  that  some  move- 
ment was  about  to  be  made,  he  ordered  General  Anderson, 
who  was  now  in  command  of  Longstreet’s  corps,  to  withdraw 
his  men  from  the  breastworks  and  be  ready  to  advance  upon 
Spottsylvania  in  the  morning.  Fortunately  for  the  Confed- 
erates, General  Anderson  not  finding  any  place  to  bivouack 
his  troops  which  was  deemed  satisfactory  to  him,  actually 
marched  to  Spottsylvania  that  night,  and  was  thus  on  hand 
early  in  the  morning  to  welcome  the  advance  line  of  General 
Grant. 

General  Warren  began  his  advance  at  nine  o’clock  in  the 
evening  of  the  seventh.  When  he  reached  Todd’s  Tavern  he 


FEDERALS  SURPRISED. 


491 


was  delayed  for  an  hour  and  a half  by  the  cavalry  escort  of 
General  Meade,  who  blocked  the  road ; and  as  he  reached  a 
point  two  miles  beyond  that  he  was  again  detained  by  the 
cavalry  division  of  General  Merritt,  who  during  the  preceding 
afternoon  and  evening  had  been  engaged  in  a desperate  en- 
counter with  the  Confederate  cavalry  under  General  Stuart. 
Merritt  was  now  endeavoring  to  clear  the  way  for  the  advance 
of  General  Warren. 

After  waiting  two  hours  Warren  decided  to  open  a way  for 
his  own  advance.  The  cavalry  were  withdrawn  ; it  was  now 
daylight,  two  brigades  of  Robinson’s  division  were  deployed 
in  line  of  battle,  the  remainder  of  the  corps  following  in 
column ; many  obstacles  were  encountered,  and  it  was  not 
until  eight  o’clock  A.M.  that  the  head  of  Warren’s  corps 
emerged  from  the  woods  at  Alsop’s  Farm,  two  miles  north  of 
Spottsylvania  Court-house.  Beyond  this  clearing,  then  occu- 
pied by  Warren’s  command,  there  was  another  thick  belt  of 
woods,  and  beyond  that  was  the  ridge  of  Spottsylvania. 

FEDERALS  SURPRISED. 

Robinson’s  division  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  and  marched 
up  across  the  field,  only  expecting  to  encounter  the  dismounted 
cavalrymen  of  General  Stuart,  but  imagine  their  surprise 
when  they  had  nearly  reached  the  woods  which  skirted  the 
upper  edge  of  the  field,  to  receive  a terrible  fire  of  musketry 
from  a foe  whom  they  thought  was  fifteen  miles  away  upon 
the  battlefield  of  the  Wilderness.  This  line  wavered  and 
began  to  fall  back.  General  Robinson  was  seriously  wounded, 
and  his  troops  fell  back  to  the  woods  where  the  line  was  re- 
formed by  General  Warren.  Griffin’s  division,  on  the  right 
of  Robinson’s,  had  also  received  a terrible  fire  which  checked 
their  advance.  The  divisions  of  Crawford  and  Cutler  now 
came  up  and  by  a combined  movement  pressed  the  Confeder- 
ates back  for  a short  distance.  The  whole  Fifth  corps  was 
then  formed  in  line,  and  the  men  began  with  great  zeal  to 
entrench  their  positions. 

These  veterans  were  the  troops  of  Anderson  who  had 


492 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


marched  down  to  Spottsylvania  to  find  a suitable  place  to 
encamp.  During  this  day  Warren  did  not  deem  it  wise  to 
advance  with  his  single  corps.  General  Hancock  had  been 
detained  all  day  at  Todd’s  Tavern  by  General  Meade,  who 
feared  an  attack  from  the  enemy  at  that  point.  The  command 
of  General  Sedgwick  did  not  arrive  at  Spottsylvania  until  late 
in  the  afternoon.  He  then  assumed  command  of  the  field, 
but  it  was  so  late  that  no  movement  of  importance  was  made 
upon  the  Confederate  position. 

FEDERAL  ADVANCE  BLOCKED  BY  LEE. 

During  this  day  General  Lee  succeeded  in  removing  his 
entire  army  from  the  Wilderness,  and  upon  the  heights  of 
Spottsylvania  planted  it  directly  across  the  path  of  General 
Grant.  In  this  movement  General  Lee  displayed  great  skill 
in  the  rapidity  of  his  movements.  His  line  was  formed  with 
Anderson  on  his  right,  Ewell  in  the  center,  and  Hill  upon  his 
left.  His  position  was  strongly  entrenched,  and  lie  patiently 
awaited  the  coming  assault  of  his  enemy. 

Meade’s  army  was  put  in  line  at  first  with  Hancock  on  the 
right,  Warren  in  the  center,  and  Sedgwick  on  the  left  of 
Warren,  and  Burnside  on  the  left  of  Sedgwick.  The  cavalry 
under  General  Sheridan  were  sent  on  a great  raid  to  cut  the 
railroad  communications  of  General  Lee.  The  day  was  occu- 
pied in  getting  the  troops  into  position.  There  was  consider- 
able skirmishing. 

DEATH  OF  GENERAL  SEDGWICK. 

The  Confederate  sharpshooters  were  very  active,  and 
among  the  victims  of  their  deadly  aim  was  the  gallant  com- 
mander of  the  Sixth  corps,  Major-General  John  Sedgwick. 
His  death  cast  a deep  gloom  over  the  entire  army,  as  he  was 
much  admired  by  all  the  soldiers,  and  his  brother  officers  com- 
prehended that  in  his  death,  the  army  had  sustained  a great 
loss.  The  command  of  his  corps  devolved  upon  Major-Gen- 
eral Wright.  On  the  evening  of  this  day,  General  Hancock 
made  a movement  across  the  Po  river,  but  on  the  following 


BATTLE  OF  SPOTTSYLVANIA. 


495 


day,  before  he  had  brought  on  any  serious  engagement,  he 
was  recalled,  as  it  had  been  decided  to  make  an  attack  upon 
the  Confederates  in  General  Warren’s  front.  The  Confed- 
erates made  a savage  attack  upon  one  brigade  of  Barlow’s 
division  as  it  was  being  withdrawn,  but  were  repulsed  with 
heavy  loss. 

BATTLE  OF  SPOTTSYL VANIA. 

The  attack  upon  the  Confederate  line  was  to  be  made  upon 
a steep  hill,  covered  with  a heavy  wood,  and  was  strongly 
fortified.  The  assault  was  made  by  the  troops  of  both  corps, 
and  they  were  all  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.  The  Federal 
troops  did  all  that  could  be  expected  of  men,  and  actually 
entered  the  enemy's  lines  at  several  points,  but  were  soon 
driven  back.  A second  assault  was  made  on  the  same  posi- 
tion an  hour  later,  and  met  with  a most  terrible  defeat. 

These  attacks  cost  the  Federal  army  five  thousand  men, 
among  the  killed  being  the  gallant  General  Rice  of  New  York, 
who  commanded  a brigade  in  the  Fifth  corps.  Up  to  this 
time'the  Federal  attack  had  been  made  principally  against  the 
left  of  the  Confederate  lines,  and  General  Grant  now  resolved 
to  make  a sudden  attack  upon  the  left  center,  where  he  had 
discovered,  what  he  considered,  a vulnerable  point  in  the  ene- 
my’s lines.  The  corps  of  General  Hancock  was  selected  for 
this  special  service,  and  was  to  be  supported  by  the  other  corps 
of  the  army. 

The  eleventh  of  May  was  passed  in  making  preparations 
for  this  assault.  After  dark  the  Second  corps  was  moved 
from  the  right  of  the  Union  lines  to  the  point  from  which 
they  were  to  make  the  attack.  The  night  was  very  dark  and 
stormy,  but  Hancock's  men  with  great  gallantry  moved  quietly 
through  the  darkness,  and  formed  their  line  within  twelve 
hundred  yards  of  the  line  they  were  to  assault.  The  division 
of  Barlow  was  formed  in  two  lines,  with  the  brigade  of 
Smythe  in  the  rear.  Each  regiment  was  formed  in  double 
columns  hi  the  center.  Birney  formed  on  Barlow’s  right, 
Mott’s  division  supported  Birney,  while  the  division  of  Gibbon 
was  held  in  reserve. 


496 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


BATTLE  OF  THE  TWELFTH  OF  MAY. 

At  half-past  four  o’clock  on  Thursday  morning,  May  twelfth, 
just  as  the  dawn  of  day  became  visible  through  the  dense  fog, 
Hancock  gave  the  order  to  advance.  Without  firing  a single 
shot  the  men  marched  forward  at  quick  time  and  deliberately 
walked  over  the  Confederate  picket  line.  When  they  had 
passed  over  one-half  the  distance  to  the  enemy’s  breastworks, 
they  gave  a loud  cheer  and  dashed  on  at  a double-quick,  and, 
like  a remorseless  wave  of  blue,  they  rolled  over  the  Confed- 
erate breastworks.  Then  was  a conflict,  brief,  yet  bloody. 
The  gallant  Confederates,  although  surprised  by  their  foe, 
contended  with  valor  for  the  prize  they  were  about  to  lose ; 
but  it  was  all  in  vain. 

The  Federals  fought  like  demons,  and,  encouraged  by  their 
success,  hurled  the  Confederates  back  with  a terrible  shock. 
It  was  General  Edward  Johnson’s  division  of  Ewell’s  corps 
which  was  being  thus  roughly  handled.  General  Johnson, 
with  four  thousand  of  his  men,  twenty  pieces  of  artilleiy,  and 
thirty  banners,  was  captured,  while  the  remainder  of  the 
command  fled  to  the  rear.  Hancock  had  struck  the  Confed- 
erate line  at  a point  where  it  formed  a salient,  and  had  thus 
pushed  his  corps  like  a wedge  between  the  two  portions  of 
the  Confederate  army  which  he  had  thus  sundered. 

This  point  was  of  great  value  to  each  army,  and  if  the  Fed- 
eral forces  had  then  been  upon  the  ground  to  have  pressed 
on  with  vigor,  Lee’s  army,  thus  divided,  must  have  been  with- 
drawn from  Spottsylvania.  Hancock’s  men,  elated  with  their 
victory,  dashed  on  after  their  flying  foe,  but  in  the  haste  of 
their  movement,  and  the  demoralization  of  their  victory,  they 
hardly  presented  the  appearance  of  an  organized  force,  and 
when  the  fleeing  Confederates  rallied  behind  a second  line  of 
works  some  half  a mile  from  the  captured  line,  and  poured  a 
deadly  fire  upon  their  persons,  the  Federal  advance  was 
checked  and  turned  back  upoii  the  line  they  had  captured. 

The  battle  now  became  one  of  the  most  desperate  and 
bloody  of  the  war.  Hancock’s  command  formed  behind  the 
Confederate  works,  and  the  Confederates  rushed  upon  them, 


GRANT’S  FLANK  MOVEMENT. 


497 


determined  to  recapture  them.  The  Second  corps  was  sorely 
pressed  by  the  foe,  but  the  timely  arrival  of  the  Sixtli  re- 
lieved this  terrible  pressure,  and  enabled  the  Federals  to  hold 
their  position.  Warren  and  Burnside  also  made  attacks  upon 
the  Confederates  in  their  front,  but  were  unable  to  gain  any 
2'round.  Then  the  divisions  of  Griffin  and  Cutler  of  War- 

O 

ren’s  corps,  were  sent  to  reinforce  Hancock,  where  the  con- 
flict was  still  raging. 

General  Lee  was  determined  to  recapture  the  lost  line,  and 
during  the  day  no  less  than  five  heavy  assaults  were  made  for 
that  purpose,  but  each  of  these  was  repulsed  by  the  Federal 
troops.  These  assaults  were  without  doubt  the  most  desper- 
ate of  the  war.  The  contending  lines  often  met,  the  men 
engaging  in  a hand  to  hand  struggle.  The  dead  and  wounded 
lay  thickly  upon  the  ground  made  wet  and  red  by  the  blood 
of  these  brave  men  who  had  been  so  fiercely  engaged  in  this 
mortal  combat.  The  trees  were  torn  and  mangled  as  if  by  a 
tornado.  Both  armies  had  lost  many  of  their  bravest  men, 
nor  will  the  survivors  of  that  terrible  scene  soon  forget  that 
famous  angle  of  death. 

Lee's  lines  were  still  intact.  Generals  Grant  and  Meade 
seemed  determined  to  carry  this  position ; many  movements 
were  made  and  much  fighting  done,  yet  for  twelve  days  Lee 
had  baffled  all  their  attempts,  either  to  turn  his  flanks,  or 
break  his  lines,  and  the  only  advantage  the  Federals  gained 
upon  the  field  of  Spottsyl vania  was  the  victory  of  Hancock 
just  described. 

grant’s  flank  movement. 

General  Grant  determined  to  make  another  flank  move- 
ment by  the  left,  and  thus  compel  General  Lee  to  fall  back. 
Preparations  for  this  movement  were  begun  on  the  forenoon 
of  the  nineteenth,  and  on  that  day  Lee  sent  a portion  of 
Ewell's  corps  around  Grant’s  right  flank,  to  make  a dash 
upon  his  baggage  train,  parked  upon  the  road  leading  from 
Spottsylvania  to  Fredericksburg.  The  Confederates  rapidly 
crossing  the  Nye  river,  made  a brilliant  dash  for  the  trains. 
32 


498 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


This  movement  for  a time  promised  them  great  results,  but 
General  Tyler’s  division  of  heavy  infantry,  which  was  defend- 
ing the  position,  met  the  Confederates  with  great  bravery, 
and  although  they  had  never  before  been  under  fire,  repulsed 
the*  Confederates  and  saved  the  trains  until  they  were  rein- 
forced, although  they  sustained  a heavy  loss  in  killed  and 
wounded.  Portions  of  the  Second  and  Fifth  corps  arriving, 
the  Confederates  were  driven  back  across  the  Nye  river,  with 
the  loss  of  several  hundred  prisoners. 

When  the  Federal  army  left  the  battlefield  of  Spottsyl- 
vania  on  the  twentieth  of  May,  it  had  sustained  a loss  of 
forty  thousand  men,  since  crossing  the  Rapidan  river  on  the 
fourth,  and  among  these  some  of  the  best  material  of  which 
it  was  composed.  During  these  bloody  days  at  Spottsylvania, 
Sheridan  had  been  doing  heavy  work  for  the  Federal  cause 
with  the  cavalry,  while  his  opponents,  under  the  brilliant 
Stuart,  had  been  striking  terrible  blows  for  the  cause  of  the 
Confederacy. 

sheridan’s  raid. 

Sheridan  on  the  tenth  of  May  had  captured  Beaverdam 
station  on  the  Central  railroad,  destroyed  ten  miles  of  the 
.track,  two  trains  of  cars,  three  locomotives,  and  immense 
■quantities  of  rations ; recaptured  four  hundred  Union  prison- 
iers  who  were  on  their  way  to  Richmond,  and  encountered  the 
Confederate  cavalry.  Crossing  the  South  Anna  river,  he  cap- 
tured Ashland  station  early  on  the  morning  of  the  eleventh, 
destroyed  the  depot,  six  miles  of  the  road,  a train  of  cars  and 
large  quantities  of  stores ; after  which  he  resumed  his  march 
for  Richmond. 

Stuart  had  concentrated  his  forces  to  dispute  Sheridan’s 
passage  at  the  Yellow  Tavern. 

BATTLE  OE  YELLOW  TAVERN. 

’Here  Sheridan  immediately  made  an  attack  which  resulted 
in  the  defeat  of  the  Confederates  and  the  death  of  their  brill- 
iant cavalry  leader,  J.  E.  B.  Stuart,  whose  loss  was  a most 


BATTLE  OF  YELLOW  TAVERN-. 


499 


disastrous  event  to  the  Confederates.  Sheridan  swept  on 
from  Yellow  Tavern,  passed  through  the  outer  defences  of 
Richmond,  and  then  passed  down  on  the  peninsula  to  Haxall's 
Landing,  arriving  there  on  the  fourteenth  of  May.  He  re- 
mained three  days  at  this  place,  and  then  passed  by  the  White 
House  and  Hanover  Court-house,  joining  the  main  army  on 
the  twenty-fifth  of  May,  upon  the  Pamunky  river. 

Hancock's  Second  corps  was  the  first  to  take  up  the  line  of 
march  from  Spottsylvania,  moving  from  the  right  of  the  Fed- 
eral line  during  the  night  of  the  twentieth  of  May,  and  march- 
ing past  the  rest  of  the  army,  in  an  easterly  direction,  to 
Massaponax  church.  From  this  point  it  passed  southward, 
preceded  by  the  cavalry  division  of  General  Torbett.  The 
corps  reached  Milford  station  on  the  Fredericksburg  and 
Richmond  railroad  on  the  twenty-first  of  May,  having  marched 
seventeen  miles  from  their  starting  point.  The  cavalry  had 
encountered  at  the  Mattapony  river,  a brigade  of  infantry 
under  General  Kemper,  on  its  way  from  Richmond  to  Spott- 
sylvania to  reinforce  General  Lee,  but  with  such  skill  were 
the  cavalry  managed  that  they  repulsed  the  Confederate  in- 
fantry and  secured  the  bridge  across  the  river. 

The  movement  of  General  Grant,  although  covered  as  well 
as  it  possibly  could  be,  was  soon  known  to  General  Lee,  and 
that  one  so  delicate  and  dangerous  was  permitted  to  pass  by 
him  without  an  attack  being  made,  with  circumstances  sf 
favorable,  can  only  be  accounted  for  by  the  shattered  con 
dition  of  the  Confederate  army  at  that  time.  Lee,  however, 
adopted  measures  to  prevent  his  antagonist  from  gaining  the 
advantage  of  getting  upon  his  line  of  communications,  and 
accordingly,  when  Hancock  led  the  advance  of  the  Federal 
army  in  its  flank  movement,  on  the  night  of  the  twentieth. 
Longstreet's  corps  led  the  advance  of  the  Confederate  arrar 
in  its  new  movement,  to  keep  between  the  Federals  and  th  1 
Confederate  capital.  The  latter  had  in  this  the  advantag  1 
of  good  roads  and  shorter  routes  of  travel. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-first,  Warren,  with  the  Fifth 
corps,  followed  Hancock,  and  Ewell,  with  his  Confederate 


500 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


corps,  followed  that  of  Longstreet.  Burnside,  with  his  corps, 
left  the  same  afternoon,  and  Wright,  with  the  Sixth,  pre- 
pared to  follow.  Hill  now  made  a fierce  assault  upon  General 
Wright,  in  which  he  succeeded  in  reaching  the  Federal  line, 
but  after  a brief  conflict,  his  troops  were  thrown  back,  re- 
pulsed. That  night  Wright  withdrew  his  command  from  the 
Federal  works,  and  followed  the  rest  of  the  army,  Hill  doing 
the  same  with  the  only  remaining  force  of  the  Confederates. 
Thus  the  heights  of  Spottsylvania,  the  prize  for  which  there 
had  been  such  a bloody  struggle,  were  abandoned  by  both 
armies. 

Each  army  marched  with  its  utmost  ability  for  the  North 
Anna  river.  The  section  through  which  they  passed,  was 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  Virginia,  and  bore  none  of  the 
traces  of  war,  which  were  so  visible  in  many  portions  of  the 
state.  The  fields  were  just  becoming  green  with  grass,  corn 
and  wheat ; all  spoke  of  peace,  save  those  rushing  lines  of 
men,  horses  and  cannon,  hastening  on  to  fields  of  strife  and 
carnage. 

On  the  morning  of  May  twenty-third,  the  Federal  cavalry 
reached  the  northern  bank  of  the  North  Anna  river,  and  from 
this  position  they  could  plainly  see  the  heavy  columns  of 
their  foe  on  the  opposite  bank,  marching  into  a strong  position 
to  give  them  a warm  reception.  The  position  which  General 
Lee  occupied  on  the  southern  bank  of  this  river,  was  of  great 
importance  to  him,  from  the  fact  that  it  covered  the  Virginia 
Central  railroad,  which  was  only  a short  distance  to  the 
south,  and  along  which  reinforcements  and  supplies  must 
come  from  the  Shenandoah  Valley  to  Lee’s  army. 

Grant  had  evidently  hoped  to  seize  that  position  before  the 
arrival  of  Lee,  but  the  shorter  line  of  the  latter  had  once 
more  enabled  him  to  thwart  the  designs  of  the  former.  The 
point  where  the  Federal  army  reached  the  North  Anna  was  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Fredericksburg  and  Richmond  railroad;  in- 
deed the  corps  of  Hancock,  which  formed  the  left  column, 
struck  it  at  the  bridge  where  it  crosses  the  river,  and  at  a 
point  where  the  telegraph  between  those  cities  crosses  upon 


BATTLE  OF  THE  NORTH  ANNA. 


503 


a wooden  bridge.  The  right  column  came  to  the  river  at 
Jericho  Ford,  four  miles  further  up.  The  Federal  army  at 
once  prepared  to  make  the  crossing. 

BATTLE  OF  THE  NORTH  ANNA. 

Lee  fiercely  assailed  the  advance  of  Hancock  when  he  un- 
dertook this  movement,  but  the  advance  of  Warren,  com- 
posed of  Bartlett’s  brigade,  forded  the  river  without  any  op- 
position, and  formed  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  stream, 
while  a pontoon  bridge  was  thrown  across  it,  over  which  the 
remainder  of  the  corps  marched.  It  then  formed  a line  of 
battle  with  Cutler’s  division  on  the  right,  Griffin’s  in  the  cen- 
ter, and  that  of  General  Crawford  upon  the  left.  This  line 
then  advanced  several  hundred  yards,  and  formed  their  line  in 
the  edge  of  a piece  of  -woods,  between  the  river  and  the  Vir- 
ginia Central  Railroad,  which  was  distant  some  two  miles. 
The  only  force'  in  their  front  at  that  time  was  one  brigade 
of  Wilcox's  division  of  General-  Hill's  corps,  but  the  Confed- 
erates were  soon  reinforced  by  the  remainder  of  the  division  ; 
consisting  of  the  brigades  of  Scales,  Gordon  and  Thomas,  and 
also  by  the  division  of  General  Heth. 

Warren’s  line  had  just  begun  to  intrench  itself,  when  Grif- 
fin was  furiously  assailed  by  the  above  named  force  in  double 
lines  of  battle.  The  Federals  quickly  repulsed  their  assailants 
with  heavy  loss.  The  Confederates  then  sent  a brigade, 
under  General  Brown,  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  right  flank 
of  General  Cutler’s  division.  This  movement  was  entirely 
unexpected  by  the  Federals,  and  threw  the  division  of  Cutler 
into  great  confusion.  Griffin’s  flank  was  thus  uncovered,  and 
was  for  a time  threatened  with  great  disaster,  but  he  quickly 
repulsed  the  right  of  his  line,  and  the  brigade  of  Bartlett 
dashed  forward  and  re-established  the  line  from  which  Cutler 
had  been  driven. 

While  making  this  movement  one  regiment  of  Bartlett's 
brigade,  the  eighty-third  Pennsylvania,  ran  squarely  against 
the  Confederate  line  under  General  Brown,  which  was  follow- 
ing up  its  advantage.  By  a skillful  movement,  Lieutenant- 


504 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Colouel  McCoy,  commanding  the  eighty-third  Pennsylvania, 
succeeded  in  firing  the  first  volley.  General  Brown  was  cap- 
tured, and  the  Confederates  were  driven  rapidly  back  through 
the  woods.  The  Confederates  were  now  repulsed  all  along 
Warren’s  front,  while  one  thousand  prisoners  were  left  in  the 
hands  of  the  Federals.  General  Warren  lost  four  hundred  in 
killed  and  wounded.  Hancock  was  having  a severe  fight  with 
the  Confederates,  where  he  was  endeavoring  to  force  a passage 
of  the  river  at  the  bridge,  a mile  above  the  point  at  which  the 
Fredericksburg  and  Richmond  railroad  crosses  the  stream. 

The  Confederates  were  strongly  intrenched  behind  earth- 
works on  both  sides  of  it ; redoubts,  breastworks,  and  ditches, 
which  had  been  constructed  at  some  earlier  period  of  the  war. 
These  were  manned  by  McLaws’  division  of  Longstreet’s 
corps.  Birney’s  division,  of  Hancock’s  corps,  was  assigned 
the  task  of  storming  them  upon  the  northern  bank. 

Colonel  Tidball,  Hancock’s  chief  of  artillery,  placed  in 
position  three  sections  of  artillery,  to  cover  the  assaulting 
party.  Just  before  sunset  the  assault  was  made  by  the 
brigades  of  Pierce  and  Egan.  These  troops,  under  a very 
severe  fire,  swept  across  the  field  upon  a double-quick,  rushed 
over  the  breastworks,  and  the  Confederates,  unable  longer  to 
hold  their  position,  fled  across  the  bridge,  leaving  a number 
of  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  the  victors.  During  the  night, 
they  endeavored  to  burn  the  bridge,  but  the  vigilance  of  the 
Federal  pickets  prevented  it.  Next  morning,  the  Confed- 
erates having  been  withdrawn  from  the  works  on  the  southern 
bank  of  the  river,  Hancock’s  troops  immediately  crossed  upon 
the  bridge,  at  the  same  time  the  Sixth  corps  having  crossed 
at  Jericho  Ford,  where  Warren  had  crossed  the  day  before. 
There  was  now  a space  of  four  miles  between  the  two  wings 
of  the  Federal  army. 

The  Confederate  army  was  now  in  a most  singular  position ; 
its  left  had  been  thrown  back  from  the  river  by  the  force 
under  Warren,  its  right  was  also  bent  back  by  the  passage  of 
the  river  by  Hancock,  but  its  center  still  clung  to  the  river, 
and  the  line  was  in  the  form  of  an  “obtuse  angled  triangle,” 


BATTLE  OF  THE  NORTH  ANNA. 


505 


with  the  point  resting  upon  the  North  Anna;  his  right  re- 
fused, and  extending  to  the  Hanover  marshes,  while  his  left 
also  refused,  with  its  flank  resting  upon  the  Little  river. 

Hancock  faced  one  side  of  this  angle,  Warren  and  Wright 
the  other,  and  when  Burnside  undertook  to  cross  the  river  at 
a point  between  the  places  where  Hancock  and  Warren 
crossed,  his  advanced  division,  commanded  by  General  Crit- 
tenden, sustained  a very  severe  loss  from  the  Confederate 
center.  When  Warren  undertook  to  extend  his  line  by  send- 
ing Crawford’s  division  to  form  a junction  with  Crittenden, 
it  met  with  so  much  opposition,  that  it  was  with  much  diffi- 
culty it  made  its.  way  back  to  its  original  position.  Thus, 
notwithstanding  Grant’s  successful  passage  of  the  North 
Anna,  he  now  found  that  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  con- 
tinue his  advance,  and  after  waiting  two  days,  during  which 
time  many  miles  of  the  railroad  were  destroyed,  he  deter- 
mined to  withdraw  his  army,  and  continue  his  advance  in 
another  direction. 

This  movement  was  made  after  dark  on  the  night  of  May 
twenty-sixth.  The  Second,  Fifth  and  Sixth  corps  crossed  on 
different  bridges  to  the  northern  bank.  This  movement  was 
made  as  secretly  as  possible,  not  a sound  being  heard  save  the 
low  rumbling  of  the  artillery,  and  the  tramp  of  marching  sol- 
diers. It  was  daylight  soon  after  the  last  of  the  long  lines 
had  made  the  crossing.  The  army  then  moved  in  a south- 
eastern direction  to  cross  the  Pamunky  river.  The  Sixth 
corps  led  the  advance,  followed  by  the  Fifth  and  Ninth.  The 
Second  was  the  last  to  cross  the  river,  and  it  moved  in  the 
rear  of  the  army.  In  making  this  movement  the  Federal 
army  was  obliged  to  make  a wide  circuit,  first  to  the  east  and 
then  to  the  south.  The  Pamunky  river  is  formed  by  the 
junction  of  the  North  and  South  Anna  rivers,  and  the  Pa- 
munky then  unites  its  waters  with  those  of  the  Mattapony, 
forming  the  York,  which  empties  its  waters  into  the  Chesa- 
peake bay. 

If  Grant  could  cross  the  Pamunky,  he  would  not  only  turn 
Lee’s  position  on  the  North  Anna,  but  could  also  change  his 


506 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


base  of  supplies  from  Port  Royal,  on  the  Rappahannock,  to 
White  House  on  the  York,  which  would  be  of  great  advan- 
tage to  him.  The  Sixth  corps,  preceded  by  two  cavalry  divis- 
ions, leading  the  advance  of  the  Federal  army,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  May  twenty-seventh,  reached  the  Pamunky  at  Hanover 
town.  This  force  immediately  crossed  the  river  and  awaited 
the  arrival  of  the  remainder  of  the  army. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-eighth,  the  Fifth  and  Ninth 
corps  joined  the  Sixth  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  river,  the 
Second  corps  crossing  the  river  four  miles  above,  and  thus  the 
entire  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  crossed  the  Pamunky. 
General  Lee  had  met  this  new  movement  of  General  Grant 
by  a corresponding  one  of  his  own,  and  as  the  distance  his 
army  was  obliged  to  march  was  less  than  one-half  that 
marched  by  his  antagonist,  it  was  not  a matter  of  surprise, 
that  the  Confederate  chieftain  with  his  army  was  once  more 
squarely  across  the  path  of  the  Federal  general. 

Lee's  position  was  in  advance  of  the  Chickahominy,  and 
covered  the  Virginia  Central  and  Fredericksburg  and  Rich- 
mond railroads,  his  front  being  toward  the  northeast.  This 
position  compelled  Grant  to  undertake  to  dislodge  him  before 
he  could  cross  the  Chickahominy  river. 

BATTLE  OF  HAWES’  SHOP. 

General  Grant,  therefore,  immediately  threw  his  cavalry 
forward  on  the  Hanover  road,  and  at  a point  known  as  Hawes’ 
shop,  where  soon  the  brigades  of  Gregg,  Custer  and  Davies 
became  hotly  engaged,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  twenty-eighth, 
with  the  Confederate  cavalry,  under  Generals  Fitzhugh  Lee 
and  Wade  Hampton.  The  men  were  dismounted  and  fought 
with  great  gallantry  for  several  hours,  both  sides  losing  heav- 
ily, but  Sheridan  succeeded  in  holding  this  important  junction 
of  the  roads,  and  this  enabled  the  whole  army  to  advance  its 
lines  beyond  Hawes’  shop,  while  the  Confederate  line  retired 
behind  the  Tolopotomy  creek.  The  armies  were  now  operat- 
ing upon  the  ground  made  historic  in  1862,  during  the  penin- 
sula campaign  of  McClellan,  the  right  of  the  army  then 


BATTLE  OF  HAXOYER  COURT-HOUSE. 


507 


resting  at  Hawes’  shop,  Gains  hill  and  Mechanicsville  being 
but  a few  miles  away.  The  battlefield  of  Fair  Oaks  could  be 
reached  by  a two  hours’  ride,  while  the  Confederate  capital 
was  only  about  ten  miles  distant. 

It  was  difficult  for  the  Federal  commander  to  decide  as  to 
what  portion  of  the  defences  General  Lee  now  occupied,  and 
with  the  design  of  developing  his  position,  a forward  move- 
ment was  ordered.  The  Sixth  corps  moved  to  Hanover  Court- 
house, the  Second  was  to  advance  along  the  road  leading  from 
Hawes’  shop  to  the  same  place,  the  Fifth  was  to  move  in  the 
direction  of  Shady  Grove  church,  and  the  Ninth  was  held  in 
readiness  to  support  either  of  the  other  corps. 

BATTLE  OF  HAXOYER  COURT-HOUSE. 

General  Wright,  with  the  Sixth  corps,  succeeded  in  passing 
around  the  left  flank  of  General  Lee,  and  reached  Hanover 
Court-house,  but  Generals  Hancock  and  Warren  soon  came 
into  collision  with  the  Confederates,  and  their  advance  was 
checked.  Hancock  encountered  the  enemy  on  the  south  bank 
of  the  Tolopotomy  creek,  a small  branch  of  the  Pamunky 
river. 

The  Confederate  position  was  a very  strong  one,  and  the 
opposition  to  Hancock's  advance  was  so  stubborn  that  the 
whole  of  the  Second  corps  was  brought  forward,  and  the 
Ninth,  the  next  day,  was  also  advanced.  The  Sixth  was 
placed  upon  his  right,  with  the  design  of  storming  the  posi- 
tion. Hancock  succeeded  in  carrying  an  advance  line  of  the 
Confederates,  but  the  principal  line  was  found  too  formidable 
to  carry  by  assault.  General  Warren  encountered  Ewell’s 
corps  as  he  advanced  in  the  direction  of  Shady  Grove  church, 
at  a point  where  the  principal  branch  of  the  Tolopotomy 
crosses  the  road.  There  was  a brief,  fierce  struggle,  which 
resulted  in  a drawn  battle,  and  the  conflict  ended. 

The  operations  of  this  day  very  clearly  revealed  to  General 
Grant  that  his  adversary’s  position  was  one  of  great  strength. 
The  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  now  reached  a point  where  it 
must  cross  the  Chickahominy  river  before  it  could  continue 


508 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


its  march  toward  the  South,  and  it  was  also  evident  to  the 
Federal  commander  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  him  to 
force  a crossing  at  that  place,  where  General  Lee  was  so 
strongly  intrenched.  It  was  therefore  determined  to  make  a 
flank  movement  to  the  left,  and  cross  the  Chickahominy  at 
Cold  Harbor.  This  place  was  the  center  of  all  the  roads  lead- 
ing to  Richmond  and  White  House,  and  was  thus  made  a 
point  of  great  importance.  It  was  secured  by  the  cavalry 
under  General  Sheridan,  on  the  afternoon  of  May  thirty-first, 
and  on  that  night  the  Sixth  corps  was  removed  from  the  right 
of  the  army  and  was  ordered  to  move  upon  Cold  Harbor,  to 
co-operate  with  the  corps  of  General  N.  F.  Smith,  of  Butler’s 
command,  which  was  to  move  up  from  the  James  river. 

As  soon  as  the  Sixth  corps  had  been  put  in  motion,  the 
quick  eye  of  General  Lee  detected  the  movement,  and  under- 
standing the  plan  of  his  antagonist,  at  once  withdrew  Long- 
street’s  corps  from  its  position  in  the  line  and  directed  it  to 
be  moved  with  rapidity  to  Cold  Harbor,  and  to  resist  any  at- 
tempt to  force  the  passage  of  the  Chickahominy.  When 
Wright  and  Smith  arrived  with  their  commands,  they  found 
the  Confederates  in  line,  awaiting  them  in  force.  The  Con- 
federates occupied  a very  strong  position  behind  Cold  Harbor, 
in  a very  thick  wood,  and  in  order  to  reach  them  the  Federals 
must  charge  across  an  open  field  many  hundred  yards  in  width. 

BATTLE  OF  COLD  HARBOR. 

At  four  o’clock  the  preparations  for  an  assault  were  com- 
pleted, and  the  Federals  moved  forward  with  much  firmness, 
under  a terrible  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery.  The  first  line 
of  the  Confederate  works  was  captured,  and  with  them  five 
hundred  prisoners.  The  second  line  was  not  captured,  and 
that  night  the  Federal  troops  lay  upon  their  arms,  holding 
the  line  of  works  which  they  had  taken.  The  Federals  lost 
two  thousand  men  in  killed  and  wounded,  which  was  very 
severe,  but  it  enabled  the  Federals  to  hold  Cold  Harbor  which 
was  of  great  importance,  as  General  Grant  was  determined  to 
force  the  passage  of  the  Chickahominy  and  compel  Lee  to  re- 
tire within  the  fortifications  of  Richmond. 


BATTLE  OF  COLD  HARBOR. 


511 


On  the  night  of  June  first,  Hancock's  corps  was  ordered 
from  its  position  to  Cold  Harbor,  and  formed  upon  the  left  of 
the  Sixth  corps;  Warren’s  corps  remained  at  Bethesda 
church,  and  although  his  line  was  extended  for  four  miles, 
there  was  still  a gap  between  his  left  and  Smith’s  right.  To 
close  this  space  General  Meade  ordered  Warren  to  extend  his 
left  until  it  touched  Smith’s  right,  while  Burnside  was  or- 
dered to  retire  from  his  position  upon  the  extreme  right  of 
the  Federal  line  and  to  mass  his  corps  upon  the  right  and  rear 
of  Warren. 

While  Burnside  was  making  this  movement  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  second,  the  Confederates  detected  it,  and,  follow- 
ing the  Federals  close  up,  drove  their  skirmish  line  back  in 
much  confusion,  and  also  captured  many  of  them.  They  then 
made  their  way  between  Warren’s  line  of  battle  and  his  skir- 
mish line  and  captured  about  four  hundred  of  them.  Warren 
at  once  checked  his  movement  of  extension  to  the  left,  and 
Bartlett’s  brigade  attacked  the  Confederates  with  much  vigor, 
and  drove  them  back  to  their  own  line.  The  Fifth  and  Ninth 
corps  were  then  placed  in  position  for  the  great  battle  which 
was  to  be  fought  upon  the  morrow,  Generals  Grant  and 
Meade  establishing  their  headquarters  at  Cold  Harbor. 

The  armies  were  now  upon  an  old  battlefield,  it  being  the 
same  ground  upon  which  Generals  Lee  and  McClellan  had 
fought  the  battle  of  Gaines’  Mill  in  1862,  but  at  that  time 
McClellan  held  the  position  now  occupied  by  General  Lee, 
while  the  Confederate  officer  occupied  the  one  now  held  by 
General  Grant.  As  the  two  armies  now  faced  each  other, 
General  Lee  was  between  Grant  and  the  Chickahominy  river, 
in  a position,  as  he  faced  Cold  Harbor,  naturally  very  strong, 
and  was  also  fortified  by  heavy  log  breastworks  to  protect  the 
men.  The  Confederate  batteries  were  so  arranged  that  they 
could  sweep  the  entire  field  and  front  over  which  the  Federals 
were  obliged  to  pass.  In  all  the  positions  which  General  Lee 
occupied  in  that  terrible  campaign  from  the  Rapidan  to 
Petersburg,  there  was  not  one  more  formidable  than  this  one 
at  Cold  Harbor. 


512 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


The  Federal  line  was  formed  with  Hancock’s  men  upon  the 
left,  then  the  Sixth  corps  upon  their  right,  General  Smith's 
command  was  to  the  right  of  the  Sixth,  while  the  corps  of 
Warren  and  Burnside  were  upon  the  right  of  the  entire  line. 
The  right  rested  upon  the  Tolopotomy  creek,  and  the  left 
extended  across  the  Dispatch  station  road.  The  ground  in 
front  of  the  line  was  much  obstructed  by  dense  undergrowth, 
while  deep  soft  marshes  would  have  to  be  crossed  in  order  to 
reach  the  Confederate  line.  Sheridan,  with  two  divisions  of 
cavalry,  held  the  lower  crossings  of  the  Chickahominy  and 
protected  the  roads  to  White  House.  The  plan  of  battle  was 
to  make  a general  assault  upon  the  Confederate  position  at 
half-past  four  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  June  third,  and  at 
that  hour,  through  the  gray  mists  of  the  morning,  the  whole 
Federal  line,  six  miles  in  length,  arose  from  behind  its  breast- 
works and  began  their  terrible  advance  upon  the  Confederate 
lines. 

At  this  time  flames  of  fire  shot  forth  and  gleamed  out  from 
the  darkness  which  enveloped  the  Confederate  position,  and 
suddenly  the  air  was  filled  with  hurtling  lead.  It  was  a noble 
charge,  but  an  awful  sacrifice.  In  less  than  twenty  minutes 
the  battle  was  decided  in  favor  of  the  Confederates,  for  the 
whole  Federal  line  was  swept  back  as  if  by  a tidal  wave  of 
death. 

In  Hancock's  corps,  Barlow’s  division  succeeded  in  reach- 
ing the  Confederate  line  and  capturing  three  guns  and  a num- 
ber of  prisoners,  but  his  line  was  taken  in  reverse  and  he  was 
obliged  to  fall  back.  Gibbon's  division  reached  a point  near 
the  Confederate  line,  but  was  unable  to  proceed.  Colonel 
McMahon,  with  a portion  of  one  regiment  became  separated 
from  the  rest  of  his  brigade  ; he  reached  the  enemy’s  line  and 
planted  a color  upon  it,  and  then  fell,  covered  with  wounds 
and  died  in  the  midst  of  the  Confederates. 

In  Gibbon’s  division  Colonels  Haskell,  Morris,  Porter  and 
McKeen  were  all  killed,  and  General  Tyler  was  wound.ed,  but 
this  division,  with  that  of  Barlow,  succeeded  in  holding  an 
advanced  position  very  near  the  Confederate  line.  In  less 


BATTLE  OF  COLD  HARBOR. 


513 


than  one  hour's  time  Hancock’s  corps  lost  over  three  thou- 
sand men.  Of  the  Sixth  corps,  and  also  that  of  General 
Smith,  every  assault  had  been  repulsed  with  great  loss,  and 
all  that  was  gained  by  this  terrible  sacrifice  of  life  was  to 
obtain  a position  nearer  the  Confederate  line. 

The  Fifth  corps  formed  so  extended  a line  that  it  could  do 
no  more  than  hold  its  own  position.  The  Ninth  corps  did  not 
become  engaged  until  a late  hour,  and  while  its  loss  was  not 
so  severe  as  that  of  the  other  corps,  it  did  not  meet  with  any 
success  that  would  throw  a gleam  of  sunshine  upon  the  re- 
sults of  that  disastrous  day.  Thus  ended  the  bloody  battle 
of  Cold  Harbor.  The  Federal  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and 
missing,  was  thirteen  thousand  men,  while  that  of  the  Con- 
federates was  not  more  than  one-fourth  of  that  number. 

General  Grant  had  now  lost  over  fifty  thousand  men  upon 
the  battlefields  between  the  Rapidan  and  the  Chickahominy, 
while  General  Lee  had  not  lost  one-half  that  number,  nor  had 
Grant  been  able  to  destroy  his  line.  Although  the  Confed- 
erate army  had  been  terribly  shattered  by  its  fearful  losses,  it 
was  to  all  appearances  as  defiant  as  it  was  when  it  threw  it- 
self across  the  path  of  Grant  in  the  Wilderness.  The  dajrs 
which  succeeded  the  battle  of  Cold  Harbor  were  among  the 
most  gloomy  of  the  Civil  war. 

Tte  North  watched  with  great  anxiety  to  see  what  move- 
ment General  Grant  would  make  to  extricate  his  army  from 
its  dangerous  and  sickly  position  along  the  Chickahominy, 
while  the  South  ardently  hoped  that  General  Lee  would  con- 
tinue to  baffle  any  movements  which  the  Federal  commander 
should  make.  After  the  battle  of  Cold  Harbor,  General 
Grant  determined  to  change  his  base  of  operations  by  cross- 
ing the  James  river  and  moving  against  Petersburg,  upon  the 
Appomattox  river,  south  side  of  the  James,  twenty-five  miles 
from  Richmond.  In  making  this  movement,  he  hoped  to  cut 
off  Lee’s  communications  with  the  South.  General  Burn- 
side's corps  was  removed  from  the  right  of  the  army  and 
placed  near  the  Fifth  corps  and  the  Eighteenth,  commanded 
by  General  Smith. 

33 


514 


BLUE  AND  GEAT. 


On  the  sixth  of  June  the  Fifth  corps  was  taken  from  the 
right  and  moved  in  rear  of  the  center  of  the  line.  On  the 
seventh,  it  was  placed  upon  the  extreme  left  of  the  Federal 
army,  to  extend  the  line  of  Hancock  to  Dispatch  station  on 
the  York  River  railroad,  while  two  divisions  of  cavalry  were 
sent  under  Sheridan  to  effectually  destroy  the  Virginia  Cen- 
tral railroad.  By  these  movements  to  the  left  flank,  the  army 
was  placed  in  easy  marching  distance  of  the  lower  fords  of 
the  Chickahominy,  Warren's  corps  then  being  only  ten  miles 
from  Long  bridge.  General  Warren  led  the  advance  of  the 
army  on  the  night  of  the  twelfth,  in  the  direction  of  the 
James,  by  crossing  the  Chickahominy  at  Long  bridge,  and 
took  a position  to  mask  the  movements  of  the  army.  Han- 
cock’s corps  marched  to  Wilcox  Landing  on  the  James  river. 
The  troops  of  Burnside  and  Wright  crossed  the  Chickahom- 
iny at  Jones’  bridge,  below  Long  bridge,  and  marched  to 
Charles  City  on  the  James  river.  Smith’s  corps  marched  to 
White  House,  and  by  transports  returned  to  Bermuda  Hun- 
dred. The  trains  crossed  the  Chickahominy  on  a bridge  at 
Cole’s  ferry.  The  march  of  over  fifty  miles  across  the  penin- 
sula was  made  in  two  days,  and  with  great  success. 

General  Warren  very  skillfully  covered  this  delicate  move- 
ment of  the  army  by  a threatened  advance  upon  Richmond 
by  way  of  White  Oak  swamp,  and  thus  covered  all  the  roads 
leading  from  Richmond  by  which  the  Confederates  could  ad- 
vance to  afitack  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Under  this  pro- 
tection the  army  moved  rapidly  to  the  James.  Lee  discov- 
ered the  withdrawal  of  Grant,  early  on  the  morning  of  June 
thirteenth,  and  immediately  retired  in  the  direction  of  Rich- 
mond. During  the  afternoon  of  that  day  an  infantry  force  of 
the  Confederates  moved  down  the  Newmarket  road,  and  came 
in  contact  with  Warren’s  line.  They  did  not  assault  it,  but 
began  to  entrench  in  his  immediate  front.  While  Warren 
was  thus  confronting  the  Confederates,  the  Army  of  the  Po- 
tomac reached  the  James  river  below  Harrison’s  landing,  and 
was  ready  to  cross  to  the  south  side  of  that  river.  There  was 
a brief  delay,  as  the  pontoons  had  not  then  arrived.  Han- 


BATTLE  OF  COLD  HAEBOR. 


515 


cock’s  corps  was  soon  ferried  across  at  Wilcox  landing,  and 
disembarked  at  Windmill  point.  During  the  night  of  the 
fourteenth  the  remainder  of  the  army  crossed  upon  pontoons, 
placed  a short  distance  below  the  point  where  Hancock  had 
crossed. 


516 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  A. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY.  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 
ON  MAY  4,  1864. 

Major— General  GEORGE  G.  MEADE,  Commanding. 

[Compiled  from  the  records  of  the  Adjutant-General’s  Office.] 


GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS. 

Provost  Guard. 

Brigadier-General  Marseka  R.  Patrick. 

1st  Massachusetts  Cavalry,  Companies  C 3d  Pennsylvania  Cavalry. 

and  D.  C8th  Pennsylvania  Infantry. 

80th  New  York  Infantry  (20th  Militia).  114th  Pennsylvania  Infantry. 

Volunteer  Engineer  Brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Henry  W.  Benham. 

15th  New  York  Engineers.  50th  New  York  Engineers. 

Battalion  United  States  Engineers. 

Captain  George  U.  Mendell. 

Guards  and  Orderlies. 

Captain  Daniel  P.  Mann. 

Independent  Company  Oneida  (N.  Y.)  Cavalry. 


ARTILLERY. 


Brigadier-General  HENRY  J.  HUNT. 


ARTILLERY  RESERVE. 

Colonel  HENRY  S.  BURTON. 

Eirst  Brigade.— Colonel  J.  Howard  Hitching;  6th  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  15th 
New  York  Heavy  Artillery. 

Second  Brigade. — Major  John  A.  Tompkins;  Maine  Light  Artillery,  5th  Battery;  New 
York  Light  Artillery,  5th  Battery;  New  York  Light  Artillery,  12th  Battery;  New  York 
Light  Artillery,  15th  Battery;  New  Jersey  Light  Artillery,  Battery  A;  New  Jersey  Light 
Artillery , Battery  B. 

First  Brigade  Horse  Artillery. — Captain  John  M.  Robertson;  New  York  Light  Artil- 
lery, 6th  Battery;  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Batteries  B and  L;  2d  U.  S.  Artillery.  Battery  D;  2d 
U.  S.  Artillery, "Battery  M;  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  A;  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Batteries  C 
and  E. 

Second  Brigade  Horse  Artillery  — Captain  Dunbar  R.  Ransom;  1st  U.  S.  Artillery, 
Batteries  E and  G;  1st  U.  S.  Artiliery,  Batteries  H and  I;  1st  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  K; 
2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  A;  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  G;  3d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Batteries 
C,  F.andK. 

Third  Brigade.— Major  Robert  H.  Fitzhugh  ;Massachusetts  Light  Artillery,  9th  Battery : 
1st  New  York  Light  Artillery,  Battery  B;  1st  New  York  Light  Artillery,  Battery  C;  New 
York  Light  Artillery,  11th  Battery;  1st  Ohio  Light  Artillery,  Battery  H;  5th  U.  S.  Artillery, 
Battery  E. 


* 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


517 


SECOND  ARMY  CORPS. 
Major-General  W.  S.  HANCOCK. 
Escort. 

Captain  John  H.  Hazelton. 

1st  Vermont  Cavalry,  Company  M. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  FRANCIS  C.  BARLOW. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Nelson  A.  Miles;  26th  Michigan,  61st  New  York,  81st  Penn- 
sylvania, DOtli  Pennsylvania,  183d  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade—  Colonel  Thomas  A.  Smyth  ; 28th  Massachusetts,  63d  New  York,  69th 
New  York,  83th  New  York,  116th  Pennsylvania. 

Third  Brigade—  Colonel  Paul  Frank;  39th  New  York;  62d  New  York,  57th  New 
Y'ork,  111th  New  York,  125th  New  York,  126th  New  York. 

Fourth  Brigade.— Colonel  John  R.  Brooke;  2d  Delaware,  64th  New  York,  66th  New 
York,  53d  Pennsylvania,  145th  Pennsylvania,  14Sth  Pennsylvania. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  GIBBON. 

First  Brigade—  Brig.-Gen.  Alex.  S.  Webb;  19th  Maine,  1st  Co.  Andrew  (Mass.)  S.  S., 
15th  Massachusetts,  19th  Massachusetts,  2jth  Massachusetts,  7th  Michigan,  42d  New  York, 
59th  New  York,  82d  New  York. 

Second  Brigade—  Brig.-Gen.  Joshua  T.  Owen;  152d  New  York,  69th  Pennsylvania, 
71st  Pennsylvania,  72d  Pennsylvania,  100th  Pennsylvania. 

Third  Brigade. — Colonel  Samuel  S.  Carroll;  14th  Connecticut,  10th  New  York,  108th 
New  York;  1 2th  New  Jersey,  1st  Delaware,  7th  West  Virginia;  4th  Ohio,  eth  Ohio,  14th 
Indiana. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Major-General  DAVID  B.  BIRNEY. 

First  Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen.  J.  H.  H.  Ward;  3d  Maine,  40th  New  York,  86th  New 
York,  124th  New  York,  99th  Pennsylvania,  110th  Pennsylvania,  141st  Pennsylvania,  20th  In- 
diana, 2d  U.  S.  Sharpshooters. 

Second  Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen.  Alexander  Hays;  4th  Maine,  17th  Maine,  93d  New 
York,  57th  Pennsylvania,  03d  Pennsylvania,  105th  Pennsylvania,  3d  Michigan,  5th  Michigan, 
1st  U.  S.  Sharpshooters. 


FOURTH  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GERSHAM  MOTT. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Robert  McAllister;  1st  Massachusetts  16th  Massachusetts, 
6th  New  Jersey,  6th  New  Jersey,  7th  New  Jersey,  8th  New  Jersey,  11th  New  Jersey,  26th 
Pennsylvania,  115th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  William  R.  Brewster;  11th  Massachusetts,  70th  New  York, 
71st  New  York,  72d  New  York,  73d  New  York,  74th  New  York,  120th  New  York,  84th  Penn- 
sylvania. 


ARTILLERY  BRIGADE. 

Colonel  JOHN  C.  TIDBALL. 

Maine  Light  Artillery,  6th  Battery,  New  Hampshire  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery,  Massa- 
chusetts Light  Artillery,  loth  Battery,  1st  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  A,  1st 
Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  B,  1st  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  G,  4th 
New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  3d  Battalion,  1st  Pennsylvania  Light  Artillery,  Battery  F,  4th 
U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  K,  5th  U.  S,  Artillery,  Batteries  C and  I. 


518 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  G.  E.  WARREN. 

Provost  Guard. 

Major  Henry  W.  Ryder, 

12th  New  York  Battalion. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  CHARLES  GRIFFIN. 

First  Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen.  Roheyn  B.  Ayres;  140th  New  York,  146th  New  York, 
91st  Pennsylvania,  155th  Pennsylvania,  2d  United  States,  Companies  B,  C,  F,  H,  I and  K, 
11th  United  States,  Companies  B,  C,  D,  E,  F and  G,  1st  Battalion,  12th  United  States, 
Companies  A,  B,  C,  D and  G,  1st  Battalion.  12th  United  States,  Companies  A,  C,  D,  Fand 
H,  2d  Battalion;  14th  United  States,  1st  Battalion;  17th  United  States,  Companies  A,  C,  D, 
G and  H,  1st  Battalion;  17th  United  States,  Companies  A,  B and  C,  2d  Battalion. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Jacob  B.  Sweitzer;  9th  Massachusetts, -22d  Massachusetts, 
32d  Massachusetts,  62d  Pennsylvania,  4th  Michigan. 

Third  Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen.  Joseph  J.  Bartlett;  20th  Maine,  ISth  Massachusetts, 
44th  New  York,  83d  Pennsylvania,  118th  Pennsylvania,  1st  Michigan,  16th  Michigan. 


, SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  C.  ROBINSON. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Samuel  H.  Leonard;  16th  Maine,  13th  Massachusetts,  39th 
Massachusetts,  104th  New  York. 

Second  Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen.  Henry  Baxter;  12th  Massachusetts,  83d  New  York, 
97th  New  York,  11th  Pennsylvania,  88th  Pennsylvania,  90th  Pennsylvania. 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  Andrew  W.  Denison;  1st  Maryland,  4th  Maryland,  7th  Mary- 
land, 8th  Maryland. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  SAMUEL  W.  CRAWFORD. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  William  McCandless;  1st  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  2d  Pennsyl- 
vania Reserves,  6th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  7th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  11th  Pennsylvania 
Reserves,  13th  Pennsylvania  Reserves  (1st  Rifles). 

Third.  Brigade. — Colonel  Joseph  W.  Fisher;  5th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  8th  Pennsylva- 
nia Reserves,  9th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  10th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  12th  Pennsylvania 
Reserves. 


FOURTH  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  S.  WADSWORTH. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Lysander  Cutler;  1st  New  York  Battalion  Sharpshooters, 
7th  Indiana,  19th  Indiana,  24th  Michigan,  2d  Wisconsin,  6th  Wisconsin,  7th  Wisconsin. 

Second  Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen.  James  C.  Rice;  76th  New  York,  84th  New  York,  95th 
New  York,  147th  New  York,  66th  Pennsylvania. 

Third  Brigade. — Colonel  Roy  Stone;  121st  Pennsylvania,  142d  Pennsylvania,  143d  Penn- 
sylvania, 149th  Pennsylvania,  150th  Pennsylvania. 


ARTILLERY  BRIGADE. 

Colonel  CHARLES  S.  WAIN  WRIGHT. 

Massachusetts  Light  Artillery,  Battery  C;  Massachusetts  Light  Artillery,  Battery  E;  1st 
New  York  Light  Artillery,  Battery  D;  1st  New  York  Light  Artillery,  Batteries  E and  L;  1st 
New  York  Light  Artillery,  Battery  H ; 4th  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  2d  Battalion;  4th 
New^York  Heavy  Artillery,  Company  E;  Dt  Pennsylvania  Light  Artillerv,  Battery  B;  4th 
■United  States  Artillery,  Battery  B ; 5th  United  States  Artillery,  Battery  D. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


519 


SIXTH  ARMY  CORPS. 
Major-General  JOHN  SEDGWICK. 


Escort. 

8th  Pennsylvania  Cavalry,  Company  A. 
Captain  Charles  E.  Fellows. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  HORATIO  G.  WRIGHT. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Henry  W.  Brown;  1st  New  Jersey,  2d  New  Jersey,  3d  New 
Jersey,  4th  New  Jersey,  10th  New  Jersey,  15th  New  Jersey. 

Second  Brigade—  Colonel  Emory  Upton;  5th  Maine,  121st  New  York,  95th  Pennsyl- 
vania, 96th  Pennsylvania. 

Third  Brigade. — Brig. -Gen.  David  A.  Russell;  6th  Maine,  49th  Pennsylvania,  119th 
Pennsylvania,  5th  Wisconsin. 

Fourth  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Alexander  Shaler;  65th  New  York,  67th  New  York, 
122d  New  York,  23d  Pennsylvania,  82d  Pennsylvania. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  W.  GETTY. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Frank  Wheaton;  62d  New  York,  93d  Pennsylvania,  98th 
Pennsylvania,  102d  Pennsylvania,  139th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade—  Colonel  Lewis  A.  Grant;  2d  Vermont,  3d  Vermont,  4th  Vermont, 
5th  Vermont,  6th  Vermont. 

Third  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Thomas  H.  Neill;  7th  Maine,  43d  New  York,  49th  New 
York,  77th  N'ew  York,  61st  Pennsylvania. 

Fourth  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Henry  L.  Eustis;  7th  Massachusetts,  10th  Massachusetts, 
37tli  Massachusetts,  2d  Rhode  Island. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  B.  RICKETTS. 

First  Brigade. — Brig  -Gen.  William  II  Morris;  10th  Vermont,  106th  New  York,  151st 
New  York,  14th  New  Jersey,  S7th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Benjamin  F.  Smith  J 67th  Pennsylvania,  138th  Pennsylva- 
nia, 6th  Maryland,  110th  Ohio,  12A1  Ohio,  126th  Ohio. 

ARTILLERY  BRIGADE. 

Colonel  CHARLES  II.  TOMPKINS. 

Maine  Light  Artillery,  4th  Battery  (D),  Massachusetts  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery  (A ), 
1st  Rhode  island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  C,  1st  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  E; 
1st  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  G,  New  York  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery,  New 
York  Light  Artillery,  3d  Battery,  4th  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  1st  Battalion,  5th  United 
States  Artillery,  Battery  M. 


CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Major-General  PHILIP  H.  SHERIDAN. 

Escort. 

Captain  Ira  W.  Claflin. 

6th  United  States. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  A.  T.  A.  TORBERT. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Geo.  A.  Custer;  1st  Michigan,  5th  Michigan,  6th  Michigan, 
7th  Michigan. 

1 Relieved  May  5th  by  Brigadier-General  Truman  Seymour. 


520 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Thos.  C.  Devin;  4th  New  York,  6th  New  York,  9th  New 
York,  17th  Pennsylvania. 

Beserve  Brigade. — Brig. -Gen.  Wesley  Merritt;  1st  New  York  (Dragoons),  6th  Penn- 
sylvania, 1st  United  States,  2d  United  States,  5th  United  States. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  DAVID  MoM.  GREGG. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Henry  E.  Davies,  Jr.  ; 1st  Massachusetts,  1st  New  Jersey, 
1st  Pennsylvania,  6th  Ohio. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  J.  Irvin  Gregg;  1st  Maine,  10th  New  York,  2d  Pennsylvania, 
4th  Pennsylvania,  8th  Pennsylvania,  13th  Pennsylvania,  16th  Pennsylvania. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  H.  'WILSON. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Timothy  M.  Bryan  Jr.;  1st  Connecticut,  2d  New  York,  5th 
New  York,  18th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  George  H.  Chapman;  IstVermont,  8th  New  York,  3d  In- 
diana, 8th  Illinois. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  NINTH  ARMY  CORPS,  ON 
MAY  4th,  1864.1 

Major-General  AMBROSE  E.  BURNSIDE,  Commanding. 

Provost  Guard. 

Captain  Milton  Cogswell. 

8th  United  States  Infantry. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  THOMAS  G.  STEVENSON. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Sumner  Carruth;  35th  Massachusetts,  56th  Massachusetts, 
5Tth  Massachusetts,  59th  Massachusetts,  4th  United  states,  loth  United  Stites. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Daniel  Leasers;  21st  Massachusetts,  lOJth  Pennsylvania, 
3d  Maryland. 

Artillery  .—Maine  Light  Artillery,  2d  Battery  (B);  Massachusetts  Light  Art.,  14th  Battery. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ROBERT  B.  POTTER. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Zenas  R.  Bliss;  ?6th  Massachusetts,  58th  Massachusetts,  7th 
Rhode  Island,  51st  New  York,  4ith  Pennsylvania,  48th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade.—  Colonel  Simon  G.  Griffin;  31st  Maine,  32d  Maine,  6tli  New  Hamp- 
shire, 9th  New  Hampshire,  11th  New  Hampshire,  17th  Vermont. 

Artillery.— Massachusetts  Light  Art.,  11th  Battery;  New  York  Light  Art.,  19th  Battery. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ORLANDO  B.  WILLCOX. 

First  Brigade.— Colonel  John  F.  IIartranft;  109th  New  York,  51st  Pennsylvania,  2d 
Michigan,  8th  Michigan,  17th  Michigan,  27th  Michigan. 

iThis  corps  was  under  the  direct  orders  of  Lieut.-General  U.  S.  Grant  until  May  24th, 
1864,  when  assigned  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 


ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC.  521 

Second  Brigade—  Colonel  Bexjahix  C.  Christ;  70th  New  York,  50th  Pennsylvania, 
60th  Ohio,  1st  Michigan  Sharpshooters,  20th  Michigan. 

Artillery.— Maine  Light  Artillery,  7th  Battery;  New  York  Light  Artillery,  31th  Battery. 


FOURTH  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-Gexeral  EDWARD  FERRERO. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  Joshua  K.  Sigfried;  27th  United  States  Colored  Troops,  30th 
United  States  Colored  Troops,  39th  United  States  Colored  Troops,  43d  United  States  Col- 
ored Troops. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  Hexry  G.  Thomas;  30th  Connecticut  (colored),  19th  United 
States  Colored  Troops,  23d  United  States  Colored  Troops. 

Artillery.— Vermont  Light  Artillery,  3d  Battery;  Pennsylvania  Light  Art.,  Battery  D. 

Cavalry. — 3d  New  Jersey,  13th  Pennsylvania,  2d  Ohio. 

Reserve  Artillery  — 1st  R.  I.  Light  Artillery.  Battery  D;  1st  R.  I.  Light  Artillery,  Battery 
H;  N.  Y.  Light  Artillery,  27th  Battery;  2d  United  States  Artillery,  Battery  E ; 3d  United 
States  Artillery,  Battery  G;  3d  United  States  Artillery,  Batteries  L and  M. 

Provisional  Brigade.— Colonel  Elisha  G.  Marshall;  24th  New  York  Cavalry  (dis- 
mounted), 14th  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  2d  Pennsylvania  Provincial  Heavy  Artillery. 


522 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ROSTER  B. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIR- 
GINIA, ON  JANUARY  31st,  1864. 

General  ROBERT  E.  LEE,  Commanding. 

SECOND  ARMY  CORRS. 

Lieutenant-General  R.  S.  EWELL,  Commanding. 


EARLY’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  JUBAL  A.  EARLY. 

Hays'  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  H.  T.  Hays;  5th  Louisiana,  Col.  Henry  Forno;  6th  Louis- 
iana, Col.  Win.  Monaghan;  7th  Louisiana,  Col.  D.  B.  Penn;  8th  Louisiana,  Lieut.-Col.  A. 
DeBlanc;  9th  Louisiana,  Col.  VY.  R.  Peck. 

regram's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  John  Pegram;  13th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  B.  Terrill,  31st 
Virginia,  Col.  J.  S.  Hoffman;  49th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  C.  Gibson;  52d  Virginia,  Col.  James  H. 
Skinner;  58th  Virginia,  Col.  F.  H.  Board. 

Gordon’s  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  John  B.  Gordon;  13th Georgia,  Col.  James  M.  Smith; 
3fith  Georgia,  Col.  J.  D.  Matthews;  31st  [26th]  Georgia,  Col.  E.  N . Atkinson ; 38th  [31st]  Geor- 
gia, Col.  C.  A.  Evans;  GOth  Georgia,  Col.  W.  H.  Stiles;  Gist  Georgia,  Col.  J.  H.  Lamar. 

Hoke's  Brigade.— Brig  -Gen.  R.  F.  IIoke;  6th  N.  Carolina,  Col.  R.  F..  Webb;  21at  N. 
Carolina,  Lieut.-Col.  \V.  S.  Rankin;  54th  N.  Carolina,  Col.  K.  M.  Murchison;  57th  N.  Caro- 
lina, Col.  A.  C.  Godwin;  1st  N.  C.  Battalion,  Capt.  J.  A.  Cooper. 


JOHNSON’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  EDWARD  JOHNSON. 

Stonewall  Brigade. — Brig  -General  J.  A.  Walker;  2d  Virginia,  Col.  J.  Q.  A.  Naden- 
bousoh;  4th  Virginia,  Col.  William  Terry;  5th  Virginia  Col.  J.  H.  S.  Funk;  27th  Virginia, 
Lt.-Col.  [C.  L.]  Haynes;  33d  Virginia,  Col.  F.  W.  M.  Holliday. 

Jones’s  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  J.  M.  Jones;  21st  Virginia,  Col.  W.  A.  Witcher;  25th  Vir- 
ginia, Col.  J.  C.  Higginbotham;  421  Virginia.  Col.  R W.  Withers;  44th  Virginia,  Col.  Nor- 
vell  Cobb;  48tli  Virginia,  Col.  R.  H.  Dungau;  50th  Virginia,  Col.  A.  S.  Vanderventer. 

Steuart's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  George  It.  Stecjart;  10th  Virginia,  Col.  E.  T.  H.  War- 
ren; 23d  Virginia.  Col.  A.  "G.  Taliaferro;  37th  Virginia,  Col.  T.  V.  Williams;  1st  N.  Caro- 
lina, Col.  J.  A.  McDowell;  3d  N.  Carolina,  Col.  S.  D.  Thurston. 

Stafford's  Brigade—  Brig.-Gen.  L.  A.  Stafford;  1st  Louisiana,  Col.  W.  R Shivers;  2d 
Louisiana,  Col.  j.  M.  Williams;  10th  Louisiana,  Col.  E.  Waggaman;  14th  Louisiana,  Col.  Z. 
York ; 15th  Louisiana,  Col.  E.  Pendleton. 


RODES’  DIVISION. 

Major-General  ROBERT  E.  RODES. 

Daniel's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Juntos  Daniel;  32d  N.  Carolina,  Col.  E.  C.  Brabble; 
43d  N.  Carolina,  Col.  Thomas  S.  Kenan;  45tli  N.  Carolina.  Col.  Samuel  Id.  Boyd;  03d  N. 
Carolina,  Col.  Win.  A.  Owens;  2d  N.  C.  Battalion,  Maj.  John  M.  Hancock. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


523 


Raniseur’s  Brigade. — Brig. -Gen.  S.  D.  Ramsehr;  '2:1  X.  Carolina,  Col.  AY.  R.  Cox;  4th 
N.  Carolina,  Col.  Bryan  Grimes;  14th N.  Carolina,  Col.  R.  T.  Bennett;  30th  N.  Carolina, 
Col.  F.  M.  Barker. 

Doles'  Brigade. — Brig -Gen.  George  Doles;  4th  Georgia,  Col.  Philip  Cook;  12th 
Georgia.  Col.  Edward  'Willis;  21st  Georgia,  Col.  John  T.  Mercer;  44th  Georgia,  Col.  Wil- 
liam H.  Peebles. 

Battle's  Brigade. — Brig  .-Gen.  C.  A.  Battle;  3d  Alabama,  Col.  C.  Forsyth;  5th  Alabama, 
Col.  J.  M,  Hall;  6th  Alabama,  Col.  J.  N.  Lighfcfoot;  12th  Alabama,  Col.  8.  B.  Pickens; 
26th  Alabama,  Col.  E.  A.  O’Neal. 

Johnston's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  R.  D.  Johnston;  5th  N.  C , Col.  Thomas  At.  Garrett; 
12th  N.  C.,  Col.  H.  E.  Coleman;  20th  N.  C.,  [Eieut.]  Col.  Thomas  F.  Toon;  23d N.  C.,  Major 
C.  C.  Blacknall. 


THIRD  ARMY  CORPS. 

Lieutenant-General  A.  P.  HILL,  Commanding. 


ANDERSON’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  R.  H.  ANDERSON. 

Wilcox’s  (late)  Brigade. — 8th  Alabama,  Col.  Y.  L.  Royston;  9th  Alabama,  Col.  J.  H. 
King;  10th  Alabama.  Col.  W.  H.  Forney;  lltli  Alabama,  Col.  J.  C.  C.  Sanders;  14th  Ala- 
bama, Col.  L.  Binckard. 

Mahone's  Brigade — Brig.-Gen.  William  Mahone;  6th  Virginia,  Col.  George  T.  Rog- 
ers; 12th  Virginia,  Col.  D.  A.  Weisiger;  16th  Virginia,  Col.  Joseph  [H.]  Ham;  41st  Virginia, 
Col.  W.  A.  Barham;  Gist  Virginia,  Col  V.  D.  Grouer. 

Posey's  (late'i  Brigade.— 12th  Mississippi,  Col.  W.  H.  Taylor;  16th  Mississippi,  Col.  S.  E. 
Baker;  19th  Mississippi,  Col.  N.  H.  Harris;  48th  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  M.  Jayne. 

Wright's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  A.  R.  Wright;  3d  Georgia,  Col.  E.  J.  Walker;  22d 
Georgia,  Col.  [George  H.  Jones];  43th  Georgia,  Col.  William  Gibson;  2d  Georgia  Battalion, 
Major  C.  J.  Moffitt. 

Perry’s  Brigade. — Brig  -General  E.  A Perry;  2d  Florida,  Col.  L.  G.  Pyles;  5th  Florida, 
Col.  T.  B.  Lamar;  8th  Florida,  Col,  David  Lang. 


HETH'S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  HENRY  HETH. 

Davis'  Brigade.— Brig.-General  J.  R.  Davis;  2d  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  M.  Stone;  llth  Mis- 
sissippi, Col.  F.  M.  Green;  42d  Mississippi,  Col.  H.  Moseley;  55th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J. 
K.  Connally. 

Kirkland’s  Brigade.— Brig.-General  W.  W.  Kirkland;  llth  North  Carolina,  Colonel  C. 
Leventhorpe;  26th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  K.  Line;  41th  North  Cirolina.  Col.  T.  C.  Singel- 
tary;  47th  North  Carolina,  Col.  G.  H.  Faribault;  52 1 North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  K.  Marshall. 

Cooke’s  Brigade. — Brig.-General  J.  R.  Cooke;  15th  North  Carolina,  Col.  William  McRea, 
27th  North  Carolina,  Col.  John  A.  Gilmer  [Jr.];  46th  North  Carolina,  Col.  E.  D.  Hall;  48th 
North  Carolina,  Col.  [S.  H.  Walkup]. 


WILCOX’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  C.  M.  WILCOX. 

Lane’s  Brigade.— Brig.-General  J.  H.  Lane:  7th  North  Carolina,  Col.  E.  G.  Haywood; 
18th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  D.  Barry;  28th  North  Carolina,  Col.  S.  D.  Lowe;  33d  North 
Carolina,  Col.  C.  M.  Avery;  37th  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  M.  Barbour. 

McGowan's  Brigade.— Brig.-General  S.  McGowan;  1st  South  Carolina,  Major  C.  W.  Mc- 
Creary; 12th  South  Carolina,  Col.  ,T.  L.  Miller;  13th  South  Carolina,  Col.  B.  T.  Brockman: 
14th  South  Carolina,  Col.  Jos.  N.  Brown;  Orr's  (1st)  S.  Carolina  Rifles,  Col.  F.  E.  Harrison. 

Scales’  Brigade.— Brig.-General  A.  M.  Scales;  13th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  H.  Hyman; 
16th  North  Carolina,  Lisut.-Col.  W,  A.  Stowe;  221  North  Carolina,  Col  T.  S.  Galloway; 
34th  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  L.  J.  Lowrauce;  3Sth  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  J.  Hoke. 


524 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Major-General  J.  E.  B.  STUART,  Commanding. 


HAMPTON’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  WADE  HAMPTON,  Commanding. 

Gordon's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  James  B.  Gordon;  1st  North  Carolina  Cav.,  Col.  W.  H. 
Cheek;  2d  North  Carolina  Cavalry,  Col.  [\Vm.  G ] Robiuson;  4th  North  Carolina  Cavalry, 
Col  D.  D.  Ferebee;  5th  North  Carolina  Cavalry,  Col  [Lt.  Col.  S.  B.  l-.vaus] 

Young’s  Brigade.— Brig.-General  P.  M.  B.  Young;  1st  South  Caro'ina  Cavalry,  Col.  J. 
L.  Black;  2d  South  Carolina  Cavalry,  Col.  T.  .1.  Lipscomb;  Cobb  s Ge  >rgi  i Region  (Cav.), 
Col.  G.  J.  Wright;  Phillips’ Georgia  Legion  (Cav.j,  Lieut.  Col.  W.  W.  Rich;  Jeff.  Davis 
Legion  (Cav  j,  L eut. -Colonel  J.  !<’.  Waring. 

ltosser’s  Brigade. — Brig -General  T.  L.  Rosser;  7th  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.R.  H.  Dulany; 
11th  Virginia  Cavalry.  Col.  ().  R.  Fnnsten;  12th  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  A.  W.  Harman;  35th 
Battalion  Virginia  Cavalry,  Lieut.-Col.  E.  V.  White. 


LEE’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  FITZHUGH  LEE. 

W.  H.  F.  Lee's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  J.  R.  Cn ambliss,  Commanding;  9th  Virginia 
Cavalry,  Col  R.  L.  T.  Beale;  lUth  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  J.  Lucius  Davis;  13th  Virginia 
Cavalry,  Col.  [J.  C.  Phillips], 

Lomax's  Brigade.— Brig  -General  L.  L.  Lomax;  5th  Virginia  Cavalry.  Lieut.-Col.  H. 
Clay  Pate;  Ctli  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  Julieu  Harrison;  15tli  Virginia  Cavalry,  Lieut.-Col. 
John  Critcher. 

Wickham's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  W.  C.  Wickham;  1st  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  R.  W. 
Carter;  2d  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  T.  T.  Muntord;  3d  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  T.  H.  Owen; 
4th  Virginia  Cavalry,  Lieut.-Colonel  W.  H.  Payne. 


VALLEY  DISTRICT. 


Major-General  J.  A.  EARLY,  Commanding. 


UNATTACHED  COMMANDS. 

Imboden's  Brigade.— Brig.-General  J.  D.  Imboden;  G2d  Virginia  Infantry  (mt’d),  Col. 
George  H.  Smith;  18th  Virginia  Cavalry,  Col.  t>.  W.  Imboden;  41st  Virginia  Cavalry  Bat- 
talion, Lieut.-Col.  Robert  White;  Giluior’s  Maryland  Cavalry  Battalion,  Major  H.  W.  Gil- 
lnor,  McClanahan’s  Battery,  Captain MeClanalian. 

Thomas'  Brigade. —Brig. -General  E.  L.  Thomas;  14th  Georgia.  Col.  R W.  Folsom;  35th 
Georgia,  Col.  B.  II.  Holt;  45th  Georgia,  Col.  T.  J.  Simmons;  43th  Georgia,  Col.  S.T.  Player. 

Walker's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  II.  H.  Walker;  43th  Virginia.  Col  ,J.  M.  Brocken- 
hrougli;  47th  Virginia,  Col  R.  vl.  Mayo;  55th  Virginia,  Col.  [Wm.  S.]  Christian;  22d  Vir- 
ginia Battalion,  Lieut.-Col.  E.  P.  Tayloe. 

Archer's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  J ,T.  Archer;  1st  Tennessee,  Col  P.  Turney;  7th 
Tennessee,  [Coi.  John  A.  Fite];  14th  Tennessee,  [Col.  Wm.  McCornb];  13th  Alabama, . 

Provost  Guard. — 1st  Virginia  Battalion.  Major  D.  B.  Bridgford. 

Scouts,  Guides,  and  Couriers. — 39th  Virginia  Cavalry  Battalion,  Major  J.  H.  Richardson. 


MARYLAND  LINE. 

Colonel  BRADLEY  T.  JOHNSON,  Commanding. 

1st  Maryland  Cavalry,  Lieut.-Col.  Rhlgely  Brown;  2 1 Maryland  Infantry,  Lieut.-Colonel 
James  R.  Herbert;  2d  Maryland  Artillery,  Capt.  H.  Gridin;  Cooper's  Virginia  Bat.,  Capt. 
[R.  L.j  Cooper. 


ATtMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


525 


ARTILLERY  CORPS. 

Brig. -General  'W.  N.  PENDLETON,  Chief  of  Artillery. 


ARTILLERY  WITH  SECOND  CORPS. 

Brigadier-General  A.  L.  LONG,  Chief  of  Artillery. 

Braxton's  Battalion.— Major  g.  M.  Braxton,  of  Virginia;  Lee  Battery  (Va.).  Captain  C. 
W.  Statham;  1st  Maryland  Artillery,  Captam  W.  F.  Dement;  Chesapeake  Artillery  (Md  ), 
Lieut.  W.  S.  Chew;  AUegaany  Artillery  \ v'a  ),  Captain  J.  C.  Carpenter. 

Jones’  Battalion.— Lieut  -Col.  H.  P.  Jones,  of  Virginia;  Major  J B.  Brockenbbough, 
of  Virginia;  Charlottesville  Artillery  (Va.),  C.iptdn  J.  MeD.  t'arrington;  Stauntuu  Artil- 
lery (Va.|,  Captain  A.  W.  Garber;  Courtney  Artillery  (Va  ),  Captain  \V.  A.  Tanner. 

Carter's  Ba'talion.— Lieut. -Colonel  T.  IT.  Carter,  of  Virginia;  Morris  Art.  (Va.),  Capt. 
R.  C.  Page;  Orange  Art.  (Va.),  Capt.  C.  M.  Fry;  King  William  Art.  (Va.),  Capt.  W.  P. 
Carter;  Jeff.  Davis  Art  (Ala  ).  Capt.  W.  J.  Reese. 

Helson’s  Brigade. — Lieut  -Col.  W.  Nelson  and  Major  T.  J.  Page,  of  Virginia;  Am- 
herst Art.  (Va.),  Capt.  T.  J.  Kirkpatrick;  Miiledge  Art.  (Ga.),  Capt.  John  Milledge;  Flu- 
vanna Art.  (Va.),  Capt.  John  L.  Massie. 

First  Regiment  Virginia  Artillery.— Colonel  J.  T.  Brown,  of  Virginia,  and  Major  R.  A. 
Hardaway,  of  Alabama;  Powhatan  Artillery,  Capt.  Willis  J.  Dance;  2d  Richmond  How- 
itzers. Captain  David  Watson;  3 l Rich  m 'd  Howitzers,  Cant.  B.  H.  Smith,  Jr.;  Rock- 
bridge Artillery,  Capt.  Archie  Graham;  Salem  Flying  Artillery,  Capt.  Charles  B.  Griffin. 


ARTILLERY  WITH  THIRD  CORPS. 

Colonel  R.  L.  WALKER,  Chief  of  Artillery. 

Quit’s  Battalion— Lieut  -Col.  A.  S.  Cotts  and  Major  John  Lane,  of  Georgia;  Ross’ 
Battery  (Ga.),  Capt.  H.  .M.  Rjss;  Pa  tersou  s Battery  vGa  ),  Capt.  G.  M.  Patterson;  Irvine 
Artillery  iGa.),  Capt.  J.  T.  Wingd-ld. 

Garnett’s  Battalion.— Lieut.-Col.  J.  J.  Garnett  and  Mnjor  C.  Richardson,  of  Virgin- 
ia; Lewis  Artillery  (Va.),  Capt.  N.  Peuick;  Donaldsonville  Artillery  (La  ),  Cape.  V.  Mamin; 
Norfolk  Light  Artillery  (Va.),  Capt.  C.  R.  Graudy;  Huger  Artillery  (Va  ),  Capt.  J.  D. 
Moore. 

McIntosh's  Battalion.— Major  D.  G.  McIntosh,  of  South  Carolina;  Johnson’s  Artillery 
(Va  ),  Capt.  M.  Johnson , H irdawuv  Artillery  (Ala. ),  Capt.  W.  B.  Hurt;  Danville  Artillery 
(Va.),  Capt.  R.  S.  Rice;  2d  Rockbridge  Artillery  (Va.;,  Capt.  L.  Donald. 

Pegram’s  Battalion.— Major  W.  J Pegram,  of  Virginia;  Felee  Artillery  (S.  C.),  Capt. 
E.  D Brunson;  Fredericksburg  Artillery  (Va.i,  Capt.  E.  A Marye;  Purcell  Bat'ery  (Va  ), 
Capt.  J.  J'cGraw;  Letcher  Artillery  (Va.),  Capt.  T.  A.  Brander;  Crenshaw  Battery  (Va.), 
Capt.  T.  Ellett. 

Poaaue's  Battalion. — Major  W.  T.  Poagge,  of  Missouri;  Madison  Artillery  (Miss.), 
Capt.  George  Ward;  Albemarle  Artillery  (Va  ),  Capt.  J W.  Wyatt;  Brooke  Battery  (Va.), 
Capt.  A.  W.  Utterback;  Graham’s  Battery  (Ala  ).  Capt.  J.  Graham. 

Haskell’s  Battalion. — Major  J.  C.  Haskell,  of  South  Carolina;  Palmetto  Battalion 
(S.C.),  Capt.  H.  R.  Garden;  Branch  Artillery  (N.  C.),  Capt.  J J.  R.  Potts;  Rowan  Artil- 
lery (N.  C.),  Capt.  John  A.  Ramsay;  Nelson  Artillery  (Va.),  Capt.  J.  N.  Larnkin. 


ARTILLERY  WITH  CAVALRY  CORPS. 

Beckham's  Battalion. — Major  R F.  Beckham;  Chew's  Battery  (Virginia),  Capt.  R.  P. 
Chew;  Moorman's  Battery  (Virginian  Cant.  M.  N Moorman;  Hart’s  Battery  (South  Caro- 
lina), Capt.  James  F.  Hart;  Breathed’s  Battery  (Maryland),  Capt.  J.  Breathed;  McGregor's 
Battery  (Virginia),  Capt.  W.  M.  McGregor. 


RESERVE  ARTILLERY. 

Cabell's  Battalion. — Colonel  H.  C.  Cabell,  of  Virginia,  and  Major  S P.  Hamilton,  of 
Georgia;  Company  A,  1st  Artillery  (North  Carolina),  Capt.  B.  C.  Manly;  1st  Richmond 
Howitzers  (Virginia).  Capt.  E.  S.  McCarthy ; Troup  Ai-tillery  (Georgia),  Capt.  H.  H.  Carl- 
ton; Savannah  Artillery  (Georgia),  Lieut.  M.  Calloway. 


526  BLUE  AND  GRAY. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIR- 
GINIA, IN  AUGUST,  1864. 


General  ROBERT  E.  LEE,  Commanding. 


FIRST  ARMY  CORPS. 

Lieutenant-General  R.  H.  ANDERSON,  Commanding. 


PICKETT’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  GEORGE  E.  PICKETT. 

Barton's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  Seth  M.  Barton;  9th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  J.  Phillips;  14th 
Virginia, Col.  William  VFuite;  38th  Virginia  Col.  George  K.  Griggs;  53d  Virginia,  Col. 
W.  R.  Ayiett;  57th  Virginia,  Col.  C.  R.  Fontaine. 

Corse’s  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  M.  D.  Corse;  loth  Virginia,  Col.  T.  P.  August;  17th  Vir- 
ginia, Col.  Arthur  Herbert;  29th  Virginia,  Col.  James  Giles;  30th  Virginia,  Col.  A.  T.  Har- 
rison; 32d  Virginia,  Col.  E.  B.  Montague. 

Hnnton's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen  Eppa  Huntox;  8th  Virginia,  Col.  N.  Berkeley;  18th  Vir- 
ginia, Col.  H.  A.  Carrington;  19th  Virginia,  Col.  Henry  Gantt;  23th  Virginia,  Col.  William 
Watts;  56th  Virginia,  Col.  P.  P.  Slaughter. 

Terrg's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  William  R Terry;  1st  Virginia.  Col  F.  G.  Skinner;  3d 
Virginia  Col.  Joseph  Mayo,  Jr.;  7th  Virginia,  Col.  C.  C.  Flowerree;  11th  Virginia,  Col.  M. 
S.  Langhorne;  24th  Virginia,  Lieut.-Col.  R.  L.  Maury. 


FIELD’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  C.  W.  FIELD. 

Anderson's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  G.  T.  Anderson;  7th  Georgia,  Col.  G.  H.  Carmical; 
8th  Georgia,  Col.  J.  R.  Towers;  9th  Georgia  Lieut.-Col.  E.  F.  Hoge;  11th  Georgia,  Col.  F. 
H.  Little;  59th  Georgia,  Col.  Jack  Brown. 

Law's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  E.  M.  Law;  4th  Alabama,  Col.  P.  D.  Bowles;  15th  Ala- 
bama, Col.  A.  A.  Lowther;  4 1th  Alabama,  Col.  W.  F.  Perry;  47th  Alabama,  Col.  M.  J. 
Bulger;  48th  Alabama,  Lieut -Col.  W.  M.  Hardwick. 

Bratton's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  John  Bratton;  1st  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  R.  Ha- 
good;  2d  South  Carolina  [Rifles],  Col.  R.  E.  Bowen;  5thSoutli  Carolina,  Col.  A.  Coward; 
6th  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  M.  Steeilman;  Palmetto  Sharpshooters,  Col.  Joseph  Walker. 


KERSHAW’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  J.  B.  KERSHAW. 

Wofford's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  W.  T.  Wofford;  18th  Georgia,  Major  James  S.  Ghol- 
ston;  18th  Georgia,  Col.  Joseph  Armstrong;  24th  Georgia,  Col.  C.  C.  Sanders;  3d  Georgia 
Battalion  (Sharpshooters;,  Lieut.-Col.  N.  L.  Hutchins;  Phillips’  Legion,  Lieut.-Col.  Joseph 
Hamilton;  Cobb’s  Legion,  Lieut.-Col.  L.  J.  Glenn. 

Humphreys'  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  B.  G.  Humphreys;  13th  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Col.  A. 
G.  O’Brien;  17th  Mississippi,  Capt.  J.  C.  Cochran;  18th  Mississippi,  Col.  T.  M.  Griffin;  21st 
Mississippi,  Col.  D.  N.  Moody. 

Bryan's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Goode  Bryan;  19th  Georgia,  Col.  W.  C.  Holt;  50th 
Georgia,  Col.P.  McGlashan:  51st  Georgia,  Col.  E.  Ball;  53d  Georgia,  Col.  James  P.  Sims. 

Kershaw's  [old']  Brigade.— 2d  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  D.  Kennedy;  31  S outh  Carolina, 
Col.  W.  D.  Rutherford;  7th  South  Carolina,  Capt.  E.  J.  Goggans;  8th  South  Carolina,  Col. 
J.  W.  Henagan ; 15th  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  B.  Davis;  20th  South  Carolina,  Coi.  S.  M.  Boy- 
kin; 3d  South  Carolina  Battalion,  Lieut.  [Col.]  W.  G.  Rice. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 


527 


SECOND  ARMY  CORPS. 


Major-General  JUBAL  A.  EARLY,  Commanding. 


GORDON'S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  JOHN  B.  GORDON. 

Bays'  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  H.  T.  Hats;  5th  Louisiana,  Col.  Henry  Forno;  6th  Louisia- 
na, Col.  William  Monaghan;  7th  Louisiana,  Col.  D.  B.  Penn;  8th  Louisiana,  Col.  A.  De- 
Blanc;  9th  Louisiana,  Col.  William  R.  Peck. 

Pegram's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  John  Pegram;  13th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  B.  Terrill;  31st 
Virginia,  Col.  J.  S.  Hoffman;  49th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  C.  Gibson;  52d  Virginia,  Col.  James  H. 
Skinner;  58tli  Virginia,  Col.  F.  H.  Board. 

Gordon's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen  J.  B.  Gordon;  13th  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  H.  Baker; 
26th  Georgia,  Col.  E.  N.  Atkinson;  31st  Georgia,  Col.  C.  A.  Evans;  33th  G-orgia,  Col.  J.  D. 
Matthews;  60th  Georgia,  Col.  W.  H.  Stiles;  61st  Georgia,  Col.  J.  H.  Lamar. 

Hoke's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  R.  F.  Hoke;  6th  North  Carolina,  Col.  R.  F.  Webb;  21st 
North  Caroiina,  Lieut.-Col.  W.  S.  Raukin;  54th  North  Carolina,  Col.  K.  N.  Murchison;  57th 
North  Carolina,  Col.  A.  C.  Godwin;  1st  North  Carolina  Battalion,  Maj.  [R.  W.]  Wharton. 


JOHNSON’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  EDWARD  JOHNSON 

Stonewall  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  J.  A.  Walker;  2,1  Virginia,  Col.  ,T.  Q.  A.  Nadenbouseh; 
4th  Virgiuia,  Col.  William  Terry;  5th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  H.  S.  Funk;  27th  Virginia,  Lt.-Col. 
Charles  [L.]  Haynes;  33i  Virginia.  Col.  F.  W.  M Holiday. 

Jones'  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  J.  M Jones;  21st  Virginia,  Col.  W.  A.  Witcher,  25th  Vir- 
ginia. Col.  j.  C.  Higginbotham;  42.1  Virginia,  Col.  It.  W.  Withers;  44th  Virginia,  Col.  Nor- 
vell  Cobb;  43th  Virginia,  Col.  R.  H.  Duugan;  5Jth  Virginia,  Col.  A.  S Vanderventer. 

Steuart's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  George  H.  Steuart;  10th  Virginia.  Col.  E.  T.  H.  War- 
ren; 23d  Virginia,  Col.  A G.  Taliaferro;  37th  Virginia.  Col.  T.  V.  Williams;  1st  North  Car- 
olina, Col.  H.  A.  Brown;  3d  North  Carolina,  Col.  S.  D.  Thruston. 

Stafford's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  L A.  Stafford ; 1st  Louisiana,  Col.  W.  R.  Shivers;  2d 
Louisiana,  Col.  J.  M.  Williams;  10th  Louisiana,  Col. -E.  Waggaman;  14th  Louisiana,  Col. 
Z.  York;  15th  Louisiana,  Col.  E.  Pendleton. 


RODES’  DIVISION. 

Major-General  R.  E.  RODES. 

Daniel's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  J.  Daniel;  32d  North  Carolina,  Col.  E.  C.  Brabble;  43d 
North  Carolina,  Col.  Thomas  S.  Kenan;  45th  North  Carolina,  Col.  Samuel  H Boyd;  53d 
North  Carolina,  Col.  Wm.  A.  Oweus;  2d  North  Carolina  Battalion,  Maj.  John  M.  Hancock; 

Doles'  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  George  Doles;  4th  Georgia, Col.  Philip  Cook;  12tli  Geor- 
gia, Col. Edward  Willis;  21st  Georgia,  Col.  John  T.  Mercer;  44th Georgia,  Col.  W.  H.  Peebles. 

Bamseur's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  S.  D.  RaMSEUE,  2.1  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  R.  Cox; 
4th  North  Carolina.  Col.  Bryan  Grimes;  14th  North  Carolina,  Col.  R.  T.  Bennett;  30th  North 
Carolina,  Col.  F.  M.  Parker. 

Battle's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  C.  A.  Battle;  3d  Alabama,  Col.  Charles  Forsyth;  5th  Ala- 
bama, Col.  J.  M.  Hall;  6th  Alabama.  Col.  J.  N Lightfoot;  12th  Alabama,  Col.  S.  B.  Pick- 
ens; 61st  Alabama.  Major  [Lieut.-Col  ] L H.  Hill. 

Johnston's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  R.  D.  Johnston;  5th  North  Carolina,  Col.  T.  M.  Gar- 
rett; 12th  North'Carolina,  Col.  H.  E.  Coleman;  20th  North  Carolina,  Col.  T.  F.  Toon;  23d 
North  Carolina,  Major  C.  C.  Blackwell. 


THIRD  ARMY  CORPS. 

Lieutenant-General  A.  P.  HILL,  Commanding. 

MAHONE’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  WILLIAM  MAHOHE. 

Sanders'  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  J.  C.  C.  Sanders;  8th  Alabama,  Col.  Y.  L.  Royston;  9th 
Alabama,  Col.  J.  H.  King;  10th  Alabama.  Col.  W.  H.  Forney;  11th  Alabama,  Lieut.-Col. 
G.  E.  Tayloe;  14th  Alabama;  Col.  L.  Pinckard. 


528 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Mahone's  Brigade. — 6th  Virginia,  Col.  G.  T.  Rogers,  12th  Virginia,  Co'.  D.  A.  Weisiger; 
16th  Virginia,  Col.  Joseph  H.  Ham;  41st  Virginia,  Col.  \V.  A.  Parham;  61st  Virginia,  Col. 
V.  D.  Grouer. 

Harris'  Brigade. — Brig. -Gen.  X.  H.  HARRIS;  12th  Mississippi,  Col.  M.  B.  Harris;  16th 
Mississippi,  Col.  E.  C.  Council;  19th  Mississippi,  Col.  R.  W.  Pnipps;  43th  Mississippi,  Col. 
J.  M.  Jayne. 

Wright's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  A R.  Wright;  21  Georgia  Rattalion.  Major  C.  J.  Moffitt; 
10th  Georgia  Battalion,  Capt.  J.  D.  Frederick ; 3 l Georgia,  Col.  E.  J.  Walker:  22d Georgia, 
Col.  G.  H.  Jones;  43th  Georgia;  Col.  William  Gibson;  64tli  Georgia,  Major  W.  H.  Weems. 

Finegan's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  Joseph  Fineg ax;  2d  Florida,  Major  W.  [R  ] Moore; 
5th  Florida,  Col'.  T.  B.  Lamar;  8th  Florida.  Col.  D.  Lang;  9th  Florida,  Col.  J.  M.  Martin; 
10th  Florida,  Col.  C.  [F.j  Hopkins;  11th  Florida,  Col.  X.  W.  Brevard. 


WILCOX'S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  C.  M.  WILCOX. 

Thomas'  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen  E.  L.  Thomas;  14th  Georgia,  Lieut.-Col.  R.  P.  Lester;  35th 
Georgia,  Col.  B.  H.  Holt;  45th  Georgia,  Col.  T.  J.  Simmons;  49th  Georgia,  Col.  John  T. 
Jordan. 

Lane's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  James  H.  Lane;  7th  North  Carolina,  Col.  E.  G.  Haywood; 
13th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  D.  Barry:  28th  North  Carolina,  Major  S.  N.  Stowe;  33d  North 
Carolina,  Col  R.  V.  Cowan;  37th  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  M.  Barbour. 

McGowan's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Samcifl  McGowan;  1st  South  Carolina.  Col.  C.  W. 
McCreary;  12th  South  Carolina,  Lieut.-Col.  E.  F.  Bookter;  13th  South  Carolina,  Col. 
Isaac  F.  Hunt;  14th  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  N.  Brown;  Orr’s  Rifles,  Col.  McD.  Miller. 

Scales'  Brigade  — Brig.-Gen.  Alfred  M.  Scales;  13th  North  Carolina,  Col.  .T.  II.  Hy- 
man; 16th  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  A.  Stowe;  22d  North  Carolina,  Col.  T.  S.  Galloway  [jr]; 
34th  North  Carolina,  Col.  W.  L.  J.  Lowrence;  33th  North  Carolina,  Col.  John  Ashford. 


HETH'S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  II.  IIETH. 

Haids’  Brigade.— Brig.-General  .T.  R.  Davis;  2d  Mississippi,  Col.  J.  M.  Stone;  11th 
Mississippi,  Lieut.-Colouel  W.  B.  Lowry;  26th  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Colonel  A E.  Reynolds; 

42d  Mississippi,  Lieut.-Colonel  A.  M.  Nelson;  1st  Coufed.rato  Battalion, . 

Cooke's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  John  R Cooke;  15th  North  Carolina,  Lieut  -Colonel 
W.  H.  Yarborough;  27th  North  Carolina,  Colonel  ,T.  A.  Gilmer,  Jr.;  46th  North  Carolina, 
Colonel  W.  L.  Saunders;  48th  North  Carolina,  Colonel  S.  11.  Walkup. 

McRea's  Brigade.— Brig.-General  D.  McRea;  11th  North  Carolina.  Colonel  W.  J.  Mar- 
tin; 26th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  R.  Lane;  44th  North  Carolina,  Col.  T.  C.  Siugeltary;  47th 
North  Carolina,  Col.  G.  II.  Faribault;  52d  North  Carolina,  Col.  M.  A.  Parks. 

Archer's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  J.  .T.  Archer;  1st  Tennessee,  Lient.-Colonel  N.  A. 
George;  7th  Tennessee,  Col.  J.  A.  Fite;  14tli  Tennessee,  Col.  W.  McComb;  13th  Alabama, 
Lieut.-Colonel  James  Aiken.1 

Walker’s  Brigade.— Briv.-General  H.  H.  Walker;  22d  Virginia  Battalion,  Lient.-Col. 
E.  P.  Tayloe;  40th  Virginia,  Lieut.-Colonel  A.  R.  Cunningham;  47th  Virginia,  Col.  R.  M. 
Mayo;  55th  Virginia,  Col.  W.S.  Christian;  2d  Maryland  Battalion,  Lt.-Col.  Jas.  R.  Herbert. 


CAVALRY  CORPS. 


Lieutenant-General  WADE  HAMPTON,  Commanding. 

LEE’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  FITZHUGH  LEE. 

Wickham's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  W.  C.  Wickham;  1st  Virginia,  Col.  R.  W.  Carter; 
2d  Virginia,  Col.  T.  T.  Munford;  3d  Virginia,  Col.  T.  H.  Owen;  4th  Virginia,  Col.  W.  II. 
Payne. 

Lomax's  Brigade. — Brig.-General  L.  L.  Lomax;  5t.h  Virginia,  Col.  H.  Clay  Pate;  6th  Vir- 
ginia, Col.  Julien  Harrison;  15th  Virginia,  Col.  C.  R.  Collins. 


■James  Aiken  was  Colonel  in  October,  1864,  according  to  signature. 


ARMY  OF  NORTHERN’  VIRGINIA. 


529 


BUTLER’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  M.  C.  BUTLER. 

Dunovant’s  Brigade.— Brig.-General  John  Dunovant;  3d  South  Carolina  [Colonel  C.  J. 
Coleoek];  4th  South  Carolina  [Col.  B.  H.  Rutledge];  5th  South  Carolina,  Col.  [H.  K.]  Aiken. 

Young's  Brigade.— Brig.-General  P.  M.  B.  Young;  Cobb's  Georgia  Legion.  Col  G.  J. 
Wright;  Phillips’  Legion,  Lieut.-Colonel  W.  VV.  Rich;  Jell.  Davis  Legion,  Lieut.-Colonel 

J.  F.  Waring;  Miller’s  Legion, ; Love’s  Legion, ; 7th  Georgia,  Col.  [R  H.j 

Anderson. 

Rosser's  Brigade.— Brig.-General  Thos.  L.  Rosser;  7th  Virginia,  Col.  R H.  Dulany; 
Uth  Virginia,  Col.  O.  R.  Funsten;  12th  Virginia,  Col.  A.  W.  Harman;  35th  Virginia  Batt., 
Lieut.-Col.  E.  V.  White. 


LEE’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  W.  H.  F.  LEE. 

Barringer's  Brigade.— Brig.-General  Rufus  B arringer;  1st  North  Carolina,  Col.  W. 
H.  Cheek;  2d  North  Carolina,  Col.  C.  M.  Andrews  [Col.  W.  P.  Roberts];  4th  North  Caro- 
lina, Lieut.-Colonel  D.  D.  Ferebee;  5th  North  Carolina,  Lieut.-Colonel  S.  B.  Evans. 

Chambliss’  Brigade — Brig.-General  .T.  R.  Chambliss,  Jr.;  9th  Virginia,  Col.  R.  L.  T. 
Beale;  10th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  Lucius  Davis;  13th  Virginia,  Col.  J.  C.  Phillips. 


ARTILLERY  RESERVE. 


Brigadier-General  W.  N.  PENDLETON,  Commanding. 


Cabell's  Battalion.— Colonel  H.  C.  Cabell;  Manly’s  Battery,  Capt.  B.  C.  Manly;  1st 
Company  Richmond  Howitzers,  Capt.  R.  M.  Anderson;  Carlton’s  Battery,  Captain  H.  H. 
Carlton;"  Calloway’s  Battery,  1st  Lieut.  M.  Calloway. 

Huger' s Battalion.— Major  F.  Huger;  Smith’s  Battery,  Capt.  [John  D.]  Smith;  Moody 
Battery,  Lieut.  [G.]  Poindexter;  Wooltolk  Battery,  Lieut.  [James]  Woolfolk;  Parker’s  Bat- 
tery, Capt.  W.  W.  Parker;  Taylor’s  Battery,  Capt.  [O.  B.]  Taylor;  Fickliug’s  Battery,  Capt. 

[VV.  W.]  Fickling;  Martin's  Battery,  Capt. Martin. 

Haslcell's  Battalion. — Major  J.  C.  Haskell;  Branch’s  Battery,  Capt. Flanner;  Nel- 

son’s Battery,  Lieut.  [W.  B.]  Stanfield;  Garden's  Battery,  Capt.  [H.  R.]  Garden;  Rowan 
Battery,  Lieut. Myers. 

Gibb’s  Battalion.—  Gibbs;  Davidson’s  Bat.,  Lieut.  TJ.  H.]  Chamberlayne; 

Dickenson’s  Battery,  Capt.  [C.]  Dickenson;  Otey’s  Battery,  Capt.  [D.  N.]  walker. 


LONG’S  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  A.  L.  LONG. 

Braxton's  Battalion.— Major  Carter  M.  Braxton;  Lee  Battery,  Lieut.  W.  W.  Hard- 
wick; 1st  Maryland  Artillery,  Capt.  W.  F.  Dement;  Stafford  Artillery,  Capt.  W.  T.  Cooper; 
Alleghany  Artillery,  Capt.  j.  C.  Carpenter. 

Cuts  haw's  Battalion. — Major  [W.  E.]  Cutshaw;  Charlottesville  Artillery,  Capt.  J.  McD. 
Carrington;  Staunton  Artillery,  Capt.  A.  W.  Garber;  Courtney  Art.,  Capt.  W.  A.  Tanner. 

Carter's  Battalion.— Lieut.-Colonel  Thos.  H.  Carter;  Morris  Artillery,  Captain  S.  H. 
Pendleton;  Orange  Artillery,  Capt.  C.  W.  Fry;  King  William  Artillery,  Capt.  William  P. 
Carter;  Jeff.  Davis  Artillery,  Capt.  W.  J.  Reese. 

Nelson’s  Battalion.— Lieut.-Colonel  [William]  Nelson;  Amherst  Artillery.  Captain  T. 
J.  Kirkpatrick;  Milledge  Artillery,  Capt.  John  Milledge;  Fluvanna  Artillery,  Capt.  J.  L. 
Massie. 

Brown's  Battalion. — Colonel  J.  T.  Brown;  Powhatan  Artillery,  Capt.  W.  J.  Dance;  2d 
Richmond  Howitzers,  Capt.  L.  F.  Jones,  3d  Richmond  Howitzers,  Capt.  B.  H.  Smith,  Jr.; 
bridge  Artillery,  Capt.  A.  Graham;  Salem  Flying  Artillery,  Capt.  C.  B.  Griffin. 

34 


530 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


WALKER'S  DIVISION. 

Colonel  R.  L.  WALKER. 

Cutts'  Battalion. — Lieut.-Col.  A.  S.  Cutts;  Ross’ Battery,  Capt.  H.  M.  Ross;  Patter- 
son’s Battery,  Capt.  G.  M.  Patterson;  Irwin  Artillery,  Capt.  J.  T.  Wingfield. 

Richardson's  Battalion. — Lieut.-Col.  C.  Richardson;  Lewis  Artillery,  Capt.  N.  Penick; 
Donaldsouville  Artillery,  Capt.  Y.  Manrin;  Norfolk  Light  Artillery,  Capt.  C.  R.  Graudy; 
Huger  Artillery,  Capt.  J.  D.  Moore. 

McIntosh's  Battalion. — Lient-Col.  D.  G.  McIntosh;  Johnson’s  Battery.  Capt.  [Y.  J. 
Clutterl;  Hardaway  Artillery,  Capt  W.  B.  Hurt;  Danville  Artillery,  Capt.  R.  S.  Rice;  2d 
Rockbridge  Artillery,  Capt.  L.  Donald. 

Pegram’s  Battalion. — Lieut.-Col.  W.  J.  Fegram;  Pedee  Artillery  [Capt.  E.  B Brunson]; 
Fredericksburg  Artillery,  Capt.  E.  A.  Marye;  Letcher  Artillery,  Capt.  T.  A.  Brauder;  Pur- 
cell Battery  [Capt.  George  M.  Cayce];  Crenshaw’s  Battery,  Capt.  T.  EUett. 

Poague's  Battalion. — Lieut.-Col.  W.  T.  Poague;  Madison  Artillery  [Capt.  T.  J.  Rich- 
ards] ;Albermarle  Artillery,  Capt  J.  W.  Wyatt;  Brooke  Artillery,  Capt.  A.  W.  Utterback; 
Charlotte  Artillery,  Capt.  — — Williams. 


COD-FISH. 


531 


CHAPTER  XXL 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES  AND  POEMS. 

FATHER  AND  SOX. 

During  the  Valley  campaign  of  1863,  a desperate  charge 
was  made  upon  the  line  of  some  Virginia  troops,  who  were  so 
posted  as  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  Federals,  in  the  event 
an  effort  was  made  to  escape  by  that  route. 

A large  force  of  the  enemy  was  concentrated  to  dislodge 
them  from  their  stronghold.  Among  the  troops  engaged 
were  several  regiments  of  cavalry,  and,  strange  to  relate,  two 
regiments  among  the  number  were ‘Virginians, — one  in  the 
Union,  the  other  in  the  Confederate  service. 

While  the  battle  was  being  fiercely  contested,  these  regi- 
ments dashed  into  each  other,  and  a terrible  hand  to  hand 
encounter  was  the  result.  About  this  time  two  soldiers,  in 
the  very  act  of  striking,  recognized  each  other  as  father  and 
son.  Each  paused,  dropped  his  saber,  turned  his  horse,  and 
rode  away. 


COD-FISH. 

A salt  cod-fish  was  a species  of  food  with  which  the  soldiers 
of  the  South,  as  a general  thing,  were  entirely  unacquainted. 
Not  one  in  ten  thousand  knew  how  to  prepare  them,  or  had 
any  idea  what  thirst  they  would  produce. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  war,  the  Confederate  cruiser, 
Alabama,  captured  a vessel  laden  with  dried  cod-fish,  and 
these  were  distributed  among  the  members  of  the  army  as  ra- 
tions. However  distasteful  the  food,  the  men  had  to  eat  it  cr 
go  hungry,  and  many  a fellow  cursed  the  captain  cf  the  Ala- 
bama for  taking  such  a prize. 

A body  of  cavalrymen  occupied  the  advance  rifle-pits,  fac- 


532 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ing  the  Union  lines  near  the  York  River  railroad ; their  only 
ration  was  salt  cod-fish.  It  was  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  sum- 
mer season,  and  they  were  exposed  to  the  weltering  rays  of  a 
July  sun.  Being  seized  by  hunger,  they  began  to  eat  salt 
cod-fish,  and  to  drink  water.  The  more  they  ate,  the  greater 
would  be  their  thirst,  and  their  canteens  were  becoming- 
empty.  About  this  time  the  enemy  began  to  open  a cross 
fire  on  the  line  of  pickets  opposing  them.  It  was  worth  one’s 
life  to  show  a head  above  the  pit,  while  there  stood  these  men 
famishing  from  thirst,  unable  to  escape  either  the  fire  within 
or  the  fire  without.  All  day  long  they  bore  this  misfortune, 
hoping  that  night  would  bring  them  relief.  The  enemy  well 
knew  that  darkness  would  be  taken  advantage  of  to  relieve 
the  pickets,  and  just  before  nightfall  got  a complete  range  of 
the  line  with  a battery,  and  kept  up  an  incessant  fire  through 
the  tedious  hours  which  followed.  Morning  found  the  Con- 
federates suffering  the  tortures  of  the  damned.  Oh,  horror 
of  horrors  ! Can  man  undergo  greater  torture  than  the  want 
of  water  ? Death  from  bullets  would  be  far  preferable  to  that 
of  thirst,  and  yet  these  brave  men  dare  not  leave  their  post. 

About  ten  o’clock  the  welcome  sound  of  musketry  was 
heard  on  the  right,  and  soon  a long  line  of  troops  was  seen 
emerging  from  the  woods  and  marching  rapidly  toward  the 
enemy’s  lines.  With  a shout  they  pressed  on,  as  the  guns  that 
had  been  playing  on  the  rifle-pits  all  night  were  turned  upon 
them,  and  the  imprisoned  line  of  water-famished  men  were 
relieved  from  their  wretched  confinement. 

The  thought  of  cod-fish  is  revolting  to  the  mind  of  those 
pickets  to  this  day,  nor  can  any  one  of  them  ever  be  again 
induced  to  eat  it. 

THE  FIRST  MAN  WHO  ASKS  ME. 

Before  the  close  of  the  war,  and  after  the  male  population 
had  been  greatly  diminished  in  the  South,  it  became  a very 
serious  question  with  unmarried  ladies  as  to  their  chances  of 
ever  being  able  to  prefix  Mrs.  before  their  Christian  names. 
A good  story  is  told  relative  to  this,  and  vouched  for  by  a 
soldier  who  overheard  the  conversation. 


PREACHING  FOR  RATION'S. 


533 


A feed  sergeant,  gathering  tithes  from  the  farmers  of  King 
William  county,  Virginia,  for  the  use  of  the  artillery  bat- 
talion to  which  he  belonged,  was  overtaken  by  night,  in  that 
section  which  had  been  overrun  by  both  armies.  He  was 
many  miles  from  camp,  and  both  weary  and  hungry,  after  a 
hard  day’s  ride.  There  was  scarcel}r  a place  in  the  neighbor- 
hood inhabited,  the  people  having  fled,  and  he  was  debating 
in  his  mind  what  to  do,  when,  from  a distance,  he  beheld  a 
light  and  rode  straight  for  it.  • 

As  he  approached  he  found  that  an  inhabited  abode  was 
nigh,  and,  dismounting,  he  walked  to  the  door  unperceived, 
and  was  about  to  knock  for  admittance,  when  he  heard  voices 
inside  and  concluded  he  would  listen  to  what  was  being  said. 
Three  young  ladies  were  in  the  house,  its  sole  occupants,  and 
this  is  the  strain  of  their  conversation,  all  being  seated  about 
the  fire  of  pine  knots,  seemingly  contented  : 

Said  the  elder  to  the  next  in  age,  “ Who  are  you  going  to 
marry,  Annie ? ” “Nobody  less  than  a major,”  she  replied. 
“ Who  are  you  going  to  have  ? ” said  Annie  to  the  first 
speaker.  “No  one  below  a captain,  anyhow,”  was  the 
response. 

All  this  time  the  old  sergeant  was  highly  amused,  know- 
ing these  girls  were  ignorant  of  his  near  presence.  During 
this  time  a girl  about  sixteen  had  been  a passive  listener,  and 
one  of  the  others  inquired  of  her  who  she  was  going  to 
marry.  “ I don’t  know,”  she  said,  “ who  I shall  marry.  But 
I know  I shall  have  the  first  man  who  asks  me,  for  chances 
are  going  to  be  very  scarce  when  this  cruel  war  is  over  ! ” 

The  sergeant  could  restrain  himself  no  longer,  and,  after 
smoothing  his  face  as  best  he  could,  knocked  for  admittance 
and  was  most  kindly  cared  for  by  these  delicate  girls,  who 
were  thus  unprotected  and  alone,  in  the  midst  of  an  isolated 
district. 


PREACHING  FOR  RATIONS. 

When  the  city  of  Suffolk  was  being  besieged  by  General 
Longstreet,  many  of  the  people  left  the  country  infested  by 


534 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  army,  and  removed  to  the  interior  of  North  Carolina  as 
refugees.  None  hut  the  very  old,  and  those  pecuniarily  unable 
to  go,  remained. 

A cavalry  regiment  was  encamped  near  a country  meeting- 
house, and  one  day  several  of  the  old  citizens  called  and  ex- 
pressed the  wish  that  some  one  would  hold  services  in  the 
church  the  following  Sunday.  There  were  no  resident  min- 
isters left  in  the  neighborhood,  nor  had  there  been  services 
there  for  six  months.  The  chaplain  of  this  regiment  was  off 
on  furlough  at  the  time,  but  Major  M.,  especially  noted  for 
fun,  very  gravely  informed  the  citizens  that  there  was  a 
young  officer  in  the  regiment  who  had  been  studying  for  the 
ministry,  and  that  he  would  see  if  he  could  not  prevail  on  him 
to  fill  the  pulpit  for  them.  The  delegation  thanked  the  Major 
for  his  interest,  and  promised  that  in  the  event  the  request 
was  granted,  he  should  have  a good  audience  and  hinted  that 
he  and  his  friends  should  be  hospitabljr  entertained  after  the 
service.  The  Major  went  to  the  quarters  of  this  brother  offi- 
cer, who  was  as  fond  of  a joke  as  himself,  and  prevailed  upon 
him  to  supply  the  pulpit  the  following  Sunday,  and  so  noti- 
fied the  citizens.  The  orator  was  fresh  from  college,  beside 
having  been  reared  in  the  ways  of  the  narrow  path,  and  there- 
fore was  no  stranger  to  biblical  teachings,  and  could  and  did 
handle  his  subject  satisfactorily  to  his  audience,  composed  of 
the  lame,  the  halt  and  the  blind,  from  miles  around. 

That  day  Major  M.  and  the  “ minister  ” dined  with  the 
chief  deacon  of  the  neighborhood,  and  right  royally  were  they 
feasted.  Of  course  the  officer  was  not  a fit  subject  to  be  in 
the  pulpit,  but  up  to  that  time  “ ignorance  was  bliss  ” with 
the  country  folk,  and  they  had  had  the  pleasure  of  coming  to- 
gether as  of  yore,  and  all  went  back  to  their  homes  contented. 

All  would  have  passed  off  smoothly,  had  it  not  been  for  an 
accident.  Three  days  after  the  above  incident,  the  major  and 
the  “ preacher  ” were  having  a nice  little  game  of  poker,  when 
who  should  come  unexpectedly  upon  them  but  the  deacon, 
at  whose  house  they  had  regaled  themselves  the  Sunday  be- 
fore. His  astonishment  was  immense,  nor  can  his  appearance 
ever  be  forgotten,  as  he  openly  exclaimed,  “ Sold,  by  thunder ! ” 


CONSCRIPTING  HIS  STAFF. 


585 


THE  SEVENTY— FIRST  VIRGINIA  MILITIA. 

Before  the  war,  every  able-bodied  male  citizen,  between 
eighteen  and  forty-five,  was  enrolled  as  a militiaman,  and 
each  county  generally  had  a sufficient  number  of  inhabitants 
to  form  a regiment  of  many  hundred  men,  who  met  once  a 
year  to  train. 

The  Seventy-first  Virginia  militia  was  commanded  by  Col- 
onel C.,  a planter  whose  good  qualities  were  many,  but  who 
was  a little  vain  of  his  commission,  nor  was  he  especially 
noted  for  his  mental  culture. 

At  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  many  volunteers  from 
Virginia  were  soon  enrolled  and  were  virtually  in  the  service. 
At  this  time  a convention  of  leading  citizens  of  the  state  was 
being  held  at  Richmond,  and,  among  others  present,  were 
Colonel  C.  and  the  since  famous  Roger  A.  Pryor.  The  latter 
at  that  time  commanded  the  Third  Virginia  volunteers.  Up 
to  this  time  he  had  been  unacquainted  Avith  Colonel  C. 

Stopping  at  the  same  hotel,  they  met  one  day,  and  the 
following  conversation  ensued : “ Colonel,  Avliere  is  your 

regiment  stationed?”  inquired  Pryor.  “I  am  colonel  of 
the  Seventy-first  Virginia  militia,  sir ! ” replied  Colonel  C. 
“Thunder!  ” emphatically  cried  Pryor,  “I  thought  you  Avere 
a soldier!  ” and  turning  in  disgust,  he  left  the  room. 

CONSCRIPTING  HIS  STAFF. 

A good  story  is  told  of  a certain  general  commanding  Vir- 
ginia troops,  during  the  late  Avar.  It  was  upon  one  occasion 
necessary  for  a member  of  his  staff  to  perform  the  duty  of  a 
courier,  in  the  absence  of  that  important  personage. 

The  general  requested  several  members  to  bear  a dispatch 
to  a part  of  the  line,  under  a galling  fire.  None  seemed  Avill- 
ing  to  do  as  requested,  and  all  finally,  declined.  This  so 
enraged  the  little  general  that  he  bore  the  dispatch.  Upon 
his  return,  he  asked  eArery  member  of  his  staff  to  resign,  inti- 
mating that  the  next  morning  at  nine  o’clock  Avould  be  the 
hour  he  would  accept  their  resignations.  Knowing  the  pecu- 
liarities of  their  general,  and  unsuspicious  of  anything  serious 


536 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


being  in  view,  the  staff  promptly  handed  in  their  commissions 
at  the  appointed  hour. 

In  the  meantime  a conscript  officer  had  been  ordered  to  be 
on  hand  at  headquarters,  and  so  soon  as  he  received  the  com- 
missions of  his  staff,  he  commanded  this  official  to  arrest  all 
of  them,  which  he  promptly  did,  and  to  carry  them  to  the 
camp  of  enrollment.  These  gentlemen  soldiers  served  out 
their  terms  as  privates  in  a regiment  of  infantry,  and  this 
general  never  afterward  had  a full  staff. 

THE  WRESTLING  MATCH. 

Two  soldiers  in  front  of  Petersburg,  caused  much  merri- 
ment one  morning.  Friendly  relations  at  that  time  existed 
between  the  two  lines,  and  the  soldiers  would  exchange  pa- 
pers, tobacco  for  sugar,  coffee,  hard  bread,  etc.,  etc.  The  lines 
of  works  where  this  occurred  were  about  forty  rods  apart, 
and  their  respective  regiments  were  in  full  view. 

A young  rebel  indicated  a desire  to  exchange  papers  with 
the  other  side.  This  was  reciprocated,  a soldier  immediately 
mounting  the  works.  These  men  met  half-way  between  the 
lines,  each  unarmed,  and  carrying  in  his  hand  a newspaper. 
Perhaps  to  trj^  their  own  prowess,  or  amuse  their  comrades, 
who  Avere  silent  witnesses  to  their  interview,  they  arranged  a 
mutual  attempt  to  take  each  other  prisoner;  it  being  under- 
stood, that  in  the  event  either  succeeded,  the'prisoner  was  to 
be  released,  and  allowed  to  return  to  his  line.  A more  amus- 
ing spectacle  seldom  happened  in  the  army,  and  from  the  good 
feeling  evinced  on  the  part  of  both  lines,  proved  beyond  a 
doubt,  that  the  bitterness  which  has  so  often  been  ascribed  to 
the  soldiery,  had  no  foundation  in  fact. 

These  fellows  hugged  and  wrestled,  pushed  and  tugged  at 
each  other,  for  nearly  an  hour,  to  the  infinite  delight  of  their 
comrades.  One  moment  the  Yank  would  push  the  reb  almost 
to  his  line,  and  then  shout  after  shout  of  laughter  would  rise 
from  the  Union  line.  In  another  instant,  the  reb  Avould  re- 
gain his  lost  ground,  and  have  the  Yank  in  the  same  predica- 
ment ; then  cheer  after  cheer  would  come  from  the  Confed- 


THE  DUTCH  CAVALRY. 


537 


erate  line.  In  this  way  the  friendly  tussle  continued  between 
men  who  perhaps  the  next  day  were  marshaled  in  battle,  to 
fio-ht  each  other  to  the  death ; continued  until  both  Avere 
equally  exhausted  and  thoroughly  convinced  that  neither 
could  capture  the  other,  and  was  finally  given  up,  the  boys 
returning  to  their  lines  amid  the  shouts  of  their  comrades. 
Soldier  readers,  many  of  those  Avho  scan  this  page  will  vividly 
remember  this  incident ; and  it  is  for  you  to  say  today,  if  it  is 
not  strictly  true  ; and  if  the  story  of  bitter  hatred,  so  often 
told  the  present  generation,  is  not  false. 

THE  DUTCH  CAVALRY. 

Between  Yorktown  and  Williamsburg,  in  the  earlier  days 
of  the  war,  the  cavalry  often  disputed  the  right  to  possession 
respecting  picket  posts,  and,  though  it  was  very  seldom  that 
any  Arery  serious  injury  was  inflicted  upon  either  side,  yet  an 
occasional  incident,  worthy  of  notice,  did  take  place. 

A Pennsyh'ania  regiment  of  Germans  was  drawn  up  on 
the  opposite  side  of  a small  field,  not  more  than  a fourth  of  a 
mile  in  width,  and  facing  a Confederate  regiment  on  the  other 
side.  This  field  contained  a full  growth  of  what  is  known  in 
Virginia  as  broom  straw,  and  was  skirted  by  a dense  forest  of 
small  pines.  Doubtless  the  Germans  were  new  recruits, 
without  practice  as  riders. 

So  clear  was  the  air  that  the  Confederates  could  distinctly 
hear  eA'ery  command  given  on  the  other  side,  and  waited  to 
receive  the  enemy,  who,  in  two  columns,  were  moving  across 
the  field. 

Now  one  of  the  most  ludicrous,  and  doubtless  mortifying, 
mishaps  befell  the  burly  Dutchmen.  In  the  center  of  this 
little  field,  had  been  cut,  its  full  length,  a drain  about  two 
feet  wide  and  one  foot  deep,  which  was  entirely  obscured  by 
the  broom  straw.  The  heavy  horses  of  the  Pennsylvanians 
came  on  at  a brisk  trot,  while  their  awkward  riders  were 
sometimes  over  the  pommels  of  their  saddles,  and  then  upon 
the  horses’  hips. 

This  manner  of  riding  had  greatly  amused  the  Confeder- 


538 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


ates,  who  were  closely  observing  the  scene.  The  front  line 
now  came  to  the  sunken  drain,  which  the  horses  naturally 
rose  to  clear,  while  their  riders,  taken  entirely  by  surprise,  as 
the  horses  cleared  the  ditch,  pitched  simultaneously  over  their 
heads  and  landed  in  the  broom  straw.  This  drew  from  the 
Confederate  line  a prolonged  roar  of  laughter,  and  as  the 
riderless  horses  came  into  their  lines,  the  riders  scampered 
back  to  the  Union  line. 

Not  a shot  was  fired  by  the  amused  Confederates,  all  being 
too  full  of  the  ludicrous  merriment  over  what  had  just  trans- 
pired, to  think  of  anything  else.  So  ashamed  of  this  pro- 
ceeding was  the  regiment,  that  never  could  a United  States 
cavalryman  be  found  on  the  peninsula,  who  would  acknowl- 
edge that  he  belonged  to  the Pennsylvania. 

didn’t  want  to  see  him. 

An  amusing  story  is  told  at  the  expense  of  a late  prominent 
Federal  officer,  who  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and,  while  he 
was  serving  in  the  army  of  the  North,  his  mother,  an  aged 
widow  lady,  still  resided  on  her  homestead.  She  was  a very 
wealthy  woman,  and  the  owner  of  many  slaves.  She  thought 
a great  deal  of  her  son,  but,  being  old  and  infirm,  her  reason 
was  somewhat  obscure,  which  caused  her  to  harbor  the  belief 
that  he  was  the  sole  cause  of  the  war. 

During  the  long  years  of  hostilities  she  stuck  to  her  belief, 
and  attributed  the  loss  of  her  negroes  to  him.  This  caused 
her  to  alienate  her  maternal  affections  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
disinherit  him.  Time  sped  on  and  peace  came  once  more. 
The  son,  who  had  not  seen  his  mother  for  years,  visited  her  at 
her  home,  and  offered  any  assistance  she  might  need. 

The  old  lady  met  him  at  the  threshold  and  exclaimed, 
“ George ! don't  cross  here,  you  caused  me  to  lose  my  negroes ; 
go,  I don’t  want  to  see  you.”  George  didn’t  go,  however,  but 
like  a good  boy,  looked  after  the  comforts  of  his  old  mother. 


STONEWALL’ S BODY-SERVANT. 


539 


stonewall’s  body-servant. 

There  was  one  man  who  followed  the  immortal  Stonewall 
Jackson,  who,  while  his  name  was  never  heard  at  roll-call, 
was  among  the  most  conspicuous  and  highly  respected  mem- 
bers of  that  chieftain’s  adherents.  This  man  had  access  to 
the  great  leader  at  any  and  all  times,  moments  when  no 
other  would  be  permitted  to  trespass  upon  his  presence.  He 
was  never  denied  an  audience.  The  mutual  friendship  exist- 
ing between  Jackson  and  his  servant  was  wonderful.  This 
man,  who  had  been  his  faithful  friend  for  years,  served  him 
with  a fidelity  scarcely  ever  excelled,  and  only  forsook  him 
when  death  released  the  mighty  man  from  the  cares  of  life, 
and  the  grave  claimed  him  as  its  own. 

In  the  camp,  on  the  march,  or  amid  the  fiercest  hours  of 
battle,  this  comforter  was  ever  nigh,  ready  to  do  the  bidding 
of  his  master.  His  words  never  passed  unheeded,  and  it  is 
reported  that  Jackson  often  conferred  with  him  on  matters 
of  personal  interest,  and  followed  his  suggestions,  which  were 
always  sound. 

Many  anecdotes  are  told  in  this  connection.  Every  soldier 
in  Jackson’s  corps  knew  the  man,  and  many  a one  has  envied 
him  the  confidence  which  he  enjoyed.  This  negro  knew 
all  the  important  plans  which  his  master  contemplated,  and 
was  a sure  prophet  among  the  men.  Often  he  would  pass 
through  the  camp,  and  would  sometimes  warn  the  soldiers  of 
a contemplated  movement. 

One  day  he  was  passing  by  the  headquarters  of  a colonel, 
and,  being  a privileged  character,  he  walked  in.  Several 
officers  were  enjoying  themselves  over  a game  of  cards  as  he 
entered.  The  old  man  shook  his  head  and  exclaimed,  upon 
seeing  this,  “You  may  laugh  to-day,  but  I reckon  some  of 
you  will  cry  to-morrow ! ” “ How  do  you  know  that  ?”  asked 
one  of  the  officers.  “ Mars  Jackson  has  been  praying  all 
night  and  won’t  see  anybody  but  me,”  replied  the  negro.  Be- 
fore midnight  the  whole  of  his  forces  were  on  the  move,  and 
at  daylight  he  was  hammering  away,  in  the  rear  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac. 


540 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


It  is  related  of  this  man’s  influence  oyer  Stonewall,  that 
once,  when  no  furloughs  were  being  granted,  a soldier,  whose 
home  was  near  that  of  Jackson,  asked  for  leave  to  visit  a sick, 
possibly  dying,  mother,  whom  he  had  not  seen  for  many 
months.  His  request  was  refused,  and  the  young  man  was 
much  disappointed.  The  old  negro  learned  of  the  circum- 
stance, and,  being  personally  acquainted  with  the  applicant 
and  his  worthy  mother,  prevailed  on  General  Jackson  to  grant 
this  leave,  although  other  influence  had  failed. 

Ten  years  after  the  close  of  the  struggle,  a statue  of  Stone- 
wall was  unveiled  on  the  Capitol  square  of  his  native  state. 
On  the  platform,  where  stood  General,  then  Governor,  Kem- 
per, together  with  the  widow  of  the  dead  hero,  was  this  old 
negro,  holding  in  his  arms  the  little  daughter  of  his  lamented 
master.  At  that  solemn  hour,  when  the  powerful  words  of 
rhetoric,  from  the  lips  of  the  executive,  did  such  deserved 
justice  to  the  memory  of  the  departed  hero,  a fair  proportion 
of  praise  was  bestowed  upon  his  servant,  the  friend  of  his 
little  orphan.  May  his  fidelity  and  name  ever  live  in  the 
memory  of  Stonewall’s  band,  and  that  of  all  others  who 
admire  true  merit. 

SHOT  IN  THE  BACK. 

No  one  for  a moment  will  question  the  bravery  of  General 
Robert  E.  Lee.  It  is  told  of  him,  that  after  his  army  had  des- 
perately faced  that  of  General  Meade  for  two  days  at  Gettys- 
burg, and  as  the  awful  crisis  of  the  last  day  of  that  fearful 
battle  was  about  to  be  consummated,  that  he  gave  notice  that 
he  would  lead  the  men  in  person,  to  the  attack  upon  the 
Union  line.  When  the  soldiers  heard  this  fact,  they  posi- 
tively refused  to  allow  it,  and  gave  their  officers  to  under- 
stand, that  unless  General  Lee  remained  out  of  danger,  they 
would  not  advance.  This  unselfish  determination  on  the  part 
of  his  soldiers  checked  him,  and  it  has  been  told  that  he  shed 
tears  of  grateful  admiration  upon  learning  the  fact,  and  ex- 
claimed, “ Was  there  ever  such  devotion  known  before?” 

A rather  amusing  anecdote  is  told  of  this  famous  officer, 


KELLOGG,  THE  SPY. 


541 


however : one  day,  while  reviewing  his  works  around  Peters- 
burg, a mortar  duel  was  being  indulged  in  close  by.  In  com- 
pany with  one  of  his  aids,  he  was  seated  on  his  horse,  calmly 
witnessing  the  effects  of  his  guns,  when  a piece  of  spent  shell 
from  the  enemy’s  line,  struck  him  between  the  shoulders  ; 
whereupon  he  remarked  to  his  adjutant:  “Taylor,  I am  shot 
at  last,  and  in  the  back ! ” 

KELLOGG,  THE  SPY. 

Every  one  who  is  acquainted  with  military  law,  knows  that 
the  penalty  of  death  is  always  inflicted  on  any  who  are  de- 
tected in  the  hazardous  employment  of  spying.  Many  a noble 
man,  in  his  zeal  to  serve  his  country,  has  paid  this  terrible 
penalty,  an  ignominious  death  by  hanging.  For  instances  we 
do  not  have  to  go  back  to  the  days  of  the  revolution.  The 
fate  of  Major  Andre,  which  created  such  a sensation  in  both 
the  British  and  Continental  armies,  pales  before  many  similar 
instances  of  more  modern  date. 

During  the  year  1863,  a Federal  spy  was  tried  and  sentenced 
to  be  hanged,  by  the  Confederate  authorities.  His  execution 
took  place  near  Camp  Lee,  at  Richmond,  in  the  presence  of 
thousands  of  soldiers  and  citizens.  A braver  man  than  Kel- 
logg never  died  for  the  cause  which  he  had  espoused,  while 
the  firmness  which  he  displayed  on  the  gallows,  drew  expres- 
sions of  admiration  from  the  soldiers  who  surrounded  the 
scaffold. 

Addressing  the  great  crowd,  he  said,  “When  I consented  to 
assume  the  dangerous  task  which  I undertook,  I knew  well  its 
penalty  in  the  event  of  capture.  I do  not  deny  the  charge  of 
being  a spy,  and  I am  proud  of  the  service  I have  rendered  my 
country.  I expect  nothing  else  from  your  hands  but  death, 
and  I meet  that  fate  with  the  consciousness  of  having  faith- 
fully performed  my  duty  to  the  best  of  my  ability ; while  I 
thank  God  that  I have  been  successful  in  doing  more  harm  to 
the  Confederacy  then  any  other  man  thus  far.  I am  satisfied 
with  my  lot.  Go  ahead  with  your  hanging.”  This  speech 
had  a marked  effect  upon  the  soldiers,  and  personally,  every 


542 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


heart  throbbed  in  sympathy  with  the  brave  man  whose  life 
the  cruel  mandate  of  war  decreed  should  be  forfeited. 

EXAGGERATED  REPORTS. 

It  has  been  often  claimed  that  the  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
likewise  the  public  press,  had  a great  deal  to  do  with  bringing 
about  the  war,  and  then  adding  fuel  to  the  enkindled  flame 
of  discord.  Doubtless  there  was  much  truth  in  the  assertion 
that  partisan  prejudice  and  misrepresentation  did  do  a great 
injury. 

It  is  safe  to  say,  if  every  sensational  report  which  was  pub- 
lished concerning  the  various  battles  fought,  and  the  number 
of  men  purported  to  have  been  slain,  had  been  true,  that  from 
an  actual  count,  not  a single  man  who  enlisted  on  either  side 
would  have  lived  to  see  the  rebellion  crushed. 

Take  up  a leading  journal  of  either  the  North  or  South, 
and  read  an  account  of  some  great  battle;  and  the  reputed 
number  of  the  “ enemy  ” slain  or  maimed,  would  astonish  the 
most  skeptical.  Scarcely  more  than  three  millions  of  men 
ever  enlisted  in  both  armies,  and  yet  before  October,  1864, 
according  to  prominent  newspaper  figures,  of  different  fights, 
from  the  beginning  of  hostilities,  more  than  that  number  had 
become  hors  de  combat. 

A telling  instance  of  this  character  of  sensational  exaggera- 
tion comes  to  mind  which  will  act  as  a fair  exponent  of  the 
whole.  A skirmish  took  place  between  a Federal  and  Con- 
federate regiment  of  cavalry  near  the  York  River  railroad,  at 
a place  called  TunstaU’s  station.  These  regiments  dashed 
into  each  other,  and,  in  the  rush,  actually  exchanged  positions. 
The  whole  time  occupied  was  less  than  twenty  minutes,  and 
no  more  than  a thousand  men  were  engaged  in  the  fracas,  in- 
cluding both  commands.  Not  a man  was  killed  outright,  only 
ten  or  twelve  being  wounded,  and  one  horse  so  maimed  that 
he  was  afterward  shot  by  his  rider.  A few  prisoners  were 
captured,  both  regiments  losing  perhaps  fifty  men. 

The  following  morning  the  Richmond  dailies  were  teeming 
with  a flaming  account  of  this  brilliant  victory,  claiming  that 


THE  HUMANE  GUARD. 


543 


the  Federals  had  been  badly  beaten,  many  being  killed,  and 
hundreds  wounded  and  captured.  The  southern  people  be- 
lieved every  word  of  this  bosh.  Then  came  an  exchange  of 
papers,  and  a flaming  account  of  this  battle  as  witnessed  by  a 
correspondent  of  a prominent  New  York  paper  was  given.  He 
put  the  enemy’s  loss  at  one  thousand  killed,  wounded  and 
prisoners.  The  people  of  the  North  swallowed  this  yarn  as 
pure  gospel,  but  the  brave  Pennsylvanians  and  Virginians 
knew  better,  and  chuckled  over  their  reputed  valor. 

THE  HUMANE  GUARD. 

Perhaps  many  a decrepit  man,  who  lost  an  arm  or  a leg  in 
the  late  war,  might  have  had  both  sound  and  well,  had  the 
proper  care  been  used  by  the  surgeons  who  had  them  in  charge. 
Young  physicians,  without  experience,  were  too  frequently 
allowed  to  cut  and  saw  off  the  wounded  limbs  of  soldiers 
without  proper  care  or  restraint.  An  instance  to  the  point  is 
at  hand. 

At  the  battle  of  Spottsyl vania  Court-house,  a Federal  cor- 
poral, who  had  been  wounded  in  the  thigh,  just  above  the 
knee,  was  captured  by  the  Confederates  and  taken  to  the  field 
hospital.  Two  young  doctors  had  charge  of  his  case,  and  de- 
cided to  amputate  his  limb  forthwith.  The  corporal  pro- 
tested, begging  that  his  limb  might  be  spared  him,  saying  he 
had  rather  die  than  lose  it.  The  surgeons  told  him  he  cer- 
tainly would  die  if  it  was  not  amputated,  and  paying  no  fur- 
ther attention  to  his  entreaties,  proceeded  to  place  him  in  po- 
sition to  cut  it  off. 

One  of  the  guard,  who  chanced  to  overhear  the  conversa- 
tion, then  came  forward  and  added  his  protest,  claiming,  that 
as  the  young  man  objected,  and  further,  as  the  wound  was 
only  of  the  flesh,  he  did  not  believe  it  should  be  amputated. 
He  was  indignantly  ordered  off  by  the  surgeons,  but  knowing 
that  a Confederate  brigadier  lay  wounded  in  the  tent,  he  went 
to  him,  explained  the  circumstance,  and  asked  him  to  interfere. 
This  the  general  did,  and  ordered  the  young  m.d.’s  to  defer 
the  operation  until  the  arrival  of  their  chief.  He  came  in  a 


544 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


short  time,  and  immediately  decided  that  the  leg  should  not 
be  disturbed.  This  settled  it,  and  the  happy  fellow  thanked 
the  guard  for  interfering  in  his  behalf.  Three  months  after 
that  time  the  corporal  was  exchanged  and  went  to  his  north- 
ern home  a well  man,  carrying  with  him  both  of  his  legs. 

THE  DUTCH  FARMER,  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

In  the  course  of  life,  socially  speaking,  we  often  come  in 
contact  with  many  varieties  of  disposition,  and  to  some  we 
ascribe  one  degree,  and  to  another  a lower  degree  of  refine- 
ment and  culture,  and  so  on  until  we  get  down  to  what  is 
known  as  a “hog  in  a parlor.”  This  is  not  what  we  propose 
to  show  here,  however,  but  would  inquire  if  any  ever  heard  of 
a horse  being  in  a parlor?  If  not,  we  will  tell  of  an  in- 
stance, and  hope  all  will  bear  with  us  as  the  story  is  rather 
lengthy. 

When  General  Lee  invaded  Pennsylvania  it  was  verjr  warm 
weather,  during  the  summer  of  1863.  The  forced  marches  of 
his  cavalry  caused  many  of  his  best  horses  to  become  so  jaded 
that  they  were  temporarily  unfitted  for  service,  and  to  replace 
them  squadrons  of  men  were  detailed,  on  the  march,  to  press 
into  service  all  of  the  available  horses  which  could  be  seized 
throughout  the  districts  through  which  the  army  passed.  The 
writer  with  a squadron  of  men  being  detailed  for  this  purpose, 
rode  up  to  the  farmhouse  of  a well-to-do  Dutchman,  halting  in 
front  of  the  house,  which  was  surrounded  by  a picket-fence, 
as  is  customary  in  that  section  of  the  state. 

Adjacent  to  the  low  stone  dwelling-house  stood  a very  large 
and  spacious  barn  with  stables  annexed.  Two  of  the  soldiers 
dismounted,  as  they  were  ordered,  and  went  to  the  stable;  up 
to  which  time  not  a living  soul  had  made  an  appearance. 
Soon  the  men  returned  and  reported  the  stable  as  being  empty, 
yet  indicating  its  recent  occupancy.  There  was  no  place  near 
by  where  the  animals  could  have  been  concealed,  and  we  were 
about  to  leave  the  farm  when  one  of  the  men  asked  permis- 
sion to  go  into  the  yard  for  water.  His  request  was  granted 
and  he,  taking  several  canteens,  went  in ; coming  back  soon  he 


THE  DUTCH  FARMER  OF  PENNSYLVANIA.  545 

reported,  as  his  suspicions,  that  the  objects  of  our  search  were 
concealed  in  the  dwelling-house,  as  an  unusual  noise  came 
from  that  quarter. 

Up  to  this  time  the  German  gentleman  of  the  manor  had 
from  some  convenient  quarter  been  watching  the  proceedings, 
aud  as  orders  were  given  to  enter  the  house,  he  made  his  ap- 
pearance. With  a long  stemmed  pipe  in  his  mouth  he  came 
leisurelv  forward,  and  on  reaching  the  gate  before  which  the 
men  were  drawn  up  in  line,  he  thus  addressed  them : “If  any 
of  you  dampt  repels  goes  in  mine  ’ouse  I vill  shoots  you,  by 
dampt.”  The  ludicrousness  of  this  remark  from  the  plucky 
Dutchman,  who,  entirely  unarmed,  would  dare  face  fifteen 
soldiers,  drew  forth  a long  and  hearty  laugh  from  the  men, 
and,  as  the  Dutchman  grew  red  in  the  face,  the  louder  was 
the  uproar  of  mirth. . 

Several  of  the  men,  on  being  sent  into  the  house,  began  to 
lead  out  horses,  while  their  owner  was  furious.  Soon  twelve 
fine  horses  and  a small  riding  pony  were  in  our  possession, 
and  the  whole  Dutch  family  were  in  the  front  yard.  The  old 
man  had  very  ingeniously  placed  his  horses  in  the  parlor, 
after  having  covered  the  floors  with  straw,  and  had  thus 
hoped  to  save  them  from  seizure.  It  has  been  stated  that 
among  the  horses  there  was  a pony,  the  private  property  of  a 
pretty  young  lady,  who  had  in  her  much  of  the  same  material 
of  which  her  father  was  composed,  and  which  is  familiarly 
known  as  grit. 

The  officer  in  charge  of  the  squad  was  a man  of  but  twenty 
summers,  and  was  naturally  very  modest  in  the  presence  of 
young  ladies.  Conceive  of  his  embarrassment  when,  with 
tear  stained  eyes,  and  disheveled  hair,  she  opened  on  the 
young  lieutenant  a torrent  of  abuse,  the  like  of  which  is 
seldom  heard  from  the  lips  of  woman.  The  girl  cried  and 
raved;  the  old  man  cursed  and  swore,  wffiile  the  soldiers, 
cheered  by  such  an  awkward  position  as  the  commander  was 
in,  filled  the  air  with  laughter.  When  nature  exhausted 
itself,  and  from  sheer  want  of  breath  the  lady  ceased  raving, 
the  lieutenant,  who  all  of  this  time  had  sat  on  his  horse  in 
35 


546 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


vacant  amazement,  sufficiently  recovered  his  senses  as  to  ask 
the  lady  if  there  was  anything  he  could  do  for  her. 

“ I want  my  pony  ! ” she  exclaimed,  “ but  I know  you  mis- 
erable thieves  won’t  give  it  to  me  ! The  idea  of  men,  calling 
themselves  gentlemen,  robbing  a helpless  girl  of  her  riding- 
horse  ! Young  man,  you  are  not  a gentleman.  You  are  only 
fit  to  be  in  the  penitentiary,  and  if  our  soldiers  don’t  catch 
and  kill  you,  I hope  some  of  your  own  people  will  hang  you ! ” 

In  this  strain  she  entertained  the  men  until  the  order  to 
mount  was  given,  the  contraband  horses  having  all  been 
secured.  “Young  lady,”  said  the  officer,  “you  may  keep 
your  pony,  it  is  too  small  to  be  of  any  service  to  the  Confed- 
eracy. Good  morning ! ” 

That  lieutenant  had  rather  face  a six  gun  battery  any  day, 
than  pass  another  ten  minutes  under  the  fire  of  the  tongue  of 
a woman  like  the  Dutchman’s  daughter,  and  he  hopes,  if  she 
has  ever  married,  that  her  husband  has  never  had  to  undergo 
such  a scathing  tirade  of  abuse  as  he  did. 

THE  BRAVE  LITTLE  BUGLER. 

It  was  in  the  autumn  of  1862.  The  rebel  chieftain  Lee, 
had  repulsed  our  badly  maneuvered  armies  in  front  of  Rich- 
mond, forced  them  to  take  shelter  under  the  guns  of  our 
gunboats  on  the  James  river,  and  was  now  marshaling  his 
hosts  for  a rapid  movement  upon  Washington,  before  our 
armies  could  be  collected  for  its  defence.  The  advance  was 
given  to  the  impetuous  Jackson,  who  hastily  collected  his 
forces  on  the  Rapidan,  and  crossing  that  river  with  rapidity, 
sprang,  with  the  ferocity  of  a tiger,  upon  the  gallant  little 
army  under  General  Banks,  who  was  guarding  the  fords.  It 
was  a short  struggle  ; for  sixteen  thousand  of  the  bravest  of 
the  rebel  army  were  hurled,  in  dense  masses,  upon  the  deter- 
mined little  band  of  patriots,  only  seven  thousand  strong. 
But  the  heroic  resistance,  and  the  fearful  losses  of  men  in  the 
rebel  ranks,  caused  Jackson  to  pause ; and  the  rapid  concen- 
tration of  the  Federal  armies,  under  McDowell  and  Sigel,  for 
the  support  of  Banks,  compelled  the  rebels  to  retreat  hastily 
across  the  Rapidan. 


THE  BRAVE  LITTLE  BUGLER. 


547 


After  waiting  until  Lee  had  arrived  with  his  hosts,  Jackson 
again  started  on  his  march.  Making  a wide  detour  to  the 
right  of  the  Federal  army,  now  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  on 
the  broad  plains  around  Culpepper  Court-house,  he  passed 
along  under  cover  of  the  shadows  of  the  Blue  Ridge  moun- 
tains, until  he  had  arrived  north  of  Warrenton,  when  he 
burst  through  the  gap  in  the  mountains,  and  made  a bold, 
desperate  push  for  the  capture  of  Washington. 

At  this  time  we  were  attached  to  the  Army  of  Virginia, 
which  was  under  the  command  of  General  Sigel,  and  had 
then  fallen  back  to  the  banks  of  the  Rappahannock  river, 
whither  we  had  been  followed  by  the  dense  columns  of  Lee’s 
army.  We  were  holding  him  at  bay,  and  preventing  him 
from  crossing  the  fords  and  bridges,  when  we  heard  the  deep 
and  rapid  booming  of  cannon  directly  in  our  rear,  and  on  the 
road  to  the  capital.  The  sounds  emanated  from  those  of 
Jackson  on  his  way  to  Washington,  while  scattering  like 
chaff  the  few  Federal  troops  he  met  on  the  road. 

We  were  now  in  a position  of  extreme  danger  ; the  terrible 
Jackson  in  our  rear,  and  the  stern  Lee  in  front,  with  his  fierce 
columns,  who  were  excited  and  furious  at  hearing  the  distant 
guns  of  their  comrades.  But  our  brave  boys  repulsed  every 
attempt  of  the  rebels  to  cross  the  river  and  hasten  to  the  aid 
of  Jackson,  who  likewise  was  in  danger  if  Lee  did  not  suc- 
ceed in  getting  his  army  over  the  river,  and  breaking  through 
our  lines. 

When  night  came  we  destroyed  the  bridges,  posted  riflemen 
along  the  fords,  left  our  camp  fires  burning  and  hurried  along 
toward  Washington. 

It  was  not  long  before  we  came  to  the  outposts  of  Jackson’s 
men,  who  were  drawn  up  to  dispute  the  passage  through 
Gainesville.  It  was  evident  that  a desperate  fight  was  before 
us,  and  that  we  must  break  through  the  rebel  lines  before  Lee 
could  cross  the  river  and  hurl  his  columns  on  our  rear,  or  be 
taken  prisoners.  Our  men  lay  with  their  rifles  in  hand,  and 
our  gunners  stood  with  their  fuses  ready  lighted  for  the  onset 
which  we  were  to  make  or  receive  at  daylight.  But,  fortu- 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


548 

nately,  at  early  dawn  Jackson's  men  withdrew  from  their  posi- 
tion and  retreated  into  the  woods,  leaving  the  road  free  for 
ns  to  march  to  Manassas  and  join  the  rest  of  the  army. 

We  were  now  ordered  to  cross  the  plains  of  Bull  Run  and 
attack  Jackson,  and  occupy  his  attention  until  the  rest  of  the 
columns  could  come  up  and  crush  the  rebels  by  overwhelming 
numbers.  Night  overtook  us  as  we  halted  in  line  of  battle  on 
the  old  field  of  the  first  battle  of  the  Republic.  All  sounds 
of  conflict  had  ceased,  but  we  could  hear  the  distant  sounds 
of  men  engaged  in  entrenching  themselves  and  preparing  for  a 
desperate  struggle.  Our  men  slept  upon  their  arms,  and  lay 
down  in  regular  order  of  battle  in  case  of  a midnight  attack. 
At  early  dawn  our  skirmishers  were  pushed  forward  and  found 
the  rebels  entrenched  in  an  old  railway  cut,  which  stretched 
across  the  plain,  with  one  wing  of  their  army  resting  on  the 
Bull  Run  stream,  and  the  other  protected  by  the  dense  forests 
to  the  east  of  Gainesville.  “It  is  a splendid  position, said  a 
French  engineer,  who  had  fought  at  Magenta,  in  Italy,  and 
with  Garibaldi  in  Sicily^,  “and  it  cannot  be  taken  by  any 
movement  in  front,  except  at  an  appalling  sacrifice  of  human 
life.”  Alas  ! the  subsequent  events  proved  the  prediction  too 
true.  Jackson  had  not  yet  got  his  men  into  position,  and  we 
could  see  his  solid  masses  of  graj’backs  marching  here  and 
there,  and  taking  their  places  for  the  coming  struggle.  One 
of  the  sterling  qualities  of  this  commander  was  his  faculty  of 
concealing  and  protecting  his  troops  from  useless  exposure ; 
and  in  this  he  set  an  admirable  example  to  our  own  officers, 
who  were  very  slow  to  comprehend  this  essential  principle  in 
successful  warfare. 

By  the  time  our  skirmishers  had  fairly  advanced  their  lines, 
Jackson’s  men  had  disappeared.  Nothing  could  be  seen  but 
the  glittering  muzzle  of  a cannon  here  and  there  peering  over 
the  ridge  of  the  distant  hill,  and  a few  splendidly  mounted 
horsemen  galloping  to  and  fro  along  its  crest.  Nevertheless, 
beyond  those  ridges,  in  the  little  valleys  and  among  the  dense 
groves  of  oak,  nearly  thirty  thousand  of  the  elite  of  the  rebel 
army  lay  concealed,  and  ready  to  leap  upon  the  advancing  and 


TIIE  BRA. YE  LITTLE  BUGLER. 


549 


unsuspecting  foe  with  the  fury  of  the  whirlwind.  Sigel  pushed 
forward  his  men  with  the  greatest  caution,  for  his  own  forces 
were  far  inferior  in  numbers,  and  the  different  corps  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  had  not  arrived  within  supporting  dis- 
tance. The  sleepy  McDowell  had  lost  his  way,  and  instead 
of  joining  his  columns  with  those  of  Sigel  at  this  important 
moment,  he  was  miles  away.  Nevertheless,  Sigel  effected  a 
lodgment  in  the  woods  close  to  the  railway  cut  on  Jackson’s 
left,  and  held  his  position,  when  the  darkness  of  night  put  an 
end  to  the  blood}r  conflict. 

The  next  morning  disclosed  the  arrival  of  a part  of  the  glo- 
rious Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  the  assaulting  columns  were 
again  formed  for  a decisive  attack.  Hooker's  men  ■were  sent 
into  the  woods  to  relieve  Sigel ; but  Jackson  massed  his  men, 
who  attacked  Hooker  with  the  fury  of  demons,  and  drove  him 
out  into  the  open  fields.  Keeping  a movable  column  of  his 
most  trusty  troops  marching  to  and  fro  in  the  rear  of  his  line 
of  defence,  he  repulsed  every  attack,  though  made  by  superior 
forces.  So,  when  night  came  again,  we  were  no  nearer  cap- 
turing Jackson's  army  than  we  were  the  day  before.  Time 
was  now  precious.  If  Jackson  was  to  be  crushed,  it  must  be 
done  quickly,  for  Longstreet  was  breaking  through  the  gap, 
and  Lee  was  hurrying  his  columns  over  the  Rappahannock  to 
the  rescue  of  his  bravest  lieutenant,  whose  danger  was  now 
very  great,  as  he  would  be  on  the  morrow  attacked  by  fifty 
thousand  men. 

Morning  came.  Not  a gun  was  fired;  hardly  a sound  dis- 
turbed the  serenity  of  that  beautiful  August  day.  Had  the 
hostile  armies  fled?  No,  they  were  all  there  face  to  face,  but 
resting  on  their  guns.  We  were  waiting  for  the  Fifth  corps  to 
arrive,  to  lead  in  the  attack,  and  they  were  miles  in  the  rear, 
slowly  coming  up.  Marked  jealousy  retarded  the  progress  of 
those  brave  and  tried  soldiers ; and  in  fact  the  whole  battle 
and  the  entire  campaign  were  characterized  by  the  meanest 
bickerings  and  jealousies,  and  the  grossest  incompetence  ; and 
no  participant  in  that  campaign,  from  the  Rapidan  to  the  Po- 
tomac, will  deny  that  many  hundred  noble  lives  were  thrown 


550 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


away  in  useless  slaughter.  When  its  history  is  correctly 
written,  the  exclamation  of  the  gallant  Broadhead  will  be 
found  to  be  too  true : “ I die  the  victim  of  incompetency.” 

At  length  the  Fifth  corps  arrived  and  was  ordered  to  the 
assault,  but  it  was  too  late,  for  Longstreet  had  broken  through 
the  mountains  and  some  of  his  regiments  had  reinforced  Jack- 
son’s men,  whose  defying  cheers  now  made  the  earth  tremble 
like  the  roar  of  their  cannon. 

As  the  gallant  Fifth  formed  into  line  of  battle,  I rode  down 
along  some  of  the  regiments  I had  been  connected  with  on 
the  peninsula  in  the  spring,  and  grasped  the  honest  hand  of 
many  a brave  soldier  whom  I never  saw  on  earth  again.  On 
they  marched  up  the  slopes  with  the  steadiness  of  veterans, 
while  the  Connecticut  heavy  artillery  sent  their  great  shells 
hissing  and  shrieking  over  their  heads  into  the  midst  of  the 
foe  who  were  lying  down  behind  the  ridges  and  in  the  railway 
cut  and  dense  woods,  like  tigers  thirsting  for  their  prey.  But 
not  a gun  replied  from  the  rebel  lines  until  our  soldiers  had 
approached  within  short  range ; then  came  the  hissing  shot 
and  shell,  and  the  silent  bullet.  Our  brave  boys  staggered 
and  halted  under  that  pitiless  storm  of  deadly  hail.  Just 
then  a little  boy  sprang  to  the  front  of  a regiment  which  had 
halted  half-way  up  the  steepest  hill,  and  lifting  his  bugle  to 
his  lips  sounded  a charge  so  loudly  and  cheerfully  that  the 
regiment  rallied  and  again  moved  up  the  steep  ascent  with 
the  little  child  leading  the  way  and  sounding  his  bugle,  whose 
inspiring  notes  could  be  heard  at  intervals  among  the  harsh 
sounds  of  the  cannon,  clear  and  thrilling,  like  the  echoes  of 
the  Alpine  horn  when  reverberating  among  the  distant  cliffs 
of  the  mountains  of  Switzerland. 

I looked  on  in  amazement,  unmindful  of  the  passing  shot 
which  was  striking  down  Kearney’s  men  around  me,  for  my 
eyes  were  riveted  on  that  regiment  led  by  the  little  boy. 
They  had  reached  the  summit,  and  were  pressing  forward  to 
the  railway  cut,  which  was  filled  with  Jackson’s  men,  when  a 
terrific  sheet  of  flame  burst  from  the  living  crater,  and  con- 
cealed batteries  in  the  woods  in  the  rear  swept  the  hill  with 


THE  BRAVE  LITTLE  BUGLER. 


551 


their  deadly  storm  of  shot.  The  ranks  of  men  went  down 
before  that  infernal  blast  as  the  blades  of  grass  fall  when 
struck  with  autumnal  hail.  Clouds  of  smoke  enveloped  the 
scene,  out  of  which  glanced,  ever  and  anon,  like  serpents’ 
tongues,  the  living  flashes  of  fire.  My  eyes  grew  misty  and 
my  heart  faint,  for  the  thought  of  injury  to  that  child  gave 
me  a terrible  and  sickening  sensation.  “Major,  you  are 
wanted  below,”  said  an  aid,  galloping  up  to  me.  “ Look 
there,”  said  he,  stretching  out  his  arm  to  the  west,  and  point- 
ing to  dense  columns  of  rebels,  under  Lee  and  Longstreet, 
moving  in  a majestic  manner  to  overwhelm  our  left. 

We  will  say  no  more  of  our  misfortunes  on  this  unhappy 
day,  which  was  characterized  by  incompetence  and  useless 
slaughter ; but  only  state,  that  the  next  morning  found  the 
remainder  of  the  army  at  Centreville,  awaiting  Lee’s  attack. 
But  the  crafty  chieftain  passed  on,  and  rapidly  marched  to 
the  North. 

Obtaining  permission  to  visit  the  battlefield  in  search  of 
missing  comrades,  I mounted  my  faithful  steed  and  crossed 
Bull  Run  by  the  secret  ford  above  the  Stone  bridge.  On 
climbing  the  bank,  I found  myself  in  the  woods,  where  the 
left  of  Jackson’s  army  had  entrenched  itself. 

What  a terrible  scene  presented  itself  here  where  the  two 
hostile  armies  had  fought ! The  earth  was  furrowed  by  the 
cannon-shot,  like  the  farmer's  field  when  turned  with  the 
plow.  The  forest  flowers  had  been  trampled  clown  and 
broken  by  the  feet  of  the  contending  hosts,  and  the  trees  were 
pierced,  cut  down,  or  shivered  into  withes  by  the  fearful  storm 
of  iron  sleet  that  had  swept  over  the  surface  of  the  earth  like 
a destroying  element. 

I passed  on  to  the  deep  cut  in  the  little  hill  where  the  most 
terrible  conflict  had  taken  place.  I tied  my  horse  to  a tree 
near  by,  and  climbed  up  the  embankment  until  I stood  upon 
the  crest  of  the  hill.  Ah,  what  a mournful  scene  was  before 
me  ! All  over  that  little  hill  the  graves  were  as  thick  as  the 
leaves  upon  the  earth  in  autumn.  But  what  is  this  handful 
of  earth,  close  to  the  edge  of  the  ditch  where  the  rebel  tigers 


552 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


lay  hidden?  Yes,  it  was  the  grave  of  the  little  bugler  boy; 
and  from  the  fresh  mound  of  earth  which  was  scarcely  larger 
than  your  two  hands,  peered  a little  foot,  still  covered  by  its 
tiny  shoe,  in  mockery  of  its  half-christian  burial.  Beside  the 
clump  of  sods  a stick  had  been  thrust  down  into  the  earth, 
and  from  its  top  some  kind-hearted  rebel  had  suspended  the 
battered  bugle,  which  had  been  pierced  by  a dozen  bullets. 
My  limbs  became  weary,  my  heart  faint.  An  indescribable 
feeling  of  anguish  arose  in  my  throat.  I staggered  to  a rock 
near  by,  sat  down,  and  buried  my  face  in  my  hands.  It  was 
a lovely  day  in  September.  How  bitterly  I cursed  the  brutal 
ambition  and  avarice  which  desolate  the  earth,  And  destroy 
mankind  in  the  flower  of  its  youth  and  manhood. 

A year  afterward  I was  passing  again  over  the  fatal  battle- 
field, and  sought  the  grave  of  the  young  hero ; but  it  was 
blended  with  the  surrounding  soil.  The  fierce  blasts  of  win- 
ter had  swept  away  the  earth,  and  left  the  bones  of  the  child 
bleaching  in  the  sun  ; these  I carefully  gathered  together, 
covered  anew  with  earth,  and  planted  violets  which  I found 
in  the  vale  below.  They  alone  mark  the  spot  where  the  brave 
little  bugler  of  the  Fifth  corps  led  the  advance,  and  sacrificed 
his  life  for  his  country. 

THE  BOY  BUGLER  OF  BULL  RUN. 

BY  GEORGE  S.  BURLEIGH. 

Behind  us,  in  his  iron  hand, 

Held  Lee  his  thunderbolts  of  war; 

Down  from  the  hills  the  tiger  band 
Of  Longstreet  bounded,  and  the  grand, 

Grim  “Stonewall”  coiled  his  strength  before. 

Our  brave  New  England  boys  were  there, 

Hemmed  ’round  by  rebel  fire  and  steel; 

There  Sigel,  stronger  than  despair, 

Clung  to  the  serpent  in  his  lair, 

That  made  the  strength  of  Hooker  yield. 

In  splendor  rose  the  August  sun, 

Purpling  the  far  Virginian  peaks, 

And  dyeing  that  disastrous  Run, 

Dyed  redder,  ere  the  day  was  done, 

With  loyal  blood  that  lives  and  speaks. 


THE  SONG  OF  THE  SWORD. 


553 


Full  on  the  rebel  line  we  march, 

While  cannon-shot  and  screaming  shell 
Our  steady  climbing  overarch, 

And  hew  our  path  through  pines  and  larch, 
Where  silent  glows  the  rebel’s  hell. 

But,  close  before  its  volleyed  fire, 

At  once  it  roars  like  ^Etna’s  throat. 

When  all  the  central  flames  conspire 
To  hurl  the  mountain's  quivering  spire 
In  fragments  over  vales  remote. 

Down  through  our  ranks  the  sheeted  flame 
Poured,  rending  shell  and  stinging  cone, — 
Infernal  hail!  — with  deadly  aim, 

That  tore  our  columns  where  it  came, 

As  over  corn  the  wild  cyclone! 

O God!  our  gallants  reel  before 
That  storm  of  fire!  They  pause,  they  break! 
“Charge  for  your  starry  flag  once  more! 

A nation  shudders  in  the  roar; 

To  death,  or  victory,  for  her  sake!” 

So  sang  a bugle’s  charging  note, 

Pressed  to  the  red  lips  of  a child. 

Out  where  the  thickest  death  rain  smote, 

He  climbed,  and  led  us  down  the  throat 
Of  the  red  hell  that  round  us  boiled! 

Ah,  dauntless  boy!  to-morrow’s  sun 
Shall  gild  thy  battered  bugle,  hung 
Above  a nameless  grave;  and  one 
Who  saw  thy  gallant  action  done 
Shall  stain  it  with  a tear;  for  none 
Fell  worthier!  O,  so  brave  and  young! 


THE  SONG  OF  THE  SWORD. 

ANONYMOUS. 

Weary  and  wounded  and  worn,  wounded  and  ready  to  die, 

A soldier  they  left,  all  alone  and  forlorn,  on  the  field  of  battle  to  lie. 

The  dead  and  the  dying  alone  could  their  presence  and  pity  afford, 

Whilst,  with  a sad  and  terrible  tone,  he  sang  . . . the  Song  of  the  Sword. 
“Fight  — fight — fight!  though  a thousand  fathers  die; 

Fight  — fight — fight!  though  a thousand  children  cry! 

Fight — fight — fight!  while  mothers  and  wives  lament; 

And  fight  — fight  — fight!  while  millions  of  money  are  spent. 


554 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Figlit — fight — fight!  should  the  cause  be  foul  or  fair, 

Though  all  that's  gained  is  an  empty  name,  and  a tax  too  great  to  bear; 
An  empty  name  and  a paltry  fame,  and  thousands  lying  dead; 

Whilst  every  glorious  victory  must  raise  the  price  of  bread. 

War  — war  — war!  fire,  and  famine,  and  sword; 

Desolate  field  and  desolate  towns,  and  thousands  scattered  abroad, 

With  never  a home  and  never  a shed,  whilst  kingdoms  perish  and  fall; 

“ And  hundreds  of  thousands  are  lying  dead  . . . and  all  for  nothing  at  all! 
War  — war  — war!  musket,  and  powder,  and  ball  — 

Ah!  what  do  we  fight  so  for?  ah!  why  have  we  battles  at  all? 

“ ’Tis  Justice  must  be  done,  they  say,  the  nation’s  honor  to  keep ; 

Alas!  that  Justice  should  be  so  dear,  and  human  life  so  cheap! 

War  — war — war!  misery,  murder  ahd  crime 

Are  all  the  blessing  I’ve  seen  in  thee,  from  my  youth  to  the  present  time. 
Misery,  murder  and  crime  — crime,  misery,  murder  and  woe; 

Ah!  would  I had  known  in  my  younger  days  half  the  horrors  which  now 
I know!” 

Weary  and  wounded  and  worn,  wounded  and  ready  to  die, 

A soldier  they  left,  all  alone  and  forlorn,  on  the  field  of  the  battle  to  lie. 
The  dead  and  the  dying  alone  could  their  presence  and  pity  afford, 

And  thus  with  a sad  and  terrible  tone  (oh,  would  that  these  truths  were 
more  perfectly  known ! ) he  sang  the  Song  of  the  Sword. 


ANSWER  TO  ANONYMOUS. 

BY  CHARLES  E.  WILLIAMS. 

The  Song  of  the  Sword  is  ended,  the  strains  of  peace  we  hear; 
The  “ Blue  and  Gray  ” are  blended,  again  more  firmly  and  clear. 
No  more  will  the  weary  soldier  be  left  alone  to  die, 

No  more  will  brothers  madly  to  the  field  of  battle  hie. 

O’er  comrades  calmly  sleeping  the  nation  drops  a tear, 

And  crowns  their  graves  so  gently  with  garlands  year  by  year. 
War’s  path  of  desolation  has  all  vanished  from  our  sight, 

And  the  sword  has  been  sheathed  by  the  heroes  of  the  fight. 
Marble  marks  the  sacred  spot  where  crimson  blood  was  shed, 
And  stately  granite  monuments  do  honor  to  the  dead. 

Justice  — that  blind  decider  — has  conquered  in  the  fray, 

And  crowned  this  happy  nation  with  laurels  fresh  and  gay. 

No  more  will  war-worn  veterans  hear  the  battle  cry, 

Nor  on  the  bloody  field  of  strife  do  dead  and  wounded  lie. 
Hallalujahs  now  are  heard,  at  home,  and  far  abroad, 

While  blotted  from  our  memory  is  the  legend  of  the  Sword. 


BUTLER’S  CAMPAIGN  AGAINST  RICHMOND. 


555 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Butler’s  campaign  against  Richmond.  His  instructions.  Landing 

HIS  ARMY  AT  FORT  POWHATTAN,  CITY  POINT  AND  BERMUDA  HUN- 
DRED. Activity  of  the  confederates.  Butler’s  fatal  mistake. 
Confederate  daring.  Arrival  of  Beauregard.  Confederates 
reinforced.  Battle  of  port  walthall  junction.  Federals 
checked.  Battle  of  swift  creEK.  Butler  turns  toward  Rich- 
mond. Battle  of  fort  stevens.  Federals  repulsed.  Fall 
back.  Butler's  army  “bottled  up  and  hermetically  sealed.” 

During  the  month  of  April,  1864,  a force  of  thirty  thousand 
men,  consisting  of  the  Tenth  army  corps,  commanded  by  Gen- 
eral Gilmore,  and  the  Eighteenth,  commanded  by  General  M. 
H.  Smith,  together  with  a division  of  cavalry,  under  General 
Kautz,  had  assembled  at  Yorktown,  and  was  placed  under  the 
command  of  General  Butler.  The  mission  this  large  force 
was  designed  to  fill,  is  shown  by  the  following  order  from 
Lieut.-General  Grant. 

Fort  Munroe,  Va.,  April  2d,  1864. 

General:— In  tlie  spring  campaign,  which  it  is  desirable  shall  com- 
mence at  as  early  a day  as  practicable,  it  is  proposed  to  have  co-operative 
action  of  all  the  armies  in  the  field,  as  far  as  this  object  can  be  accom- 
plished. 

It  will  not  be  possible  to  unite  our  armies  into  two  or  three  large  ones 
to  act  as  so  many  units,  owing  to  the  absolute  necessity  of  holding  on  to 
the  territory  already  taken  from  the  enemy.  But,  generally  speaking, 
concentration  can  be  practically  effected  by  armies  moving  to  the  interior 
of  the  enemy’s  country  from  the  territory  they  have  to  guard.  By  such 
movements  they  interpose  themselves  between  the  enemy  and  the  country 
to  be  guarded,  thereby  reducing  the  number  necessary  to  guard  important 
points,  or  at  least  occupy  the  attention  of  a part  of  the  enemy’s  force,  if 
no  greater  object  is  gained.  Lee’s  army  and  Richmond  being  the  greater 
objects  toward  which  our  attention  must  be  directed  in  the  next  cam- 
paign, it  is  desirable  to  unite  all  the  forces  we  can  against  them.  The 
necessity  of  covering  Washington  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  of 
covering  your  department  with  your  army  makes  it  impossible  to  unite 
these  forces  at  the  beginning  of  any  move.  I propose,  therefore,  wrhat 
comes  nearest  this  of  anything  that  seems  practicable. 


55G 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


The  Army  of  the  Potomac  will  act  from  its  present  base,  Lee’s  army  be- 
ing the  objective  point.  You  will  collect  all  the  forces  from  your  com- 
mand that  can  be  spared  from  garrison  duty,  I should  say  not  less  than 
twenty  thousand  effective  men— to  operate  on  the  south  side  of  tho  Janies 
river,  Richmond  being  your  objective  point.  To  the  force  you  already 
have  will  be  added  about  ten  thousand  men  from  South  Carolina,  under 
Major-General  Gilmore,  who  will  command  them  in  person. 

Major-General  TV.  F.  Smith  is  ordered  to  report  to  you,  to  command  the 
troops  sent  into  the  field  from  your  own  Department.  General  Gilmore 
will  be  ordered  to  report  to  you  at  Fortress  Munroe,  with  all  the  troops 
on  transports,  by  the  eighteenth  inst.,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  practicable. 
Should  you  not  receive  notice  by  that  time  to  move,  you  will  make  such 
disposition  of  them  and  your  other  forces  as  you  may  deem  best  calcula- 
ted to  deceive  the  enemy  as  to  the  real  move  to  be  made. 

When  you  are  notified  to  move,  take  City  Point  with  as  much  force  as 
possible.  Fortify  or  rather  entrench  at  once,  and  concentrate  all  your 
troops  for  the  field  there  as  rapidly  as  you  can.  From  City  Point  direc- 
tions cannot  be  given  at  this  time  for  your  further  movements.  The 
fact  that  has  already  been  stated — that  is,  that  Richmond  is  to  bo  your 
objective  point,  and  that  there  is  to  be  co-operation  between  your  forces 
and  the  Army  of  the  Potomac — must  be  your  guide.  This  indicates  the 
necessity  of  your  holding  close  to  the  south  bank  of  the  James  river  as 
you  advance.  Then,  should  the  enemy  be  forced  into  his  entrenchments 
in  Richmond,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  would  follow,  and  by  means  of 
transports  the  two  armies  would  become  a unit. 

All  the  minor  details  of  your  advance  are  left  entirely  to  your  direction. 
If,  however,  you  think  it  practicable  to  use  your  cavalry  south  of  you  so 
as  to  cut  the  railroad  about  Ilick’s  Ford,  about  the  time  of  the  general 
advance,  it  would  be  of  immense  advantage. 

You  will  please  forward  for  my  information  at  the  earliest  practica- 
ble day,  all  orders,  details  and  instructions  you  may  give  for  the  execu- 
tion of  this  order. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General  B.  F.  Butler. 

His  destination  was  unknown  to  all,  save  those  who  were 
high  in  authority,  within  the  Federal  councils  of  war,  and  to 
conceal  his  real  movements,  General  Butler,  during  the  first 
day  of  May,  moved  small  portions  of  his  command  up  the 
York  river,  as  if  intending  to  follow  the  course  pursued  by 
McClellan  two  years  before.  There  were  three  routes  open 
before  him.  One  by  the  way  of  the  York  river  and  White 
House ; another  by  the  James  river,  directly  against  Rich- 
mond ; and  the  third,  to  advance  up  the  south  bank  of  the 
James  and  seize  Petersburg,  and  thus  cut  the  communications 
between  Richmond  and  the  South. 


LANDS  HIS  ARMY. 


||7 

On  the  night  of  May  fourth,  while  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac was  crossing  the  Rapidan,  and  entering  the  dense  thick- 
ets of  the  Wilderness,  General  Butler’s  command  embarked 
on  transports,  and  dropped  down  the  York  river  around  Fort- 
ress Munroe,  and  with  a small  fleet  of  gunboats,  began  to 
ascend  the  James  river,  thus  heading  directly  for  Richmond. 
At  the  same  time  Ivautz,  with  his  division  of  cavalry,  who  had 
been  at  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth,  was  instructed  to  advance 
across  the  country  to  City  Point. 

LANDS  HIS  ARMY. 

On  the  fifth  of  May,  Butler  landed  a small  force  at  Fort 
Powhattan,  and  another  at  City  Point,  both  places  being  a 
few  miles  below  the  mouth  of  the  Appomattox,  on  the  south 
side  of  the  James  river,  and,  with  the  main  portion,  landed  at 
Bermuda  Hundred,  a point  of  land  extending  between  the 
two  rivers  where  their  waters  unite.  This  movement  was 
evidently  unexpected  by  the  Confederates,  as  he  encountered 
no  opposition.  Bermuda  Hundred  is  between  the  cities  of 
Petersburg  and  Richmond,  ten  miles  north  of  the  former,  and 
fifteen  south  of  the  latter. 

General  Butler’s  army  was  all  landed  by  the  sixth  of  May, 
and  he  immediately  began  to  intrench  his  position,  near  the 
junction  of  the  two  rivers,  and  on  the  branch  road  leading 
from  Port  Walthall  to  the  Petersburg  and  Richmond  railroad. 
While  he  was  thus  gaining  a position  upon  the  south  side  of 
the  James  river,  as  above  narrated,  the  Confederate  troops, 
constituting  the  Richmond  defences,  were  not  idle.  As  soon 
as  it  was  learned  that  the  capital  was  really  threatened  from 
that  source,  as  well  as  Petersburg,  these  troops  were  put  in 
motion,  and  prepared  to  give  General  Butler  a warm  recep- 
tion, and,  if  possible,  hold  him  in  check  until  assistance  should 
arrive  from  other  localities,  either  from  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia,  then  about  Spottsylvania,  or  from  the  defences  of 
Charleston. 

Lightfoot’s  battalion  of  light  artillery,  comprising  the  three 
batteries  of  Thornton,  Reeves  and  Hankins,  were  withdrawn 


558 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


from  the  north  side  of  the  James,  and  hurried  through  Rich- 
mond on  the  night  of  the  fifth,  and  arrived  at  Port  Walthall 
junction  on  the  following  morning.  Haygood’s  brigade  of 
infantry,  South  Carolinians,  had  already  arrived  and  deployed 
in  the  immediate  front  of  the  enemy.  This  force  of  twelve 
hundred  men,  together  with  the  battalion  before  mentioned, 
were  all  of  the  available  troops  at  that  hour,  between  General 
Butler  and  the  Petersburg  and  Richmond  railroad. 

Distant  from  Petersburg,  this  junction  is  but  eight' miles, 
and  there  was  nothing  to  prevent  Butler  from  crushing  this 
little  force,  and  immediately  occupying  the  city  which  was 
destined  to  become  so  famous  in  the  annals  of  war,  at  such  an 
awful  sacrifice  of  human  life. 

Instead  of  immediately  advancing,  General  Butler  moved 
forward  a short  distance  and  began  to  intrench  himself,  only 
making  a few  feints,  which  were  easily  repulsed  by  the  gallant 
South  Carolinians  and  the  Virginia  battalion  of  artillery. 
Thus  the  golden  opportunity  slipped  away,  and  when  that 
commander  had  consummated  his  plans  for  a general  advance 
upon  the  two  cities  on  the  next  morning,  he  found  it  con- 
tested by  a force  sufficient  to  thwart  his  undertaking. 

ARRIVAL  OF  GENERAL  BEAUREGARD. 

Sufficient  time  had  been  gained  for  the  arrival  of  General 
Beauregard,  who,  with  the  divisions  of  Generals  Hoke  and 
Bushrod  Johnston,  effectually  stayed  the  advance  of  the  Fed- 
eral army  of  the  James. 

Nothing  more  was  done  until  the  morning  of  the  seventh, 
at  which  time  Butler  threw  forward  five  brigades  under  the 
command  of  General  Brooks,  to  destroy  the  Petersburg  and 
Richmond  railroad,  but  to  the  surprise  of  the  Federal  com- 
mander, he  found  the  Confederates  strong  in  numbers,  and 
well  posted  upon  the  line  of  that  road.  The  advance  of 
Beauregard’s  reinforcements  from  South  Carolina,  had  arrived 
and  reinforced  the  small  band  of  Confederates,  who  had  met 
the  Federals  the  day  before.  The  Federals  were  still  superior 
in  point  of  numbers,  however,  and  if  they  had  pressed  on 


BATTLE  OF  SWIFT  CREEK.  559 

•with  vigor,  could  have  crushed  their  opponents  before  the 
main  portion  of  Beauregard’s  army  arrived. 

BATTLE  OF  PORT  WALTHALL  JUNCTION. 

When  Brooks  developed  the  Confederate  position  on  the 
morning  of  the  seventh,  he  found  that  their  line  extended 
from  Port  Walthall  Junction  on  the  Confederate  right,  to 
Chester  station  on  their  left.  The  Federals  made  an  attack 
and  drove  the  Confederates  back  in  £ome  disorder.  The  rail- 
road track,  and  the  bridge  seven  miles  from  Petersburg  were 
destroyed.  The  Confederates  rallied,  made  a vigorous  attack, 
and  succeeded  in  driving  back  the  Federal  right.  Soon  after 
this,  both  of  the  contestants  withdrew.  Butler  remained 
quiet  during  the  eighth,  which  day  was  improved  by  the  Con- 
federates in  bringing  up  reinforcements  from  the  South. 
Confederate  veterans  were  placed  in  position  to  dispute  his 
advance,  and  from  that  hour  his  chances  of  success,  in  cap- 
turing either  Petersburg  or  Richmond,  were  indeed  small. 

BATTLE  OF  SWIFT  CREEK. 

On  the  ninth  the  Federals  again  advanced,  and  pressed  the 
Confederates  back  to  within  three  miles  of  Petersburg,  where 
they  took  up  a position  on  Swift  Creek.  If  General  Butler 
had  then  thrown  his  whole  force  upon  the  enenry,  he  would 
have  undoubtedly  defeated  them,  and  entered  Petersburg. 
The  advance  was  not  so  pressed,  and  two  days  later  Butler 
changed  his  direction  and  made  a general  advance  upon  Rich- 
mond. The  Confederates  whom  he  encountered  were  gradu- 
ally pressed  back,  until,  on  the  night  of  the  twelfth,  their  line 
rested  on  Proctor’s  Creek.  On  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth, 
they  abandoned  this  position,  and  fell  back  to  an  inner  line 
of  fortifications.  This  position  was  a very  strong  one  ; its 
left  resting  upon  what  was  known  as  Fort  Stevens,  in  the  rear 
of  Drury’s  Bluff;  its  center  was  strongly  fortified,  and  the 
right  of  the  position  extended  so  far,  that  it  was  quite  safe 
from  any  flanking  movement  the  Federals  could  undertake. 

General  Beauregard  was  in  command  of  the  Confederates 


560 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


at  the  head  of  a force  strong  enough  to  give  a sense  of  secur- 
ity to  the  Confederate  government  at  Richmond. 

After  making  himself  as  familiar  as  possible  with  the 
strength  of  the  Confederate  position,  General  Butler  deter- 
mined to  make  an  assault  upon  the  morning  of  the  sixteenth. 
His  design  was  to  crush  the  command  of  Beauregard,  move 
upon  Richmond,  and  assist  General  Grant  in  besieging  the 
capital  of  the  Confederacy.  The  night  of  the  fifteenth  was  a 
very  dark  one,  and  within  the  Federal  lines  was  presented  a 
scene  of  busy  activity  in  making  preparations  for  the  assault 
of  the  morrow.  A dense  fog  came  down  and  completely 
enveloped  both  armies.  After  all  the  preparations  for  the  at- 
tack had  been  made  the  Federal  troops  sank  upon  the  ground 
to  rest,  and  were  soon  wrapped  in  sleep.  It  had  also  been  a 
busy  night  within  the  lines  of  Beauregard.  He  determined 
to  anticipate  the  movements  of  his  foe  and  assault  the  Fed- 
erals.  In  the  darkness  of  the  night  he  skillfully  made  his 
preparations  for  this  offensive  movement. 

BATTLE  OF  FORT  STEVENS. 

The  Federals  were  suddenly  aroused  from  their  sleep  by  a 
savage  burst  of  musketry  and  artillery  along  their  whole  line. 
Beauregard’s  plans  had  been  perfected  and  he  had  thus  taken 
the  Federals  by  surprise.  So  complete  was  this  surprise  that 
for  a time  it  seemed  as  if  the  Confederate  movement  would 
be  a complete  success. 

In  taking  up  his  position,  General  Butler  had  been  obliged 
to  extend  his  line  a very  great  distance,  in  order  to  cover  the 
Confederate  front,  and  then  an  open  space  of  more  than  one 
mile  remained  between  his  right  flank  and  the  James  river. 
This  space  was  covered  by  only  a few  colored  cavalrymen. 
Beauregard  had  discovered  this,  on  the  right  flank  of  his 
antagonist,  and  immediately  determined  to  take  advantage  of 
it.  His  plans  were  made  with  great  skill.  An  attack  was  to 
be  made  upon  the  Federal  front,  while  a force  was  sent  at  the 
same  time  through  the  open  space  along  the  bank  of  the 
James  river,  to  turn  the  Federal  right  flank. 


BATTLE  OF  FORT  STEVENS. 


561 


The  division  commanded  bj  General  Whiting,  upon  the 
line  of  the  Petersburg  and  Richmond  railroad,  a considerable 
distance  in  the  rear  of  Butler’s  left  flank,  was  to  make  a simul- 
taneous movement  upon  the  Federal  rear,  to  cut  off  their 
line  of  retreat.  These  plans,  so  carefully  prepared,  did  not 
result  in  all  that  Beauregard  had  hoped.  The  Confederate 
blow  fell  first  upon  the  right  of  Smith’s  line,  composed  of 
Heckman’s  brigade,  which  was  overthrown.  The  Confeder- 
ates poured  in  around  the  Federal  right  flank  and  upon  their 
rear.  Fortunately  for  the  latter,  three  regiments  of  Ames’ 
division  of  Gilmore’s  corps,  had,  on  the  night  of  the  fifteenth, 
been  brought  around  as  a reserve  to  this  portion  of  Smith’s 
line,  and  two  of  these,  the  One  Hundred  and  Twelfth  Hew 
York,  and  the  Ninth  Maine,  here  met  the  victorious  Confed- 
erates, and  resisted  their  advance  with  such  vigor,  that  they 
halted,  evidently  supposing  that  the  Federals  had  received  a 
heavy  reinforcement,  or  misunderstood  their  position,  and, 
in  the  confusion  caused  partially  by  the  dense  darkness,, 
withdrew. 

In  the  meantime  a vigorous  assault  had  been  made  upon 
the  Federal  front,  commanded  by  Generals  Brooks  and  Weit- 
zel,  but  the  Confederates  found  many  unexpected  obstacles  in 
their  way ; darkness,  fog,  strong  breastworks,  and  a sharp  fire 
from  the  Federal  lines,  made  their  task  a hard  one  to  accom- 
plish. General  Smith  had  taken  the  precaution  to  drive  rows 
of  stakes  in  front  of  his  line,  and  along  these  he  stretched  a 
large  amount  of  telegraph  wire  which  he  found  in  the  locality. 
The  Confederates  advancing  in  the  darkness  tripped  and  fell 
over  this  wire,  the  confusion  becoming  so  great  that  an  ad 
vance  was  impossible. 

Finding  that  he  could  not  dislodge  the  Federals  by  an  at- 
tack in  front,  Beauregard  sent  another  force  to  turn  their 
right  flank.  General  Smith  discovering  this,  ordered  his  right 
to  fall  back.  General  Whiting  failed  to  obey  General  Beau- 
regard's orders,  and  made  no  movement  on  the  Federal  rear. 
Gilmore’s  corps  was  almost  entirely  unengaged,  and  if  Butler 
had  thrown  forward  this  force  upon  his  left,  he  would  have 
36 


562 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


been  able  to  have  taken  Beauregard’s  line  in  reverse.  When 
Smith’s  line  fell  back,  Gilmore’s  performed  the  same  move- 
ment, and  the  whole  force  was  soon  withdrawn  by  General 
Butler,  to  the  lines  already  established  at  Bermuda  Hundred. 
Beauregard  advanced  and  skillfully  managed,  with  a small 
force,  to  completely  hold  the  powerful  command  of  General 
Butler  in  check.  This  was  very  unfortunate  for  the  Federals, 
as  this  expedition,  from  which  it  had  been  hoped  that  large 
results  would  have  been  gathered,,  had  ended,  to  use  General 
Grant’s  own  language,  in  Butler’s  command  being  completely 
“ bottled  up  and  hermetically  sealed.” 

General  Butler  now  decided  to  cross  the  Appomattox  river 
and  seize  Petersburg  from  the  south  side,  but  before  that 
movement  could  be  carried  out,  he  received  orders  from  Gen- 
eral Grant  to  send  the  Eighteenth  corps,  under  General 
Smith,  to  reinforce  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  at  the  Chicka- 
hominy,  and  thus  ended  this  inglorious  campaign.  General 
Butler’s  command  remained  distinct,  and  was  known  as  the 
Army  of  the  James,  but  its  future  movements  will  be  given 
in  connection  with  those  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  in  the 
future  pages  of  this  work. 


THE  STAFF  OF  LIFE  AT  THE  POINT  OF  DEATH.  563 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

ANECDOTES,  REMINISCENCES,  AND  POEM. 

LIGHTNING  DON’T  STRIKE  TWICE  IN  THE  SAME  PLACE. 

During  a furious  cannonade  a solid  shot  struck  near  by  and 
tore  a tremendous  hole  in  the  ground.  One  of  the  men,  noted 
both  for  his  wit  and  gallantry,  immediately  sprang  into  the 
hole,  saying  as  he  did  so,  “I'm  told  that  lightning  never 
strikes  twice  in  the  same  place.”  Scarcely  had  the  words 
escaped  his  lips  before  another  shot  struck  the  ground  a few 
feet  in  advance  of  him  and  literally  covered  him  with  dirt. 
He  struggled  to  his  feet,  and  added  in  the  same  tone  of  voice, 
“But  it  comes  devilish  near  it.” 

let’s  buy  the  battery. 

A good  story  is  told  of  a brave  sergeant  in  the  cavalry  reg- 
iment who  was  affected  with  a stoppage  in  his  speech.  His 
command  was  dismounted  and  acting  as  infantry. 

A battery  well  posted  was  doing  fearful  execution  along  the 
line,  and  the  officer  in  command  sent  an  order  to  the  colonel 
to  “charge  that  battery  and  silence  it.”  The  colonel  made  a 
brief  address  to  his  men  and  informed  them  of  the  order. 
The  sergeant  stammered  out,  “ S-s-say,  C-c-colonel,  w-wouldn't 
it  b-be  a g-g-good  p-p-plan  to  t-take  up  a c-c-c-collection  and 
b-b-buy  the  infernal  thing.  I’ll  p-p-pay  my  share.”  A smile 
played  around  the  colonel's  lips  as  he  swung  his  saber  around 
his  head  and  gave  the  order  to  charge. 

THE  STAFF  OF  LIFE  AT  THE  POINT  OF  DEATH. 

However  weary  and  hungry  the  Confederate  soldier  might 
be,  he  was  always  ready  with  his  joke,  and  many  were  the 
witticisms  fired  off  under  the  most  serious  circumstances. 


564 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


During  Early’s  Maryland  campaign  some  soldiers  having 
been  halted  scattered  to  the  houses  in  the  neighborhood  to 
buy  or  beg  some  food.  An  advance  of  the  enemy  was  reported 
and  the  long  roll  was  sounded. 

One  fortunate  fellow  had  come  into  the  possession  of  a loaf 
of  bread.  It  was  too  large  to  put  into  his  haversack,  and  for 
convenience  he  thrust  his  bayonet  through  it  and  carried  it  in 
that  way.  One  of  his  comrades  remarked  dryly,  “This  is  the 
first  time  I ever  saw  the  staff  of  life  at  the  point  of  death.” 

WAIT  UNTIL  I GET  THAT  BATTERY  OVER. 

Captain of  the  Third  Maine  regiment,  was  a gallant 

soldier,  but  especially  fond  of  the  ardent.  On  one  of  the 
marches  in  Virginia,  his  regiment  was  fording  a stream  near 
a point  where  a battery  of  artillery  was  also  crossing. 

The  captain  had  indulged  in  frequent  potations  from  a can- 
teen of  whiskey.  When  near  the  middle  of  the  stream  he 
assumed  a sitting  posture.  The  water  came  up  above  his 
shoulders,  and  he,  with  difficulty,  could  only  keep  his  mouth 
above  the  current. 

His  orderly  sergeant  saw  his  predicament,  and  hastened  to 
his  rescue.  Grasping  him  by  the  shoulder,  he  cried,  “ Come, 
come,  Cap’n,  get  up  out  of  this  ! ” The  cap’n  waved  his  hand 
in  a mysterious  manner  and  replied,  “ Hie,  hold  on,  Sergeant, 
hie — not  until  I get  that — hie — battery  over.” 

MASSA  ROBERT. 

The  above  was  the  familiar  title  by  which  General  Lee  was 
known  among  his  soldiers,  and  as  an  evidence  of  the  confi- 
dence they  placed  in  him,  and  the  love  they  had  for  him,  the 
following  anecdote  will  portray. 

Two  of  his  men  were  one  day  sitting  under  some  bushes  by 
the  road-side,  looking  for  “graybacks,”  as  General  Lee  rode 
by.  One  of  them  said,  “Bill,  I’d  give  five  dollars  to  know 
what  Massa  Robert  is  thinking  about,  now.”  To  which  the 
other  replied,  “ Why,  you  blamed  fool,  it  w<5uld  burst  your 
head  wide  open.” 


A PRESENTIMENT. 


565 


General  Lee  once  offered  to  lead  a charge  in  person,  but  a 
couple  of  old  veterans  rushed  from  the  ranks,  and,  seizing  his 
bridle,  turned  his  horse’s  head  to  the  rear,  as  they  remarked, 
“ You  just  go  back ; we’ll  tend  to  this  little  matter  ourselves.” 
The  General  did  retire,  and  the  charge  was  made  in  grand 
style. 

THE  CHAPLAIN’S  THEFT. 

The  following  amusing  story  is  told  of  a chaplain  of  the 
Confederate  army.  The  Tenth  Virginia  regiment  had  just 
boarded  a train  and  was  slowly  leaving  the  depot,  as  one  of 
the  command  espied  a very  fine  oven  for  baking  biscuit,  be- 
longing to  another  regiment,  lying  near  the  side  of  the 
track.  A very  pleasant-faced  chaplain,  with  his  hands  crossed 
behind  his  back,  was  slowly  walking  back  and  forth  as  if  in 
deep  meditation. 

“0,  parson,”  cried  the  soldier,/4  please  hand  me  that  oven, 
I haven’t  time  to  leave  the  car  to  get  it,  and  wouldn’t  leave 
it  behind  for  anything.”  “ Certainly,  sir,”  said  the  obliging 
chaplain,  who  seized  the  oven  and  swung  it  up  to  the  delighted 
soldier.  Just  at  that  moment  an  old  negro  cook  saw  what 
was  going  on,  and  rushing  to  the  spot,  cried  out,  “ Dat’s  my 
oben,  what  you  steal  my  oben  for  ? ” The  last  we  saw  as  we 
steamed  away,  was  the  old  negro  gesticulating  wildly,  as  the 
chaplain,  with  open  pa’lms,  was  trying  to  exculpate  himself 
from  complicity  in  the  theft.  Some  one  cried,  “ Three  cheers 
for  the  chaplain,”  and  they  were  given  with  a will. 

A PRESENTIMENT. 

Many  remarkable  stories  are  told  of  soldiers  predicting 
their  own  deaths.  A case  of  this  kind  came  strictly  to  pass. 
A few  days  before  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  General  Lee 
placed  a strong  guard  at  the  various  fords  of  the  Rapidan. 
A detail  of  picked  men  was  made  from  the  regiments  of  a 
certain  brigade,  and  put  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant 
Forrest,  of  the  Thirty-seventh  Virginia.  He  proceeded  to 
Germania  Ford,  posted  his  men,  and  lay  down  to  rest.  The 


566 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Lieutenant  said  he  had  had  a presentiment  that  he  should  he 
killed  in  the  next  fight  in  which  he  should  be  engaged  ; that 
if  the  enemy  attempted  to  cross  the  ford,  he  would  be  killed 
at  the  first  fire.  He  instructed  one  of  the  men,  in  the  event 
of  Ins  death,  to  take  command  of  the  post,  and  hold  it  as  long 
as  possible.  The  enemy  did  not  appear,  however,  and  the 
next  day  he  was  relieved  and  returned  to  camp.  In  a few 
days  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  was  fought,  and  strangely 
enough,  he  fell  mortally  wounded,  at  the  first  fire,  on  the  day 
of  May  fifth. 

THE  COLONEL  WAS  NOT  ON  HAND. 

The  commander  of  a Federal  brigade,  who,  at  the  present 
time  is  one  of  the  leading  bankers  in  this  country,  and  who  is 
well  known  in  all  the  works  of  Christian  benevolence,  when 
appointed  to  the  command  of  his  first  regiment  at  the  out- 
break of  the  war,  drew  his  regiment  up  in  line  and  spoke  to 
them  kindly ; told  them  what  he  should  expect  of  them,  and 
that  if  they  obeyed  his  commands  they  would  always  find  in 
him  a true  friend.  Among  other  things  he  informed  them 
that,  as  their  commander,  he  should  insist  upon  doing  all  the 
swearing ; that  when  anything  went  wrong  to  send  for  him, 
and  if  he  considered  it  actually  necessary  he  would  do  the 
swearing  for  the  whole  regiment. 

The  boys  all  liked  his  address,  and  as  it  was  well  known 
that  the  colonel  was  a Christian,  they  concluded  there  would 
be  but  little  swearing  done.  Things  went  smoothly  for  a time, 
but  one  day  the  gallant  colonel  came  upon  one  of  his  team- 
sters whose  mules  would  not  pull,  and  the  fellow  was  slashing 
them  with  his  green-hide  and  swearing  until  the  very  air  was 
blue  around  him. 

“Look  here,  my  man!  ” shouted  the  colonel,  “did  I not  give 
orders  that  I would  do  the  swearing  for  the  whole  regiment ; 
what  do  you  mean  by  swearing  in  this  manner  ? ” 

The  fellow  dismounted  from  his  mule,  took  off  his  hat, 
ejected  a huge  quid  of  tobacco  from  his  mouth,  and  said, 
“ Kernel,  I know  what  your  orders  are,  and  I intended  to  obey 


UNYOKE  THE  STEER. 


567 


’em,  but  here  was  an  important  period  in  the  history  of  these 
mules;  some  swearing  had  to  be  done  immediately,  and  as  you 
were  not  on  hand  to  do  it,  I volunteered  to  fill  your  place 
until  you  should  arrive.” 

The  colonel  rode  on  and  the  teamster  was  not  rebuked. 

UNYOKE  THE  STEER. 

After  the  great  battle  of  Gettysburg  had  been  fought,  the 
boys  who  had  been  slightly  wounded  and  left  in  the  field-hos- 
pitals, experienced  many  very  pleasant  episodes  in  connection 
with  the  old  farmers  of  that  section,  a large  portion  of  whom 
were  of  German  descent,  and  not  able  to  successfully  guard 
against  the  tricks  and  jokes  of  the  Yankee  soldiers. 

One  day  in  August,  a squad  of  these  fellows,  boiling  over 
with  mischief,  visited  a large  farm  owned  by  a German,  and 
located  some  dozen  miles  from  the  battlefield.  The  old  gen- 
tleman, who  was  about  fifty  years  old,  and  a genuine  Dutch- 
man both  physically  and  intellectually,  was  jubilant  over  the 
situation,  rejoicing  because  as  he  remarked,  “ De  dampt  repels 
have  been  drobe  away,  and  mine  proberty  vas  all  save.” 

He  was  very  proud  of  his  farm  stock,  and  especially  so  of  a 
3'oung  steer,  which  was  large,  sleek  and  wild.  The  old  man 
was  endeavoring  to  tame  him,  and  for  that  purpose  had  placed 
the  steer’s  neck  in  a yoke,  and,  not  having  a mate,  was  carry- 
ing the  other  end  of  the  yoke  in  his  hands.  In  this  way  he 
was  driving  him  around  the  yard.  The  boys  watched  mat- 
ters for  a few  moments,  and  then  suggested,  that  if  he  wished 
to  make  the  animal  accustomed  to  the  yoke,  he  had  better  get 
down  on  his  hands  and  knees  and  yoke  himself  in  with  the 
steer,  and  thus  accustom  him  to  work  with  a mate. 

The  Dutchman  caught  at  this  brilliant  idea  in  a moment, 
and  getting  down  in  the  position  already  named,  with  the  as- 
sistance of  his  friends,  soon  found  himself  yoked  securely  by 
the  side  of  his  steer.  The  animal  chanced  to  turn  its  eyes 
toward  the  other  end  of  the  yoke,  and  to  his  horror  saw  the 
full,  red  face  of  his  owner  peering  forth  from  beneath  it. 
With  a wild  snort  and  roar  of  fright  he  started  at  a three-min- 


568 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ute  rate  down  the  road.  Not  having  time  for  deliberation 
the  old  gentleman  followed  suit,  being  carried  along  by  the 
superior  strength  of  his  yoke-fellow. 

Every  effort  to  escape  from  his  predicament  was  in  vain, 
and  down  the  road  he  went,  touching  the  ground  only  once 
in  several  rods.  It  was  a ludicrous  scene ; the  steer  furnishing 
the  motive  power  for  himself  and  companion  and  roaring 
with  fright,  the  old  Dutchman  flying  through  the  air,  firmly 
secured  to  the  yoke,  yelling  to  the  steer  to  stop. 

The  boys,  anxious  to  assist,  ran  yelling,  and  after  a thirty 
minutes’  chase,  which  seemed  to  have  been  hours,  they  suc- 
ceeded in  surrounding  the  runaways  in  a corner  of  a fence, 
and,  by  a bold  dash,  captured  the  twain. 

They  instantly  proceeded  to  free  the  old  Dutchman  from 
his  perilous  position,  when  they  were  stopped  by  the  latter, 
who,  true  to  the  instincts  of  a Dutchman's  discernment,  yelled 
out:  “ You  dampt  phools,  vat  ish  you  about?  Doan  you 
know  dot  I vill  sthand?”  The  steer  was  unyoked. 

fremont’s  scouts. 

I joined  General  Fremont’s  army  at  Franklin,  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  Virginia,  where  I found  my  forces  in  line  of  battle, 
awaiting  the  onset  of  the  foe  under  Jackson.  The  polite 
Colonel  Tracy,  then  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army  of  Vir- 
ginia, after  introducing  me  to  the  different  members  of  the 
staff,  all  at  once  exclaimed : 

“ You  must  make  the  acquaintance  of  Carpenter.  Orderly, 
call  Captain  Carpenter.”  In  a few  moments  the  orderly  re- 
turned, escorting  a medium-sized  man,  but  one  who  did  not 
impress  me  at  the  moment  as  being  a person  of  marked 
character  or  celebrity. 

“ Carpenter,”  said  the  Colonel,  “ this  is  my  friend,  Major 

. Look  out  for  him  in  times  of  danger.  Major,  this  is 

Captain  Carpenter,  the  leader  of  the  scouts,  and  it  will  be 
well  for  you  to  know  him  and  his  men.” 

Carpenter  was  a young  man  of  about  twenty-five  years  of 
age,  of  quiet  demeanor,  and  slight  frame ; but  his  dark  eye 


FKEMONT’S  SCOUTS.  569 

and  the  lines  of  his  mouth  indicated  great  firmness  and 
courage. 

“ All  right,”  responded  the  scout ; and  turning  to  me  with 
a smile,  he  said,  “ Come,  Major,  come  with  me,  and  see  the 
boys.  They  are  at  dinner.” 

We  went  out  into  an  adjoining  field,  and  found  Carpenter’s 
men  taking  their  noonday  meal  under  an  oak  tree.  And  such 
a crowd  I had  never  put  my  eyes  upon  before  in  any  country. 
In  fact,  I believe  that  such  a motley  set  of  rascals  never  were 
seen  together  since  the  days  of  the  forty  thieves.  The  crowd 
consisted  of  about  twenty  persons  of  all  descriptions  of  form, 
features,  color  and  dress.  There  was  the  tin  peddler,  the  de- 
mure village  parson,  the  country  gawk,  a lame,  sleepy  darky, 
and  a number  of  the  half-wild  scouts  who  had  followed  Fre- 
mont from  the  prairies  of  the  far  West. 

“ Hello,  boys,”  exclaimed  Carpenter,  “ this  is  my  friend ; 
look  out  for  him  if  he  gets  into  trouble.” 

“ All  right,”  responded  half  a dozen  at  once,  “ we'll  help 
him.” 

“ I’ll  hook  him  a horse,”  said  a half-breed  horse  thief. 

“I’ll  lift  a hen  roost  or  a beehive  for  him,”  whispered  the 
darky  cripple. 

“ Yea,”  bellowed  the  bogus  Quaker;  “mine  eyes  will  be 
lifted  upon  thee  in  compassion  in  the  dark  hour  of  need.” 

I instinctively  placed  my  hand  upon  my  watch,  while  I in- 
dulged in  a hearty  laugh  at  the  odd  and  picturesque  looking 
fellows,  as  they  clustered  around  me,  proffering  their  friend- 
ship and  aid. 

But  really  there  were  some  fine  faces  among  this  heteroge- 
neous crew,  which  told  of  superior  birth  and  education. 
These  young  men  loved  to  play  the  part  of  the  spy  and  the 
scout  for  the  intense  excitement  it  afforded,  and  the  various 
adventures  incident  to  it,  and  they  fairly  carried  their  lives  in 
their  hands ; for  death  was  the  penalty  if  caught,  and  the 
rebels  dealt  summarily  with  them  whenever  they  pounced 
upon  them. 

A few  days  after  this  laughable  interview,  the  signal  corps 


570 


BLUE  AiSTD  GRAY. 


announced  that  Jackson,  by  a flank  march,  had  passed  us  and 
driven  Banks  and  his  little  band  of  men  back  to  the  Potomac. 
In  consequence  of  this  move  of  the  rebels,  the  Army  of  Vir- 
ginia under  Fremont  were  ordered  to  cross  the  intervening 
mountains  swiftly,  and  attack  the  invaders  in  the  rear. 

With  my  usual  luck,  I was  ordered  to  join  the  advance 
guard,  who  were  to  clear  the  roads  of  all  obstructions,  put  to 
flight  the  lurking  guerrillas,  and  ascertain  the  position  of  the 
enemy.  We  were  not  allowed  time  to  sleep,  and  hardly  to 
eat,  but  ordered  to  get  possession  of  mountain  defiles  and 
certain  bridges  before  the  rebels  could  fortify  or  burn  them. 

One  dark  night  we  were  moving  swiftly  to  seize  an  impor- 
tant bridge,  some  twenty  miles  away  from  the  position  of  our 
main  arm}",  when  our  skirmishers  announced  that  they  had 
surprised  three  rebel  soldiers,  asleep  in  a brick  house  near  by. 
I followed  the  general  to  get  a glimpse  of  the  rascals,  and 
was  astounded,  on  entering  the  room,  to  hear  the  soldiers 
greet  me,  and  call  me  by  name. 

“ All  right,  Major ; you  will  help  us  out  of  this  scrape. 
Pete,  come  down.” 

At  this  signal,  the  lame  negro  came  sliding  down  the  chim- 
ney, exclaiming: 

“ Whew!  You  don’t  catch  dis  nigger  in  bed  when  dar  is 
danger  ob  de  rebs  about.” 

These,  it  seems,  were  some  of  Carpenter’s  scouts,  who  were 
out  on  a “tout,  ” and,  being  much  fatigued,  had  gone  to  sleep 
without  posting  a sentinel ; and  so  our  boys  had  caught  them 
napping,  with  the  exception  of  the  darky. 

After  a hearty  laugh  all  around,  we  restored  them  their 
arms,  and  continued  on  our  dreary  march,  in  the  rain,  for  the 
distant  bridge,  which  we  were  fortunate  to  capture  at  early 
morn,  without  much  of  a fight. 

At  length  we  arrived  within  a few  miles  of  Strasburg,  and 
espied  a small  band  of  rebels  patrolling  the  forks  of  the  road. 
Carpenter  collected  a few  of  his  scouts,  and  boldly  charged  the 
rebels,  without  giving  them  time  to  estimate  the  number  of 
assailants. 


FREMONT’S  SCOUTS. 


571 


The  surprised  rebels,  astonished  by  the  horrible  yelling  of 
the  scouts,  thought  the  whole  army  was  charging,  and  threw 
down  their  arms  and  took  to  their  heels,  some  on  foot  and 
some  on  horseback.  The  scouts  by  their  sudden  and  rash 
attack,  not  only  routed  the  rebels,  but  captured  ten  of  them 
beside  quite  a number  of  arms  and  horses. 

As  the  scouts  had  promised  to  secure  me  a horse  I rode 
forward  and  examined  those  just  captured,  but  found  none 
really  worth  taking,  and  preferred  to  keep  for  the  present  the 
horse  Captain  Conger  of  the  cavalry  had  lent  me,  until  the 
quartermaster  could  furnish  me  according  to  requisition. 

That  night,  a few  miles  beyond  the  scene  of  conflict,  we 
struck  Jackson’s  men  as  they  were  retreating  south  through 
Strasburg.  The  firm  resistance  indicated  that  we  had  en- 
countered something  heavier  than  a picket  guard,  and  our 
men  withdrew  back  a few  paces  and  awaited  the  advance  of 
the  main  army. 

We  encamped  without  fires  in  a dense  thicket  and  supper- 
less lay  down  to  rest.  How  fearfully  it  rained  during  the 
long  night,  and  in  fact  it  had  been  raining  more  or  less  every 
day  since  we  started  on  our  march ; a steady  torrent  of  water 
poured  down  from  the  clouds,  and  it  seemed  as  though  the 
flood-gates  of  heaven  were  open. 

We  anticipated  a midnight  attack  from  the  enemy,  and  so 
our  troops  lay  down  in  line  of  battle,  waiting  for  the  attack. 
As  for  myself,  I sat  down  at  the  root  of  a large  tree  and,  re- 
clining against  its  trunk,  soon  fell  asleep  ; but  I had  taken  the 
precaution  to  tie  the  bridle  of  my  horse  to  my  arm  for  fear 
that  he  might  break  away  or  be  stolen  during  the  darkness  of 
night.  About  daybreak  the  sensation  of  absorbing  a little  too 
much  water  awoke  me,  and  to  my  disgust  I found  that  I was 
all  afloat  in  a large  pool  of  water.  Crawling  out  of  the  vasty 
deep  into  which  I had  been  quite  immersed,  I was  somewhat 
gratified  to  perceive  that  my  horse  was  safe  and  still  tied  to 
my  arm.  But  in  the  dim  obscurity  of  the  early  morn  I thought 
that  a slight  change  had  taken  place  during  the  night,  for  he 
seemed  bow-legged,  whereas  the  horse  I rode  the  day  before 


572 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


and  symmetrical  limbs.  I approached  and  felt  of  the  beast, 
and  good  gracious  ! his  forelegs  were  as  bent  and  crooked  as  a 
beanstalk ! What  a severe  attack  of  rheumatism  he  must 
have  had  during  the  night,  thought  I,  as  a feeling  of  compas- 
sion arose  in  my  breast.  But  what  is  this  white  streak  on  his 
forehead?  who  painted  that?  he  never  had  one  before.  Drop- 
ping the  bridle  I stepped  back  a pace  and  surveyed  my  horse 
in  amazement.  Good  heavens ! he  had  become  blind,  too ! 
My  eyes  wandered  to  the  saddle  and  blanket;  they  were  both 
safe;  but  just  then  I caught  a glimpse  of  the  tail ; it  was  short 
and  stubby,  whereas  the  evening  before  it  was  long  and  flow- 
ing ! The  truth  now  flashed  before  me : nry  horse  had  been 
slipped  out  of  the  bridle,  and  this  sickly,  blind,  old  crab  left 
in  his  place  ! 

“ Who  did  this  ? ” I shouted  to  the  startled  soldiers  around 
me. 

One  after  another  they  rubbed  their  eyes,  and  roared  with 
laughter  as  they  got  a fair  view  of  my  quadruped. 

“It  must  have  been  the  scouts  avIio  did  this,”  whispered  a 
consoling  friend ; “ they  could  steal  the  tail  off  a sleeping 
fox.” 

“ Where  are  the  rascals  ? ” I shouted,  with  virtuous  indig- 
nation. 

But  the  crowd  were  too  convulsed  with  laughter  to  answer 
me;  so  I strode  off  up  the  road  in  search  of  Carpenter.  In 
about  half  an  hour  I found  him,  and  requested  him  to  follow 
me  for  a few  moments. 

“ There,  what  do  you  call  that  ? ” said  I,  leading  him  up  to 
the  beast.  “ Some  of  your  sentimental,  hen-roost-robbing 
pupils  have  stolen  my  good  horse,  and  left  me  this  decrepit, 
toothless  old  hack.” 

“ Never ! ” shouted  Carpenter,  his  eyes  fairly  flashing  with 
disgust.  “My  boys  never  would  touch  such  a beast  as  that, 
and  they  wouldn’t  play  such  a trick  on  you.  They  think  too 
much  of  you  for  that,  Major.” 

“Well,  then,”  I responded,  “who  did  it? 
him.” 


Somebody  stole 


FREMONT'S  SCOUTS. 


573 


“I’ll  tell  you,”  said  the  scout,  leaning  over  confidingly,  “it 
was  some  of  Blenker’s  Dutchmen ; they  are  awful  thieves.” 

The  crowd  fairly  bellowed  with  laughter  at  this  suggestion 
of  Carpenter,  which  was  so  palpably  false ; and,  in  spite  of 
my  anger,  I laughed  heartily,  too. 

“Say  no  more,  Major,”  said  the  scout;  “I  have  a nice  horse 
for  you,  and  will  bring  him  around  soon.” 

In  a short  time  I found  myself  mounted  on  a splendid 
animal,  and  was  much  gratified  at  the  final  result  of  my  night 
adventure,  when  one  of  Fremont’s  staff  rode  up  to  me,  and 
demanded  the  animal,  which  polite  invitation  I very  promptly 
declined.  But,  to  my  horror,  the  aid  produced  an  order 
proving  the  animal  to  have  been  stolen  from  the  village 
preacher ; and  so  I dismounted.  That  night  I was  ordered 
to  join  a column  who  were  to  attack  Jackson’s  rear  at  mid- 
night, and  attempt  to  cut  off  some  of  the  rebels,  and  capture 
their  trains. 

We  made  our  way  into  the  town  of  Strasburg,  into  the 
very  midst  of  the  rebel  squadrons,  but  were  driven  out  again ; 
and,  in  the  melee,  I was  capsized  from  my  rickety  old  steed, 
and  thrown  headlong  into  a quagmire,  where  I sank  so  deeply 
that  for  a moment  it  was  a matter  of  serious  doubt  in  mv 
mind  whether  I should  attempt  to  dig  through  the  earth 
downward  to  China  or  strive  to  scratch  back  again  to  Vir- 
ginia’s sacred  soil.  My  good  fortune  prevailed,  however,  and, 
after  a few  desperate  kicks  and  backward  plunges,  I managed 
to  emerge  again  upon  the  surface.  While  scrambling  about 
to  find  my  late  friends,  I stumbled  upon  a riderless  horse,  and 
mounting  him,  rode  safely  back  to  camp. 

During  the  rest  of  the  campaign,  my  prize  was  not  recog- 
nized nor  claimed  by  any  one  of  our  army ; but  my  gift  from 
the  scouts  was  never  seen  afterward,  and,  in  fact,  I think 
that  he  wisely  remained  in  the  quagmire.  If  such  wras  the 
fact,  I can  only  say,  “ After  life’s  fitful  fever,  he  sleeps  well.” 

During  this  and  other  campaigns  in  Virginia,  I had  fre- 
quent opportunities  of  witnessing  the  courage  and  skill  of 
these  scouts,  and  was  often  befriended  by  them.  But  one 


574 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


after  another  they  disappeared  from  the  army,  either  from 
capture  or  the  enemy’s  bullets,  and  in  a few  months  the  whole 
company  was  broken  up. 

Three  years  after  this  campaign  I was  accosted  in  the 
streets  of  Nashville,  by  a keen  eyed  young  man,  who  ad- 
dressed me  familiarly,  saying,  “ Colonel,  what  about  that  blind 
old  hoss?  I was  one  of  Fremont’s  scouts,  but  ’pon  honor,  we 
never  stole  your  beast.”  I had  seen  this  man  captured  in  a 
fight  near  Strasburg,  and  rebel  prisoners  told  us  afterward 
that  he  had  been  shot.  Fortunately,  however,  he  had  man- 
aged to  escape,  and  lived  to  meet  and  remind  me  of  my  ridic- 
ulous adventure. 

THE  DUNKER  BEE-HIVE. 

When  General  McClellan  commenced  his  march  upon  Rich- 
mond, in  1862,  by  way  of  the  peninsula,  General  Fremont  was 
ordered  to  collect  his  forces  in  western  and  northern  Virginia 

O 

and  descend  into  central  Virginia,  at  the  same  time,  and  seize 
the  supplies  which  the  hungry  rebels  were  drawing  from  those 
fertile  regions.  Whilst  McClellan  was  besieging  Yorktown, 
Fremont  was  collecting  his  men  in  northern  Virginia,  near  the 
town  of  Cumberland,  and  preparing  to  make  a bold  push  for 
Staunton.  At  this  time  I was  connected  with  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  but  as  soon  as  Yorktown  was  evacuated  I was 
ordered  to  join  Fremont. 

On  arriving  at  Fremont’s  base  of  supplies  on  the  Baltimore 
and  Ohio  railroad,  a few  miles  west  of  Cumberland,  I found 
to  my  dismay  that  the  army  had  been  gone  many  days,  and 
was  at  this  time  confronting  Jackson  near  the  town  of  Frank- 
lin, about  sixty  miles  south.  Applying  to  the  quartermaster 
for  horses,  he  informed  me  that  he  had  none,  and  that  I must 
wait  several  days  for  a conveyance  and  escort.  I found  sev- 
eral other  officers  at  the  station  waiting  for  transportation  to 
the  front,  and  uneasy,  like  myself,  at  the  delay.  But  fortu- 
nately General  Rosecrans  appeared  with  an  ambulance  and 
horses,  and  turning  them  over  to  the  quartermaster,  he 
promptly  sent  us  off  rejoicing  to  the  front. 


THE  D UNKER  BEE-HIYE. 


575 


The  road  lay  through  a wild  and  unsettled  part  of  the 
country,  and  we  were  cautioned  to  keep  a sharp  lookout  for 
guerrillas,  who  were  known  to  be  lurking  in  the  mountain 
glens  and  recesses.  We  kept  our  loaded  rifles  constantly  in 
our  hands  in  readiness  to  reply  to  their  first  shot.  But  we 
were  not  molested  during  our  journey,  and  after  two  long  days 
of  slow  and  tedious  riding,  we  arrived  in  sight  of  Fremont’s 
army.  It  was  posted  along  the  heights  which  overlooked  the 
little  town  of  Franklin,  and  commanded  the  narrow  defile 
beyond.  Far  down  the  valley  we  could  see  in  the  thickening 
haze  of  evening  the  red  camp  fires  of  the  rebels;  but  Fremont 
believed  that  Jackson  had  retreated,  leaving  only  a brigade  to 
keep  up  the  appearance  of  a large  army.  It  was  thought  by 
many  of  our  officers  that  Jackson  had  gone  back  to  Staunton, 
and  would  march  quietly  up  the  Shenandoah  Yalley,  attack 
Banks,  and  threaten  our  flank.  The  next  week  Jackson  ap- 
peared at  Winchester,  forced  the  gallant  Banks  and  his  brave 
little  army  back  to  the  Potomac,  and  threatened  to  cut  off  our 
communications. 

There  came  orders  from  Washington  for  Fremont  to  change 
his  objective  point ; to  march  across  the  mountains,  intercept 
Jackson  on  his  retreat,  and  fight  him.  All  these  despatches 
came  in  rapid  succession,  and  the  excitement  in  our  camp  be- 
came intense.  The  troops  were  to  march  at  once,  and  to  the 
advance  guard,  which  was  composed  of  three  regiments,  I was 
then  assigned.  As  we  led  the  way  down  the  valley  the  scouts 
pointed  out  the  black  flag  flying  from  a mountain  peak  as  a 
warning  to  all  stragglers.  Night  overtook  us  on  our  weary 
march,  but  we  did  not  halt  to  camp,  for  we  were  ordered  to 
seize,  at  all  hazards,  an  important  pass  in  the  mountains,  then 
many  miles  away. 

It  was  almost  morning  before  we  arrived  at  the  rugged  de- 
file, and  found,  to  our  joy,  that  the  rebels  were  not  there. 
We  then  went  into  camp,  and  waited  for  the  main  army, 
which  was  a day’s  journey  behind.  We  had  left  all  our  bag- 
gage, and  traveled  with  great  rapidity. 

One  of  the  regiments  of  the  advance  guard  was  the  Eighth 


576 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Virginia,  composed  of  loyal  mountaineers  of  West  Virginia, 
men  accustomed  to  hunt  game  in  the  great  forests,  and  climb 
the  steep  mountains.  They  were  nearly  all  men  of  great 
courage,  strength  and  agility,  and  furnished  the  army  with 
some  of  its  best  scouts. 

As  soon  as  the  main  army  came  up,  we  were  ordered  to 
move  and  seize  a bridge  a few  miles  away,  and  hold  it  until 
the  remainder  of  the  troops  came  up.  Marching  stealthily, 
and  with  quick  pace,  we  came  upon  the  rebels  posted  at  the 
bridge  so  suddenly  that  they  had  not  time  to  collect  their 
scattered  and  surprised  forces  soon  enough  to  oppose  our  sud- 
den rush.  Once  across  the  river,  we  soon  put  them  to  flight, 
and  sent  the  brave  boys  of  the  Eighth  Virginia  to  scatter 
them  in  the  mountains. 

In  a few  hours  the  rest  of  the  army  came  up,  and  we  were 
ordered  to  rest  while  other  regiments  took  the  lead.  But  I 
thought  I would  ride  ahead  to  the  foot  of  the  first  mountain, 
and  ascertain  what  our  brave  scouts  were  about,  as  I heard 
several  sharp  reports  of  rifle  shots.  I had  not  gone  more  than 
a mile  before  I came  to  a large  mansion,  before  Avhich  a squad 
of  the  Eighth  Virginia  boys  were  lounging  about,  some  lean- 
ing on  their  long  rifles,  others  pacing  up  and  down  the  road, 
and  all  looking,  very  cross. 

“ Hello,  Major ! ” called  out  to  me  a tall,  strong  soldier. 
“ We  are  hungry,  and  have  had  nothing  to  eat  since  yester- 
day ; and  this  stingy  old  Dunker  won’t  give  or  sell  us  any- 
thing to  eat.  What  shall  we  do?  We  can’t  fight  decently 
on  an  empty  stomach.” 

I rode  up  to  the  veranda  of  the  house,  and  said  kindly  to 
the  proprietor,  who  appeared  to  be  a morose,  sour-faced  man, 
“ My  friend,  will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  sell  me  a few  loaves  of 
bread  for  these  brave  boys  ? for  they  have  had  nothing  to  eat 
since  yesterday.” 

“ No,”  snappishly  replied  the  man;  “I  have  no  bread  to 
sell.” 

“Will  you  let  me  have  some  flour  or  meal,  then?”  I po- 
litely inquired. 


THE  DUNKER  BEE-HIVE.  577 

“ No,”  sharply  returned  the  fellow,  “ I have  nothing  to  sell 
or  give  away.” 

“The  mean  old  Dunker!”  shouted  the  soldiers.  “Say  the 
word,  Major,  and  we’ll  go  through  that  house  like  a streak  of 
lightning  through  a gooseberry  bush  !” 

The  proprietor,  it  seems,  was  a member  of  that  religious 
society  which  had  its  origin  in  Germany,  and  resembled  some- 
what that  called  the  Shakers.  The  Dunkers  were  very  peace- 
able, and  it  was  a part  of  their  creed  never  to  resist  violence, 
never  fight,  and  never  even  go  to  law  to  redress  an  injury. 
Generally  they  were  very  kind  and  generous  ; but  this  fellow 
was  the  meanest  looking  specimen  I had  ever  seen,  and  I felt 
half  inclined  to  let  the  boys  enter  the  house  and  help  them- 
selves, for  everything  about  the  premises  indicated  prosperity 
and  a well-stocked  larder. 

“I  say,  Major,”  sang  out  one  of  the  soldiers,  “do  you  see 
them  bee-hives  in  the  yard  ? The  fat  straw  hive  is  hefty,  for 
I hefted  it  myself.  Say  the  word,  Major,  and  we’ll  lift  it 
right  smart.” 

“Go!”  I exclaimed,  involuntarily,  without  being  aware  of 
what  I said.  And  instantly  half  a dozen  lithe  men  dropped 
their  aides,  leaped  the  fence,  seized  the  great  straw  hive,  and 
brought  it  out  quickly  into  the  middle  of  the  road,  and 
commenced  to  rip  off  the  top. 

The  first  grab  of  the  boys  tore  off  the  top  of  the  hive,  and 
all  clustered  around  to  snatch  a part  of  the  honey-comb,  when 
there  issued  forth  a perfect  cloud  of  enraged  bees,  who  put  to 
dight  in  a moment  the  hungry  scouts.  The  soldiers  rvere 
dispersed  and  disappointed,  and  I "was  astounded ; for  never 
did  the  insect  world  attack  man  so  dercely,  since  the  bugs 
assaulted  the  ancient  Egyptians. 

Here  was  a sweet  dx.  Military  law  violated  and  no  honey. 
I began  to  feel  a little  nervous.  The  soldiers  were  walking 
around,  at  a safe  distance  from  the  hive,  grumbling,  and  pick- 
ing out  the  stings  from  their  swollen  chops.  Just  then  the 
heavy  tramp  of  men  caused  me  to  turn  my  head  to  the  rear, 
and  I saw  a German  regiment  marching  up  the  road  in  due 
37 


578 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


style.  It  was  evident  that  the  officers  thought  that  they  were 
about  approaching  a village,  for  they  were  closing  up  the 
ranks  of  the  regiment,  and  the  band  were  getting  their  instru- 
ments ready  to  play.  As  they  were  wheeling  around  the 
turn  which  the  road  made,  as  it  passed  the  Dunker's  mansion, 
the  drum-major  turned  toward  his  musicians,  and  Avaved  on 
high,  most  majestically,  his  great  baton,  as  a signal  to  com- 
mence. 

The  drum-major  was  a tall,  stout  German,  and  was  dressed 
most  fantastically,  according  to  military  custom.  Medals  and 
ornaments  covered  his  bright-colored  clothes,  and  an  im- 
mense bear  skin  shako  added  to  the  proportions  of  his  tall 
form.  Marching  backward  until  the  band  caught  the  meas- 
ure of  his  exact  motions,  he  turned  to  march  up  the  road,  just 
as  the  next  backAvard  step  would  have  placed  him  astride  the 
broken  bee-hive,  which  was  surrounded  by  an  immense  swarm 
of  infuriated  bees. 

“Dunder  and  Blitzen  ! vat  is  dis?”  yelled  the  drum-major, 
as  he  leaped  frantically  in  the  air,  flinging  his  baton  far  away, 
and  making  his  two  great  hands  revolve  about  his  ears  like 
the  sails  of  a Avindmill.  A feAV  more  grotesque  hops,  skips 
.and  antics,  and  the  musical  man  broke  for  the  woods,  as 
though  chain  lightning  was  after  him.  Approaching  the 
fence,  he  made  a mighty  bound,  cleared  the  five  bars,  but 
catching  his  toe  in  an  upturned  knot  of  the  upper  rail,  he  re- 
volved at  least  three  times  before  he  landed,  with  all  his 
finery,  most  melodiously  in  the  great  compost  heap  of  the 
coAV-yard. 

In  the  meantime,  the  front  rank  of  the  musicians  marched 
along,  tooting  all  the  Avhile,  but  sadly  out  of  tune  and  time, 
for  they  kept  their  wandering  eyes  on  the  strange  and  unac- 
customed movements  of  their  leader.  But  all  at  once  they 
too,  were  seized  Avith  convulsive  movements,  which  reminded 
the  spectator  of  the  worst  form  of  the  St.  Vitus  dance,  accom- 
panied by  a touch  of  the  Jackson  itch. 

The  second  rank  pressing  close  on  the  heels  of  the  first  was 
affected  likewise,  and  the  air  Avas  filled  with  sax-horns,  trom- 


THE  D TINKER  BEE-HIVE. 


579 


bones,  clarionets,  bugles,  and  reed  instruments,  as  they  were 
flung  aside  by  the  startled  and  frantic  musicians ; bat  the  sub- 
limest  spectacle  of  all  was  reserved  for  the  big  Dutchman  who 
presided  over  the  great  bass  drum.  Ah,  he  was  a huge  fellow, 
and  reminded  me  much  of  Van  Amburgh's  hippopotamus. 
His  head  was  big,  tooi,  and  his  nose,  which  was  as  large  as  a 
quart  bottle,  was  peppered  with  red  spots  which  faintly  indi- 
cated a fondness  for  the  national  beverage — lager  beer.  At 
this  moment  he  was  evidently  bewildered,  for  his  great  goggle- 
eyes  were  rolling  right  and  left  whilst  he  held  the  drumstick 
with  his  right  hand  high  up  in  the  air  in  the  attitude  of  strik- 
ing ; but  suddenly  he  ducked  his  head  as  quickly  as  a terrapin 
does  when  touched  on  the  nose  with  a red-hot  iron  by  some 
mischievous  urchin.  The  drumsticks  dropped  from  his  hands ; 
again  he  ducked  his  head  and  convulsively  attempted  to  slip 
under  the  great  strap  which  passed  over  his  shoulders  and 
confined  him  to  the  heavy  drum  ; but  it  was  “no  go,”  for  the 
stout  leather  was  strongly  buckled.  Then  he  started  to  run, 
but  at  the  very  first  step  his  toe  struck  a stone  and  he  rolled 
on  his  back  in  the  dust.  There  he  lay  kicking,  blowing,  puf- 
fing, swearing,  and  vainly  attempting  to  free  himself  from  the 
big  drum,  and  at  the  same  time  protect  his  vulnerable  point, 
his  nose,  from  the  savage  assaults  of  the  enraged  insects  ; but 
it  was  all  in  vain,  and  making  a desperate  effort  he  rose  to  his 
feet  again  and  started  to  run,  but  before  twenty  steps  were 
taken  he  stubbed  his  toe  again  and  turned  a series  of  somer- 
saults in  the  dust.  Luckily,  however,  as  he  fell  a projecting 
root  tore  a wide  slit  in  the  head  of  the  drum,  and  “Dutchy,” 
with  the  quickness  of  despair,  got  upon  his  knees,  thrust  his 
head  into  the  slit  of  the  drum-head  and  his  hands  into  his 
capacious  pockets.  The  position  was  somewhat  ridiculous, 
but  it  afforded  security  against  the  attacks  of  the  pursuing  foe. 

Meanwhile  the  gallant  Teutons  — “ the  sanguinary  men  of 
war,” — marched  along  with  muskets  on  the  shoulder  and  heads 
erect.  “ Right  veel,  dere  ! ” shouted  the  pompous,  pot-bellied 
little  captain,  as  he  turned  around  to  his  men,  at  the  corner 
of  the  road.  “ Right  veel ! Steady  on  de  right,  dere  ! Stea  — ” 


580 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


The  word  of  command  was  not  finished,  for  the  little 
Dutchman  hopped  up  and  down  in  the  most  ridiculous  man- 
ner, and  finally,  throwing  down  his  sword,  took  to  his  heels 
as  though  the  “ Old  Scratch  ” was  after  him. 

Then  the  valiant  soldiers,  as  soon  as  they  had  fairly  passed 
the  corner,  were  seemingly  bewitched  in  like  manner.  Down 
went  the  line  of  muskets  like  a flash  of  lightning,  and  up 
went  a host  of  hands,  waving  and  brushing  about  a host  of 
short  noses,  long  noses,  and  all  sorts  of  noses. 

At  this  time  my  strength  forsook  me,  and  I fell  from  my 
horse  in  a perfect  paroxysm  of  laughter  ; and  before  I could 
muster  strength  enough  to  stand  upon  my  feet,  half  of  that 
great  regiment  of  strong  men  had  been  put  to  flight  in  a 
manner  which  was  incomprehensible  to  the  rear  ranks. 

In  fact  the  bees  fought  so  long  as  there  was  a single  bee 
left  to  sting  ; and  if  I had  been  called  upon  at  that  moment 
to  declare  how  many  there  were  in  the  hive,  I should  have 
stated,  unhesitatingly,  that  there  was  a million,  or  two  hun- 
dred insects  to  each  of  the  five  hundred  dispersed  Dutchmen. 

What  a scene  now  presented  itself!  Hogarth  would  have 
gone  crazy  with  laughter  had  he  been  there  ; Joe  Miller 
would  have  died  in  five  minutes ; and  I venture  to  say  that 
the  “ man  who  never  smiled,”  would  have  burst  a button  or 
two. 

Hundreds  of  muskets  lay  scattered  around,  promiscuously 
mixed  with  hats,  knapsacks,  dilapidated  boots,  broken  meer- 
schaum pipes,  paper  dickies,  disjointed  coat  tails,  trombones, 
and  other  brass  instruments ; whilst  their  late  owners  were 
roosting  on  the  distant  fences,  engaged  in  picking  out  the 
stings  from  their  red  noses,  and  in  cursing  each  other  in  Dutch 
and  forty  other  languages. 

The  selfish  Dunker  lay  flat  upon  his  veranda,  having 
laughed  himself  into  a state  of  unconsciousness.  The  fat 
drummer  still  stuck  tenaciously  to  his  safe  position,  with  his 
head  in  the  drum  and  his  flippers  in  his  pockets.  The  drum- 
major  had  extricated  himself  from  his  fragrant  position,  and 
sat  on  the  top  rail  of  the  fence,  like  a hen-pecked  rooster,  sur- 


THE  WILDERNESS.  581 

veying  the  scene  of  the  disaster  with  a fearfully  woe-begone 
look  of  disgust. 

I wiped  my  eyes  again,  and  surveyed  the  field  anew,  not 
believing  my  senses.  Good  gracious,  what  a tableau  ! Mix 
up  the  Comedy  of  Errors  with  Barnum’s  Baby  Show,  the  Fat 
Woman,  the  Woolly  Horse,  and  Mrs.  Winslow’s  Soothing 
Syrup,  and  you  would  not  come  within  a thousand  miles  of 
an  equal  result.  “ Alas  ! ” I said  to  myself,  as  I Avas  fumbling 
in  my  pocket  for  paper  and  pencil  to  sketch  the  inspiring 
scene,  “how  uncertain  are  the  joys  of  human  life,  and  es- 
pecially how  varied  are  the  vicissitudes  of  military  glory  ! ” 
Just  then  sharp,  angry  voices  aroused  me  from  m3-  philo- 
sophic musing.  On  looking  up,  I perceived  some  of  General 
Blenker’s  staff  reconnoitering  the  field  of  the  attack  and  dis- 
comfiture, and  at  the  same  time  casting  stern  glances  toward 
me.  Realizing  at  once  my  danger,  and  the  liability  of  being 
arrested  as  the  author  of  the  mischief,  I leaped  into  the  sad- 
dle and  dashed  off  at  full  speed  up  the  road,  in  the  direction 
which  the  Eighth  Virginia  scouts  had  taken,  with  the  honey 
which  they  had  seized  after  the  last  surviving  bee  had  sacri- 
ficed himself  on  the  Dutchman's  nose. 

“THE  WILDERNESS.” 

This  was  a most  gloomy  place  for  men  to  meet  in  deadly 
conflict,  and  while  upon  other  pages  of  this  book  will  be  given 
an  account  of  the  movements  of  the  troops  during  those 
eventful  days,  here  will  be  sketched  the  opening  scene  of  that 
terrible  conflict  on  the  afternoon  of  May  fifth,  1804. 

Warren’s  corps  crossed  the  Rapidan  river  at  Germania  Ford 
on  May  fourth,  and  followed  the  road  leading  from  that  ford 
until  it  reached  the  point  where  it  crossed  at  right  angles  the 
old  Wilderness  pike  near  the  tavern.  The  division  under 
General  Griffin  had  advanced,  on  the  night  of  May  fourth, 
about  two  miles  on  this  old  turnpike,  and  bivouacked  for  the 
night.  One  regiment  was  in  the  pine  woods  a little  off  to  the 
left  of  the  turnpike  as  we  advanced.  It  was  a beautiful  May 
evening,  much  like  one  in  June  or  July  in  the  north.  As  the 


582 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


blankets  were  spread  upon  the  ground  the  sun  passed  from 
view  and  soft  clouds,  fringed  with  crimson  and  purple,  came 
floating  up  from  the  northwest  and  suspended  themselves  like 
a canopy  above  the  dark  green  curtains  of  pine.  There  were 
no  indications  of  the  fearful  strife  which  was  to  follow  on  the 
morrow.  The  troops  slept  as  only  tired  soldiers  can  sleep.  It 
is  remarkable  how  usage  and  weariness  would  transform  those 
hard  beds  of  earth  into  couches  of  more  than  downy  softness. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  May  fifth,  we  were  awakened  by 
the  reveille.  Small  fires  were  kindled,  coffee  was  boiled,  and 
beneath  the  pine  trees  all  partook  of  their  morning  meal;  it 
was  the  last  of  which  many  ever  ate.  Cavalrymen  soon  came 
riding  back  with  the  important  intelligence  that  the  Confed- 
erates were  advancing  in  great  force.  The  veterans  of  Ewell 
were  hastening  on  to  hurl,  if  possible,  the  Union  troops  back 
across  the  Rapidan,  while  they  began  to  build  breastworks  of 
defence.  The  pine  timber  for  Several  rods  in  front  was  felled, 
the  logs  placed  in  a line  and  covered  with  earth,  and  before 
noon  the  line  was  quite  strongly  intrenched. 

At  one  o’clock  orders  were  given  to  advance  and  develop 
the  position  of  the  enemy.  Bartlett’s  brigade  was  to  advance 
on  the  left  of  the  turnpike,  with  Ayer’s  brigade  of  regulars 
on  the  right  of  that  road,  and  Barnes’  brigade  on  the  left. 
The  ground  over  which  the  line  proceeded  was  nearly  level, 
and  covered  with  a growth  of  scrub  pine,  the  dried  tough 
limbs  reaching  nearly  to  the  ground,  and  presenting  so  thick 
a barrier  that  it  was  with  considerable  difficulty  that  the 
advance  could  be  made.  Three-fourths  of  a mile  in  front  of 
the  breastworks,  the  skirmish  line  of  the  Confederates  was 
encountered,  advancing  as  rapidly.  One  brigade  was  so 
formed  that  the  Twentieth  Maine  regiment  was  in  the  second 
line  of  battle.  The  front  line  pressed  the  Confederates  back 
quite  rapidly,  while  the  second  line  followed  up  quite  near. 
Reaching  a field,  surrounded  by  dense  forest,  the  line  halted 
in  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  from  that  point,  obtained  a 
good  view  of  the  conflict  in  its  front.  The  Confederates  had 
retreated  across  this  field,  and  the  Federal  line  was  just  mak- 


THE  WILDERNESS. 


f83 


ing  a charge  oyer  it,  to  attack  them  in  the  woods  beyond. 
The  bullets  were  falling  like  drops  of  rain.  Manfully  the 
troops  dashed  forward  to  perform  the  task  assigned  them. 
All  evidently  forgot  death,  and  thought  only  of  victory.  A 
cloud  of  blue,  sulphurous  smoke,  encircled  the  edge  of  the 
woods,  beyond  the  field,  from  which  the  Confederates  were 
firing.  At  a brisk  double-quick,  the  Federals  advanced  and 
many  soon  fell  either  dead  or  wounded.  They  had  scarcely 
reached  the  forest,  when  the  dark  pine  woods  seemed  to  vomit 
a sheet  of  flame  and  death  upon  them.  The  line  looked  as  if 
it  was  consumed  by  that  fire.  A scattering  few  remained,  and 
they  dashed  desperately  upon  the  enemy’s  guns,  and  disap- 
peared in  the  forest  from  view. 

“Forward,  double-quick,  march!  ” came  the  command,  and 
the  second  line  dashed  across  the  field.  The  bullets  came 
thick  and  fast.  General  Bartlett,  on  horseback,  gallantly  led 
the  charge.  Many  fell  out  of  the  ranks,  killed,  wounded,  or 
unable  to  keep  up,  so  that  when  this  line  entered  the  woods 
it  was  much  broken.  Company  organizations  had  disap- 
peared, and  it  was  a free  fight,  every  man  for  himself.  The 
brave  survivors  of  the  first  line  of  battle  were  engaged  at  close 
quarters,  almost  in  a hand  to  hand  encounter.  The  second 
line  rushed  in  with  a yell,  and  pressed  back  the  foe.  Men 
fell  like  leaves.  One  fellow  in  zouave  uniform,  several  rods 
in  advance,  almost  surrounded  by  his  enemies,  was  loading 
and  firing  with  a terrible  rapidity.  Bare-headed,  firm  and  de- 
fiant, he  stood,  the  very  impersonation  of  manly  valor.  The 
Confederates  were  falling  back.  Soon  the  thud  of  a bullet 
was  heard,  and  then  it  was  found  that  a ball  had  struck  him 
fairly  in  the  forehead,  literally  tearing  his  manly  brow  into 
fragments.  He  had  been  shot  dead. 

Rifle  bullets  never  flew  thicker  than  that  day  in  the  Wil- 
derness. A thousand  of  them  Avere  humming  on  every  hand. 
What  a medley  of  sounds  ! Groans  of  wounded  and  dying, 
yells  and  curses  from  those  who  were  fighting,  cheers  of  ex- 
ultation where  portions  of  a line  Avould  press  back  its  oppo- 


584 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


•nents,  yells  of  defiance  from  those  who  were  hard  pressed,  yet 
determined  not  to  yield,  shouts  and  commands  of  the  officers, 
whose  voices  were  shrill  and  hoarse,  and  the  thousands  of 
rifle  bullets,  snapping,  singing  and  shrieking  through  the 
dense  pine  brush.  The  air  was  filled  with  splinters  and  frag- 
ments of  flying  wood.  There  were  two  pieces  of  artillery  in 
the  road  upon  the  Federal  right,  and  frequently  these  would 
add  their  deep-mouthed  thunder  to  the  scene. 

Ewell's  men  fought  desperately,  but  for  nearly  two  hours 
the  advantage  was  with  the  Federals,  and  if  their  movements 
had  been  made  in  sufficient  numbers  it  would  have  resulted  in 
the  defeat  of  Ewell’s  corps.  Aj-er’s  brigade  on  the  right  was 
pressed  back,  and  a flanking  fire  came  in  on  the  right  of  Wads- 
worth’s division.  Griffin’s  men  were  pressing  the  Confeder- 
ates hard  in  their  immediate  front,  when  they  received  a terri- 
ble volley  from  their  flank  and  rear.  The  turnpike  was  in  the 
possession  of  the  Confederates.  There  was  only  one  way  to 
escape  the  Confederates,  who  had  been  heavily  reinforced  by 
other  portions  of  Ewell's  corps.  Word  came,  “By  the  left 
flank  ! Double-quick  ! March ! ” and  out  we  went  as  fast  as 
possible.  A portion  of  the  Federal  wounded  escaped,  a few  of 
the  slain  had  been  carried  from  the  field,  but  a larger  propor- 
tion of  the  wounded  and  killed  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the 
Confederates.  It  seemed  too  bad  to  leave  them,  especially 
as  the  pine  woods  were  then  on  fire,  and  black  spiral  columns 
of  flame  and  smoke  were  rising  far  up  toward  the  skies,  while 
many  were  perishing  in  the  flames. 

Eighteen  years  after  the  battle  was  fought,  the  breastworks 
all  remained ; the  trees  were  scarred  with  bullets  ; in  the 
dense  forest  where  the  Federals  were  flanked  and  driven  back, 
there  were  hundreds  of  little  mounds,  beneath  which  hun- 
dreds of  soldiers  had  been  buried,  yet  afterward,  their  remains 
were  disinterred,  and  conveyed  to  the  city  of  Fredericksburg, 
for  burial,  in  the  national  cemetery  at  that  place.  It  seemed 
to  be  almost  impossible,  upon  looking  over  the  field,  that  the 
red  hand  of  war  had  rolled  and  tossed  through  these  pine 
thickets. 


ALL. 


585 


ALL. 

EY  FRANCIS  A.  DURIYAGE. 

There  hangs  a saber,  and  there  a rein, 

With  rusty  buckle  and  green  curb-chain; 

A pair  of  spurs  on  the  old  gray  wall, 

And  a moldy  saddle, — well,  that  is  all. 

Come  out  to  the  stable ; it  is  not  far, 

The  moss-grown  door  is  hanging  ajar, 

Look  within!  There’s  an  empty  stall, 

Where  once  stood  a charger, — and  that  is  all. 

The  good  black  steed  came  riderless  home, 

Flecked  with  blood-drops  as  well  as  foam. 

Do  you  see  that  mound,  where  the  dead  leaves  fall  ? 
The  good  black  horse  pined  to  death, — that’s  all. 

All  ? O God ! it  is  all  I can  speak, 

Question  me  not, — I am  old  and  weak. 

His  saddle  and  saber  hang  on  the  wall, 

And  his  horse  pined  to  death  — I have  told  you  all. 


586 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Siege  of  Petersburg.  Landing  of  the  eighteenth  corps.  Advance 
of  the  colored  troops.  General  smith’s  fatal  delay.  Attack 
on  hare’s  hill.  Confederates  repulsed.  Federals  checked 

WITH  HEAVY  LOSS.  SlEGE  BEGUN  IN  EARNEST.  JERUSALEM  PLANK 
ROAD  SEIZED.  GENERAL  A.  P.  HILL’ S BRILLIANT  VICTORY.  FEDERAL 
CAVALRY  RAID.  BATTLE  OF  REAM’S  STATION.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED. 
Throwing  up  entrenchments.  Hancock  crosses  the  james.  IIis 

PLANS  FOILED  BY  LEE.  TlIE  MINE  EXPLOSION,  DESCRIPTION  OF. 

Federals  defeated  with  terrible  loss.  Mccabe’s  account  of. 
Early’s  movement  on  Washington.  Departure  of  federal 
troops.  Confederates  destroy  Baltimore  and  ohio  railroad. 
Fatal  delay  of  general  early.  Federal  authorities  fright- 
ened. Hancock  on  the  peninsula.  Capture  of  the  weldon 
railroad.  Desperate  fighting;  heavy  loss  of  life.  Confed- 
erates defeated.  Second  battle  of  ream’s  station.  Federals 

DEFEATED.  CAPTURE  OF  FORT  HARRISON!  DEATH  OF  GENERAL 

burnham.  General  ord  wounded.  Arrival  of  general  grant. 
Attack  on  fort  gilmer.  Federals  defeated.  Terrible  loss 

OF  COLORED  TROOPS.  CONFEDERATES  REINFORCED.  ATTACK  FORT 

HARRISON.  General  stannard  wounded.  Battle  of  peeble’s 
farm.  Death  of  colonel  welch.  Terrible  loss  of  life.  Con- 
federates repulsed.  Battle  of  white  oak  swamp.  Death  of 

GENERAL  GREGG.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED.  GRANT’S  LETTER  TO 

meade.  Meade’s  plan.  Battle  of  hatcher’s  run.  Federals 

WITHDRAWN.  BUTLER  ON  THE  NORTH  BANK  OF  THE  JAMES.  TROOPS 
OF  BOTH  ARMIES  IN  WINTER  QUARTERS.  SURGEON  MCPARLIN’S 
REPORT. 

While  the  army,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Gen- 
erals Grant  and  Meade,  was  making  this  very  important 
movement,  the  Eighteenth  corps  landed  from  the  transports 
at  Bermuda  Hundred,  and  made  a movement  of  great  impor- 
tance, from  which  it  was  expected  marked  results  would 
follow.  General  Butler,  on  the  night  of  the  fourteenth,  put 
Smith’s  command  in  motion  to  seize  Petersburg.  Smith  was 
reinforced  by  a division  of  colored  troops,  under  General 
Hincks,  and  a cavalry  division,  under  General  Kautz. 


SIEGE  OF  PETERSBURG. 


587 


During  the  night  of  the  fourteenth,  Smith  crossed  upon  a 
pontoon  bridge,  to  the  south  bank  of  the  Appomattox  river, 
and  immediately  began  his  march  toward  the  city  of  Peters- 
burg, which  was  only  seven  miles  distant.  This  advance  was 
made  in  three  columns ; Kautz  upon  the  left,  with  Hineks 
division  in  his  rear ; Brooks’  division  on  the  right  of  Hineks, 
and  Martindale's  division  on  the  extreme  right.  Kautz  ad- 
vanced near  the  line  of  the  Norfolk  and  Petersburg  railroad, 
while  Martindale  advanced  along  the  river  road,  with  the 
design  of  striking  the  City  Point  railroad. 

After  an  advance  of  two  miles,  Kautz  came  to  a line  of 
rifle-pits,  defended  by  a line  of  infantry  and  one  battery  of 
light  artillery.  The  cavalry  were  withdrawn  to  the  left. 
Hineks’  colored  troops  then  assaulted  this  line,  and  drove 
back  the  Confederates,  capturing  one  gun.  This  caused  some 
delay,  and  it  was  not  until  noon  that  all  the  troops  of  General 
Smith  reached  the  fortifications  which  enveloped  the  city  of 
Petersburg. 

The  afternoon  was-  spent  by  General  Smith  in  reconnoiter- 
iug  the  Confederate  line,  which  proved  to  be  one  of  consider- 
able strength.  It  was  finally  decided,  that,  to  assault  the 
position  with  solid  columns  would  be  attended  with  too  great 
a loss,  and  a heavy  skirmish  line  was  sent  forward  at  seven 
P.M.,  from  the  division  of  Hineks  on  the  left,  Banks  in  the 
center,  and  Martindale  upon  the  right.  The  whole  line  was 
immediately  carried,  several  hundred  prisoners  were  captured, 
together  with  many  pieces  of  artillery,  and  a way  was  thus 
opened  to  Petersburg.  General  Smith  now  halted  his  com- 
mand. 

General  Hancock  arrived  early  in  the  evening  with  his  corps 
and  proffered  his  services  to  General  Smith,  but  the  latter  de- 
cided to  halt  until  daylight.  Had  the  movement  been  pressed 
with  vigor,  the  city  of  Petersburg  and  the  whole  line  of  the 
Appomattox  would  have  been  in  the  possession  of  the  Federal 
army  that  night.  General  Smith  may  have  acted  wisely  con- 
sidering the  information  he  then  possessed,  but  subsequent 
events  clearly  demonstrated  the  fact  that  this  delay  was  en- 


583 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


tirely  unnecessary,  and  was  fatal  to  the  plans  of  the  com- 
mander-in-chief. 

EEDERALS  CROSSING  THE  JAMES. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  around  Richmond  the 
remainder  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  as  has  been  already 
stated,  were  crossing  the  James  river,  and  the  army  of  General 
Lee  was  being  withdrawn  from  the  defences  about  Richmond 
and  were  hastening  in  the  direction  of  Petersburg,  to  meet 
the  new  and  unexpected  danger  that  threatened  it  from  that 
quarter.  The  van  of  the  Confederates  reached  Petersburg 
on  the  night  of  the  fifteenth,  and  immediately  took  up  a posi- 
tion. When  General  Smith  prepared  to  advance  and  enter 
the  city'-  on  the  morning  of  the  sixteenth,  he  ivas  surprised  to 
find  that  a new  line  of  works  had  sprung  up,  as  if  by  magic, 
from  the  earth,  and  that  behind  them  stood,  not  the  militia 
his  troops  had  fought  the  previous  day,  but  the  bronzed, 
ragged,  gallant  troops  of  General  Lee  ; and  Petersburg  which 
had  been  a prize  within  his  reach  only  the  night  before,  could 
now  only  be  gained  by  a terrible  struggle. 

This  city  was  so  intimately  related  to  Richmond  by  the 
great  lines  of  railway,  that  with  it  in  possession  of  the  Fed- 
erals,  Richmond  could  not  long  remain  in  the  hands  of  the 
Confederates.  It  is  only  twenty-five  miles  from  the  last- 
named  place,  with  which  it  is  connected  by  railroad,  Avhile  by 
means  of  the  Lynchburg  railroad  it  taps  the  Danville  line, 
receiving  the  Weldon  and  Norfolk  roads  from  the  south.  A 
Confederate  army  at  Richmond  must  draw  its  supplies  along 
these  lines,  and  if  Grant  had  succeeded  in  securing  these,  it 
would  have  compelled  the  evacuation  of  Richmond.  Once 
more,  however,  he  was  disappointed,  and  by  the  timely  arrival 
of  the  army  of  General  Lee,  the  latter  had  again  saved  for  a 
time  the  imperiled  fortunes  of  the  Confederacy. 

During  the  sixteenth  the  corps  of  Hancock  and  Smith 
awaited  the  arrival  of  the  remainder  of  the  army,  not  deeming 
this  force  sufficient  to  make  an  attack.  The  Ninth  corps  ar- 
rived at  noon,  and  the  Fifth  at  dark.  At  four  o'clock  an 


ATTACK  ON  HARE'S  HILL. 


591 


assault  was  made  by  the  troops  of  Hancock  and  Burnside. 
The  advance  was  made  with  much  vigor  by  the  Federals,  and 
although  they  sustained  a heavy  loss,  they  succeeded  in  press- 
ing back  the  Confederate  line,  all  along  their  front.  Dark- 
ness came  on  and  the  fighting  ceased.  The  Confederates  en- 
deavored during  the  night  to  regain  the  ground  they  had  lost, 
but  in  this  thej^  did  not  succeed. 

General  Butler  on  this  day,  also  made  a movement  against 
the  Confederates,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  Peters- 
burg1 and  Richmond  railroad,  but  this  advance  was  checked 
by  the  Confederates  who  were  hastening  from  Richmond  to 
Petersburg. 

ATTACK  ON  HARE’S  HILL. 

On  the  morning  of  the  seventeenth  the  attack  upon  Peters- 
burg was  renewed  by  Hancock  and  Burnside.  The  former 
advanced  and  drove  the  Confederates  over  Hare’s  hill,  and 
back  upon  Cemetery  hill,  while  General  Burnside  made  a 
splendid  charge  upon  a portion  of  the  original  line  of  the  Con- 
federates, by  which  he  captured  a redoubt,  four  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery, and  several  hundred  prisoners.  During  the  afternoon 
the  divisions  of  Burnside  and  Barlow  of  Hancock’s  corps, 
made  another  terrible  assault,  in  which  they  suffered  severely 
in  killed  and  wounded.  Burnside  succeeded  in  getting  a 
foothold  within  the  Confederate  lines,  but  his  left  sustained  a 
heavy  loss,  and  at  dark  Crawford’s  division  of  Warren’s  corps, 
was  put  in  to  protect  the  flank  of  Burnside ; Crawford’s  men 
became  confused  in  the  darkness,  but  stormed  the  Confederate 
line,  capturing  some  prisoners  and  one  flag.  During  the 
night  the  Confederates  succeeded  in  driving  Burnside  from 
the  last  position  which  he  had  seized.  The  Federal  losses  on 
this  day  were  more  than  four  thousand  men.  During  the 
evening  Smith’s  command  was  relieved  by  the  Sixth  corps, 
and  they  returned  to  General  Butler  at  Bermuda  Hundred. 

It  was  decided  to  make  a general  movement  on  the  Confed- 
erate lines  on  the  eighteenth,  but  when  in  the  early  morning 
of  that  day  the  skirmishers  advanced,  they  found  that  the 


592 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Confederates  had  abandoned  their  first  line  and  fallen  back  to 
an  inner  line  near  Petersburg,  where  they  had  formed  a new 
and  systematic  line  of  defence  upon  commanding  ground 
around  the  city.  This  movement  on  the  part  of  the  Confed- 
erates compelled  the  Federals  to  make  a new  disposition  of 
their  troops,  which  caused  quite  a delay  in  the  contemplated 
movement,  and  the  assault  was  not  made  until  three  o’clock 
in  the  afternoon. 

Martindale’s  division  captured  the  position  occupied  by  the 
Confederate  skirmish  line,  with  quite  a number  of  prisoners. 
General  Birney  that  day  massed  the  Second  corps  and  made  a 
desperate  charge  upon  the  Confederate  line,  but  was  repulsed; 
Warren  with  the  Fifth,  and  Burnside  with  the  Ninth,  also 
made  desperate  attacks,  but  these  were  repulsed  in  general, 
and  the  Federal  loss  was  very  heavy. 

These  attacks  had  been  made  by  General  Grant  in  the  hope 
that  Petersburg  would  be  captured  without  the  tedious  delay 
of  a siege,  but  the  bloody  repulse  of  the  eighteenth,  in  which 
so  many  of  his  brave  men  were  sacrificed,  convinced  the  com- 
mander that  all  such  attacks  would  be  fruitless  of  any  good 
results,  and  the  order  was  given  to  begin  the  work  of  sys- 
tematic intrenchment ; and  in  a few  days  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  with  a zeal  only  equalled  by  their  bravery,  con- 
structed a huge  line  of  breastworks,  redans,  and  forts  which 
were  a surprise  even  to  themselves. 

The  Confederates  were  also  active,  and  built  lines  of  de- 
fences, behind  which  they  hoped  to  successfully  cope  with 
the  superior  numbers  of  General  Grant.  When  the  strength 
of  the  Federal  works  would  warrant  it,  it  was  decided  to  ex- 
tend their  line  to  the  left,  and,  if  possible,  seize  and  hold  the 
railroad  lines  which  were  of  such  priceless  value  to  General 
Lee. 


SEIZURE  OF  THE  JERUSALEM  PLANK  ROAD. 

On  the  twenty-first,  the  Second  and  Sixth  corps  were  sent 
to  extend  the  Federal  left,  and  to  effect  a closer  investment 
of  Petersburg,  upon  its  southern  side.  The  Second  corps 


SEIZURE  OF  THE  JERUSALEM  PLANK  ROAD.  593 


moved  in  advance,  making  its  way.  to  the  Jerusalem  plank 
road,  which  runs  southward  from  Petersburg,  about  midway 
between  the  Norfolk  and  Weldon  railroads.  After  some 
heavy  skirmishing,  these  troops  established  themselves  on  the 
west  side  of  the  plank  load,  connecting  themselves  with 
Griffin’s  division  of  the  Fifth  corps,  which  held  a position  on 
the  east  side  of  that  road.  The  Sixth  came  up  that  night, 
and  extended  the  line  to  the  left  of  the  Second  corps.  Gen- 
eral Kautz  was  now  sent  out  to  cut  the  Weldon,  and,  if 
possible,  the  South  Side  railroad,  with  a division  of  cavalry. 

The  design  of  General  Grant  was  to  extend  his  line  to  the 
left  with  the  Sixth  corps,  until  its  left  should  cross  the  Wel- 
don railroad,  but  as  quickly  as  the  Confederates  understood 
this  plan,  they  began  to  develop  a very  formidable  opposi- 
tion. The  contemplated  movements  of  the  Federals  to  the' 
railroad  were  suspended,  and  General  Birney,  who  was  then 
in  command  of  the  Second  corps,  General  Hancock  being 
disabled  by  the  breaking  out  of  his  old  wounds,  was  ordered 
to  swing  forward  the  left  of  his  corps,  so  as  to  flank  and 
envelop  the  right  flank  of  the  Confederates. 

The  two  left  divisions  of  this  corps,  commanded  by  Gen- 
erals Barlow  and  Mott,  immediately  swung  around,  using  the 
right  division,  under  Gibbons,  as  a pivot.  This  movement 
was  made  regardless  of  the  position  of  the  Sixth  corps,  which 
extended  beyond  its  left,  and  thus  a great  gap  was  left  open 
between  the  left  of  the  Second  and  the  Sixth.  Mott’s  divis- 
ion had  reached  its  position  on  the  left  of  Gibbons’  and  begun 
to  intrench  itself.  Barlow’s  division  was  just  getting  into 
position  on  the  left  of  Mott,  when  a portion  of  General  A.  P- 
Hill’s  corps,  advancing  in  column  by  brigade,  made  a terrible 
attack  upon  this  exposed  flank  of  the  Second  corps  and  right 
of  the  Sixth. 

The  blow  which  had  so  unexpectedly  fallen  was  felt  by 
both  commands,  but  especially  by  the  Second  corps.  Bar- 
low’s  division  was  rolled  back  in  disorder,  losing  many  pris- 
oners ; Mott  also  fell  back,  having  sustained  a fearful  loss, 
38 


594 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ancl  the  victorious  Confedei'ates,  rushing  on  diagonally  across 
the  line  of  the  Second  corps,  came  in  contact  with  the  uncov- 
ered flank  of  Gibbons,  wrenching  away  several  entire  regi- 
ments, and  carried  Gibbons’  intrenchments. 

This  shattered  corps  resumed  the  line  that  had  been  occu- 
pied by  them  before  they  had  made  the  last  movement  to  the 
front.  The  Confederates  secured  the  guns  which  they  had 
captured,  and  then  retreated  as  swiftly  and  as  skillfully  as 
they  had  advanced,  carrying  with  them  twenty-five  hundred 
prisoners  and  a number  of  colors.  This  disaster  was  more 
largely  due  to  the  unwise  handling  of  troops,  than  it  was  to 
any  lack  of  valor  on  the  part  of  the  gallant  Second  corps. 
The  Sixth  corps  also  lost  heavily  in  prisoners.  The  only  ad- 
vantage gained  by  this  movement  against  the  Weldon  railroad 
was  the  extension  of  the  Federal  line  for  quite  a distance  to 
the  left. 

The  cavalry  commands  under  Generals  Ivautz  and  Wilson, 
which  were  designed  to  co-operate  with  this  movement,  were 
more  successful  in  the  results  gained  by  their  heroic  valor. 
They  struck  the  Weldon  railroad  at  Ream’s  Station,  and  de- 
stroyed the  depot  building,  with  several  miles  of  the  track. 
They  then  dashed  on  in  the  direction  of  the  South  Side  rail- 
road. Wilson’s  division  reached  this  road  about  fifteen  miles 
from  Petersburg,  and  destroyed  the  track  to  Nottaway  Station. 
He  then  came  in  contact  with  a few  squadrons  of  cavalry, 
under  General  W.  H.  F.  Lee,  and  after  a very  sharp  encoun- 
ter, compelled  the  inferior  force  of  Lee  to  retire. 

General  Ivautz  made  a wide  sweep  through  the  country  and 
reached  Burkesville,  the  junction  of  the  South  Side  and  Dan- 
ville railroad,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  twenty -third.  At  that 
point  he  destroyed  the  track,  and  then  moved  to  Meherrin 
Station,  where  he  joined  Wilson  on  the  day  following.  These 
two  commands  then  moved  on  together,  and  destroyed  the 
railroad  track  together  to  Roanoke  bridge,  a distance  of  more 
than  twenty-five  miles. 


BATTLE  OF  REAM’S  STATION. 


595 


BATTLE  OF  REAM’S  STATION. 

In  returning  on  the  evening  of  the  twenty-eighth,  Wilson 
met  a large  force  of  the  Confederate  cavalry  massed  on  the 
Weldon  railroad  at  the  crossing  of  Stony  Creek,  where  he  had 
a desperate  engagement.  Being  unable  to  advance  in  a direct 
line  he  made  a detour  by  the  way  of  Ream’s  Station,  on  the 
Weldon  railroad.  At  this  point  he  came  in  contact  with  not 
only  the  Confederate  cavalry,  but  also  a large  force  of  infantry. 
He  was  nearly  overwhelmed  by  the  fury  of  the  Confederate 
attack,  but  finally  succeeded  in  escaping  by  crossing  the  Not- 
taway  river,  after  losing  many  prisoners,  his  artillery  and  bag- 
gage train. 

When  the  Federal  commander  learned  of  Wilson’s  perilous 
position,  he  dispatched  the  Sixth  corps  to  his  relief,  but  when 
they  reached  Ream's  Station  Wilson  had  escaped  and  the 
enemy  had  disappeared.  In  this  raid  the  Federals  had  inflicted 
great  damage  upon  the  Confederates,  but  not  enough  to  repay 
them  for  the  losses  they  had  sustained. 

During  these  two  weeks  of  bloody  conflict  General  Lee  had 
not  only  watched  his  antagonists  with  a keen  vision,  to  take 
swift  advantage  of  every  favorable  opportunity  that  presented 
itself  for  him  to  strike  a blow,  but  had  also,  in  the  meantime, 
constructed  a line  of  forts  and  defences  around  Petersburg 
which  would  successfully  bid  defiance  to  every  direct  assault 
which  could  be  made  by  the  Federal  troops.  The  line  which 
they  had  thus  constructed  displayed  the  skill  of  the  Confed- 
erate engineers.  There  was  a chain  of  redans  connected  by 
infantry  parapets,  while  the  lines  of  approach  were  completely 
blocked  by  lines  of  abatis,  stakes  and  entanglements. 

These  wo.rks  began  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Appomattox 
river,  at  the  left  of  the  Confederate  line,  and  extended  south 
and  west  around  in  front  of  the  city,  to  the  extreme  point 
occupied  by  the  left  flank  of  the  Federal  army.  Then  this 
same  line  was  continued  from  the  north  bank  of  the  Appo- 
mattox, to  the  James  river  below  Richmond,  to  defend  the 
Petersburg  and  Richmond  railroad  from  any  attack  which 
General  Butler  might  make  from  Bermuda  Hundred. 


596 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


General  Grant  was  obliged  to  assume  a very  peculiar  posi- 
tion before  Petersburg.  The  city  was  not  in  a state  of  siege 
or  blockade,  as  all  of  its  lines  of  communication  with  the 
south,  as  also  with  Richmond,  were  open.  The  plan  of  this 
general  was  to  maintain  his  hold  upon  the  Appomattox  river 
with  his  right  flank,  and  by  the  gradual  extension  of  his  left 
to  either  cut  Lee's  lines  of  communication  with  the  south, 
compel  him  to  evacuate  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  or  oblige 
him  to  so  weaken  his  line  by  its  extension  that  his  works 
could  be  carried  by  assault. 

There  was  but  one  method  whereby  the  Federals  could 
thus  extend  their  lines.  That  was  to  construct  lines  of  fortifi- 
cations so  heavy  that  a small  force  could  hold  them  with  se- 
curity, and  the  remainder  of  the  army  push  out  its  left  flank. 
When  July  closed,  a system  of  earthworks  covering  the  entire 
front  of  the  army  had  been  constructed.  These  were  skill- 
fully planned  by  the  Federal  engineers,  and  were  great  monu- 
ments to  the  tireless  energy  of  the  whole  army.  The  Fed- 
erals determined  the  last  of  July  to  make  an  assault  upon  the 
Confederate  position  in  front  of  General  Burnside’s  corps. 
The  Federal  line  at  this  point  was  within  one  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  of  the  Confederate  position.  The  position  which 
General  Burnside  here  occupied,  was  one  that  General  Grif- 
fin’s division  of  Warren’s  corps  had  captured  on  the  eighteenth 
of  June.  At  this  point  there  was  an  angle  in  the  Confederate 
line,  and  this  angle  was  covered  by  a fort.  General  Burn- 
side’s engineers  had  determined  several  weeks  before  to  place 
a mine  beneath  this  fort,  and,  by  its  explosion,  open  the  Con- 
federate position  for  a Federal  assault. 

The  fort  under  which  the  mine  was  thus  placed,  was  about 
four  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  a crest  upon  which  was 
constructed  the  principal  line  of  defences.  It  was  hoped  that 
by  the  panic  of  the  explosion,  the  Federals  could  dash  in  and 
secure  the  crest,  and  thus  open  the  way  to  Petei'sburg.  If 
the  crest  was  once  firmly  in  the  hands  of  the  Federals,  the 
city  must  be  abandoned  by  the  Confederates.  The  morning 
of  July  thirtieth  was  appointed  for  the  time  of  the  explosion. 


BATTLE  OF  BEAM’S  STATION. 


597 


On  the  twenty-sixth,  General  Hancock  with  the  Second 
corps  and  two  divisions  of  cavalry  under  General  Sheridan, 
made  a movement  toward  Richmond  along  the  north  bank  of 
the  James  river.  The  plan  was  for  Hancock  to  cross  at  Deep 
Bottom  on  the  night  of  the  twenty-sixth,  and  proceed  imme- 
diately to  Chapin's  Bluff,  where  General  Lee  had  a pontoon 
bridge  by  which  he  connected  his  army  that  was  then  divided 
by  the  James  river.  It  was  believed  that  the  Confederate 
works  north  of  the  James  were  but  thinly  manned.  Hancock 
was  to  prevent  Lee  from  sending  reinforcements  from  the 
south,  while  Sheridan  should  dash  upon  the  Virginia  Central 
railroad  and  operate  against  Richmond. 

When  Hancock  arrived  on  the  north  bank  of  the  James,  he 
found  that  General  Lee  had  already  sent  quite  a large  force 
to  watch  the  movements  of  General  Foster,  who  was  in 
command  of  the  Federal  forces  at  Deep  Bottom.  General 
Hancock  determined  to  assail  this  Confederate  force.  His 
movement  was  made  upon  the  left  flank  of  the  Confederates, 
while  Foster  engaged  them  in  front.  Miles’  brigade,  of 
Barlow’s  division, — One  Hundred  and  Eighty-third  Penn- 
sylvania, Twenty-eighth  Massachusetts,  and  Twenty-sixth 
Michigan, — moved  gallantly  forward  and  captured  four  guns. 

The  Confederates  quickly  retired  to  another  line  of  works, 
where  they  succeeded  in  completely  blocking  Hancock’s  ad- 
vance. The  cavalry  moved  to  the  right  of  Hancock,  and 
captured  some  high  ground,  from  which  it  hoped  to  turn  the 
enemy’s  flank,  but  as  darkness  came  on,  they  were  obliged  to 
suspend  operations  until  the  following  day.  By  that  time 
General  Lee  was  fully  aware  of  the  Federal  movement,  and 
withdrew  a large  force  from  Petersburg,  to  oppose  Hancock 
and  Sheridan. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-eighth,  the  Confederates 
assumed  the  offensive,  and  drove  Sheridan  back  along  the 
New  Market  and  Long  Bridge  roads.  General  Hancock,  on 
the  twenty -eighth  and  twenty-ninth,  could  only  remain  on  the 
defensive,  and  thus,  while  great  results  were  not  gained  by 
this  movement,  it  caused  General  Lee  to  withdraw  a very 


598 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


large  portion  of  his  forces  from  the  defences  around  Peters- 
burg, at  a time  when  the  explosion  of  the  mine,  and  subse- 
quent assaults  of  the  Federals  were  to  be  made. 

In  the  movement  thus  to  be  made  it  was  designed  to 
explode  the  mine,  and  then  hurl  a massed  force  through  the 
breach  thus  made,  and  seize  the  inner  line  of  the  Confeder- 
ates. To  aid  this  column  of  assault,  it  was  arranged  to  open 
an  attack  all  along  the  lines  on  either  side  of  the  doomed 
fort.  The  whole  success  of  the  movement  to  be  made, — seiz- 
ing the  coveted  crest,  and  crowning  it  with  artillery, — depended 
upon  the  quality  of  the  troops  who  were  to  make  the  assault. 
The  most  trusty  troops  of  the  whole  army  should  have  been 
selected,  and  placed  under  the  command  of  the  most  skillful 
officers.  As  General  Burnside’s  corps  occupied  that  part  of 
the  line,  it  was  decided  that  they  should  perform  the  task. 

Burnside  designated  the  colored  division  to  make  the  as- 
sault. General  Grant  objected  to  that,  and  the  matter  was 
decided  by  lot,  General  Ledlie’s  division  being  the  one  unto 
whom  the  lot  fell.  It  is  doubtful  if  a more  unfortunate  choice 
could  have  been  made  in  the  whole  army.  The  troops  com- 
posing the  division  were  not  in  a condition  for  such  a task, 
and  their  commander  possessed  no  qualifications  whatever  for 
such  a position. 


THE  CRATER  MINE. 

At  half-past  four  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth, 
the  explosion  was  to  occur;  the  match  Avas  applied,  but  owing 
to  an  imperfect  fuse  there  Avas  no  explosion.  After  a delay  of 
several  minutes  tAvo  brave  men,  Lieutenant  Jacob  Doubty  and 
Sergeant  Henry  Rees,  of  the  Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania  regi- 
ment, volunteered  to  enter  the  mine  and,  if  possible,  ascertain 
the  cause  of  the  failure.  The  fuse  Avas  relighted,  and  at  forty- 
two  minutes  past  four  o’clock  the  explosion  occurred. 

A huge  mass  of  dark  earth  arose,  as  if  thrown  by  an  omnip- 
otent power,  two  hundred  feet  in  the  air.  The  flash  of  the 
burning  powder  gleamed  through  the  dusk  like  lightning 
through  a storm  cloud;  the  earth  shuddered  with  a fear- 


THE  CRATER  MINE. 


599 

ful  throb ; the  dense  mass  of  earth  sank  down  to  rest,  and  a 
great  volume  of  smoke  covered  the  scene.  The  mangled  remains 
of  men,  pieces  of  guns,  timber  and  stores  fell  thickly  around, 
when  from  the  long  lines  of  Federal  guns  leaped  forth  the 
flames  of  war. 

The  Federal  guns  fired  slowly  but  with  deadly  aim,  and 
very  effectively.  The  Confederate  guns  in  front  of  the  Fifth 
corps  were  soon  silenced,  and  but  few  of  those  in  front  of  the 
Ninth  corps  were  able  to  continue  their  fire.  Among  the 
most  effective  and  deadly  of  these,  was  one  upon  the  crest,  in 
the  rear  of  the  exploded  mine,  which  was  out  of  range  of  the 
Federal  batteries. 

Ledlie's  division  moved  immediately  forward,  after  the  ex- 
plosion occurred,  but  the  entire  movement  was  a failure  from 
the  beginning.  The  parapet  and  abatis  in  front,  had  not  been 
removed,  as  the  commanding  general  of  the  army  had  di- 
rected, and  consequently  the  division  moved  out  by  the  flank, 
the  advance  being  made  in  a most  tardy  and  demoralized 
manner.  When  they  reached  the  side  of  the  fort,  they  found 
a huge  crater,  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  long,  by 
seventy  in  width,  and  thirty  deep. 

Instead  of  taking  advantage  of  the  momentary  panic  into 
which  the  Confederates  had  been  thrown,  and  seizing  the 
works  beyond  the  crater,  as  they  could  easily  have  done,  Led- 
lie’s  division  sought  shelter  in  tire  crater,  where  the}r  were 
huddled  together  in  a mass  like  sheep.  Portions  of  the  divis- 
ions of  Wilcox  and  Porter  also  moved  forward  from  the  Fed- 
eral line,  to  works  on  each  side  of  the  crater,  which  the  Con- 
federates had  abandoned,  but  they  also  failed  to  make  any  at- 
tempt to  advance  beyond  that  point.  The  troops  of  these 
different  divisions  became  mixed  up  and  much  confusion 
ensued. 

While  these  disgraceful  proceedings  were  taking  place,  the 
Confederates  recovered  from  their  surprise,  and  began  to  per- 
fect arrangements,  not  merely  to  hold  the  line  they  still  pos- 
sessed, but  also  to  hurl  Burnside  back  from  the  crater.  They 
reformed  their  infantry  line,  and  placed  a number  of  guns  in 


GOO 


BLUE  GRAY. 


position,  and  poured  a terrible  fire  upon  Burnside's  men,  and 
this  fire  was  constantly  increasing.  General  Potter,  seeing 
the  situation,  made  a noble  effort  to  save  the  fortunes  of  the 
day  for  the  Federal  cause,  by  making  a charge  upon  the  Con- 
federates, but  for  want  of  a proper  support,  which  could  have 
been  easily  given,  he  was  thrown  back. 

At  seven  o’clock,  more  than  two  hours  after  the  explosion, 
Ledlie’s  men  were  still  in  the  crater,  and  had  made  no  effort  to 
advance  and  perform  the  mission  upon  which  they  had  been 
sent;  General  Burnside,  instead  of  performing  his  duty  by 
compelling  Ledlie  to  advance,  or  have  some  other  officer  lead 
Ledlie’s  command  to  the  assault,  committed  the  terrible 
blunder  of  ordering  his  remaining  division  of  colored  troops 
to  move  in  amidst  the  confusion  which  reigned  supreme  in  and 
on  each  side  of  the  crater.  The  colored  troops  passed  through 
the  demoralized  white  troops  and  boldly  advanced  upon  the 
crest ; they  encountered  a fierce  fire  of  infantry  and  artillery, 
and  fell  back  in  great  confusion  upon  the  demoralized  troops 
in  the  crater.  A portion  of  the  colored  troops  met  with  a 
slight  success  upon  the  right,  and  captured  a color  and  a few 
prisoners.  After  the  repulse  of  the  colored  troops  all  offen- 
sive measures  ceased.  Troops  of  both  colors  trembled  in 
horrible  confusion  within  the  depths  of  the  crater.  Shot  and 
shells  from  the  guns  of  the  Confederates  poured  on  this  mass 
of  humanity,  and  it  soon  became  a slaughter  pen  of  the  most 
horrible  description.  The  Federals  had  failed  to  advance;  it 
was  now  almost  impossible  to  retreat;  some  few  escaped 
through  the  murderous  fire  as  best  they  could.  The  Confed- 
erates made  an  assault  upon  the  crater,  but  were  repulsed. 
They  made  a second  attempt  and  the  mass  of  demoralized 
Federal  soldiers,  without  any  head  or  front,  no  longer  resisted 
their  advance ; many  escaped,  but  over  four  thousand  were 
killed,  wounded  and  captured. 

Much  credit  is  due  to  the  engineers  who  conceived  the 
plans  for  the  mine,  and  to  the  brave  soldiers  who,  at  the  ex- 
pense of  an  infinite  amount  of  toil,  constructed  the  tunnel. 
It  was  capable  of  producing  great  results,  but  in  making  up 


THE  CRATER  MINE. 


601 


the  arrangements  for  following  up  the  advantage  to  be  gained 
by  the  explosion,  and  in  carrying  them  out,  if  all  of  this  had 
been  left  to  the  care  and  execution  of  an  inmate  of  a lunatic 
asylum,  the  work,  at  least,  would  have  been  as  perfectly  per- 
formed. It  was  one  of  the  most  miserable  and  discouraging 
affairs  of  the  whole  war,  and  for  the  terrible  and  unnecessary 
sacrifice  of  human  life  some  person  or  persons  must  be  held 
responsible. 

The  Confederate  loss  was  but  trifling,  when  compared  with 
that  of  the  assailing  columns  of  the  Federals.  The  main  loss 
of  six  hundred  and  seventy-seven  men  of  Elliott’s  brigade 
being  heavier  than  all  other.  To  men  who  could  withstand 
the  awful  dismay  and  carnage  of  a scene  such  as  was  enacted 
by  the  explosion  of  the  crater  mine,  some  especial  notice  of 
bravery  should  be  given,  and  we  therefore  inscribe  the  numbers 
of  the  regiments  of  the  brave  South  Carolineans,  who  met 
that  sudden  and  appalling  shock,  which  was  well  calculated 
to  unnerve  the  stoutest  heart.  The  Eighteenth,  Twenty -sec- 
ond, Twenty-third,  Twenty-sixth  and  Seventeenth  regiments 
constituted  the  main  force  that  repelled  the  overwhelming 
thousands  of  Federals  and  saved  the  fortunes  of  the  day  until 
the  arrival  of  reinforcements  under  General  Mahone. 

The  following  interesting  extract  from  Southern  Historical 
Papers,  Volume  Two,  from  an  address  of  Captain  W.  Gordon 
McCabe,  formerly  adjutant  of  Pegram’s  battalion  of  artillery, 
A.  N.  V.,  is  so  graphic  and  intelligible,  that  we  quote  the  full 
text. 

“ A slight  tremor  of  the  earth  for  a second,  then  the  rock- 
ing as  of  an  earthquake,  and  with  a tremendous  burst  which 
rent  the  sleeping  hills  beyond,  a vast  column  of  earth  and 
smoke  shoots  upward  to  a great  height,  its  dark  sides  flashing 
out  sparks  of  fire,  hangs  poised  for  a moment  in  mid-air,  and 
then  hurtling  downward  with  a roaring  sound,  showers  of 
stones,  broken  timbers,  and  blackened  human  limbs,  subsides, 
— the  gloomy  pall  of  darkening  smoke  flushing  to  an  angry 
crimson,  as  it  floats  away  to  meet  the  morning  sun.  Pleas- 
ants has  done  his  work  with  terrible  completeness,  for  now 


602 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  site  of  the  Elliott  salient  is  marked  by  a horrid  chasm,  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five  feet  in  length,  ninety-seven  feet  in 
breadth,  and  thirty-five  feet  deep,  and  its  brave  garrison,  all 
asleep  save  the  guards,  when  thus  surprised  by  sudden  death, 
lie  buried  beneath  the  jagged  blocks  of  blackened  clay,  in  all, 
two  hundred  and  fifty-six  officers  and  men  of  the  Eighteenth 
and  Twenty-second  South  Carolina,  and  two  officers  and 
twenty  men  of  Pegram's  Petersburg  battery.  The  dread  up- 
heaval has  rent  in  twain  Elliott's  brigade,  and  the  men  to  the 
right  and  left  of  the  huge  abyss  recoil  in  terror  and  dismay. 
Nor  shall  we  censure  them,  for  so  terrible  was  the  explosion 
that  even  the  assaulting  column  shrank  back  aghast,  and 
nearly  ten  minutes  elapsed  ere  it  could  be  reformed. 

“Now  a storm  of  lire  burst  in  red  fury  from  the  Federal 
front,  and  in  an  instant  all  the  valley  between  the  hostile 
lines  lies  shrouded  in  billowy  smoke.  Then  Marshall,  putting 
himself  at  the  head  of  the  stormers,  sword  in  hand,  bids  his 
men  to  follow.  But  there  comes  no  response  befitting  the 
stern  grandeur  of  the  scene,  no  trampling  charge,  no  rolling 
drums  of  Austerlitz,  no  fierce  shouts  of  warlike  joy  as  burst 
from  the  men  of  the  ‘ Light  Division  ’ when  they  mounted 
the  breach  of  Badajos,  or  from  Frazer’s  ‘Royals’  as  they 
crowned  the  crimson  slopes  of  St.  Sebastian.  No,  none  of 
this  is  here.  But  a straggling  line  of  the  men  of  the  Second 
brigade,  First  division,  uttering  a mechanical  cheer,  slowly 
mounts  the  crest,  passes  unmolested  across  the  intervening 
space,  and  true  to  the  instinct  fostered  by  long  service  in  the 
trenches,  plunges  into  the  crater,  courting  the  friendly  shel- 
ter of  its  crumbling  sides. 

“ Yonder  lies  Cemetery  Hill  in  plain  view,  naked  of  men, 
and  hard  beyond,  the  brave  old  town,  nestling  whitely  in  its 
wealth  of  green.  Silence  still  reigns  along  the  Confederate 
lines,  yet  Ledlie's  men  did  not  advance,  and  now  the  support- 
ing brigade  of  the  same  division  running  forward  over  the 
crest,  and  with  an  incredible  folly  crowding  in  upon  their 
comrades,  already  huddled  together  in  the  shelving  pit,  all 
regimental  and  company  organization  was  lost,  and  the  men 
speedily  passed  from  the  control  of  their  officers. 


THE  CRATER  MIKE. 


603 


“ If  we  except  Elliott,  who  with  the  remnant  of  his  brigade 
was  occupying  the  ravine  to  the  left  and  rear  of  the  crater, 
no  officer  of  rank  was  present  on  the  Confederate  side  to  as- 
sume immediate  direction  of  affairs,  and  a considerable  time 
elapsed  before  Beauregard  and  Lee,  both  beyond  the  Appo- 
mattox, were  informed  by  Colonel  Paul  of  Beauregard’s  staff 
of  the  nature  and  locality  of  the  disaster.  But  almost  on  the 
moment  John  Haskell,  of  South  Carolina,  a glorious  young 
battalion  commander,  whose  name  will  forever  be  associated 
with  the  artillery  corps  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia, 
galloped  to  the  front  followed  by  two  light  batteries,  and  hav- 
ing disposed  these  pieces  along  the  plank  road,  and  opened 
Flanner's  light  guns  from  the  Gee  House,  passed  to  his  left  to 
speak  a word  of  cheery  commendation  to  Lampkin  of  his  bat- 
talion, who  was  already  annoying  the  swarming  masses  of  the 
enemy  with  his  Virginia  battery  of  eighteen-inch  mortars. 

“ Passing  through  the  covered  way,  Haskell  sought  Elliott, 
and  pointing  out  to  him  the  defenceless  position  of  the  guns 
on  the  plank  road,  urged  him  to  make  such  disposition  as 
would  afford  them  protection.  Essajdng  this,  Elliott  sprang 
forward  followed  by  a mere  handful  of  brave  fellows,  but 
almost  on  the  instant  fell  stricken  by  a grievous  hurt,  and  was 
borne  from  his  last  field  of  battle.  The  fire  of  the  enemy’s 
artillery  was  now  very  severe  owing  to  their  superior  weight 
of  metal,  and  the  guns  on  the  plank  road  exposed  in  addition 
to  the  fire  of  sharpshooters,  were  suffering  such  loss  that  it 
was  determined  to  retire  all  but  six  pieces,  and,  as  the  situa- 
tion seemed  rather  hopeless,  to  call  for  volunteers  to  man 
these. 

“To  Haskell's  proud  delight  every  gun  detachment  volun- 
teered to  remain.  Nor  did  the  artillery  to  the  right  and  left 
fail  to  bear  themselves  with  the  resolution  of  men  conscious 
that,  for  the  time,  the  hope  of  the  army  was  centered  in  their 
steadiness,  and  that  their  guns  alone  barred  the  road  to  Pe- 
tersburg ; for,  let  me  repeat,  Cemetery  Hill  was  naked  of  men. 

“ The  officers  of  one  battery,  indeed,  misbehaved,  but  these 
were  promptly  spurned  aside,  and  the  very  spot  of  their  de- 


604 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


fection  made  glorious  by  the  heroic  conduct  of  Hampton 
Gibbs,  of  the  artillery,  and  Sam  Preston,  of  Wise’s  brigade, 
both  of  whom  fell  desperately  wounded;  while  spurring 
hard  from  the  hospital,  with  the  fever  still  upon  him,  came 
Hampden  Chamberlayne,  a young  artillery  officer  of  Hill’s 
corps,  who  so  handled  these  abandoned  guns  that  from  that 
day  the  battery  bore  his  name,  and  he  wore  another  bar  upon 
his  collar. 

“Wright,  of  Halifax,  opened,  too,  a withering  fire  from  his 
light  guns,  posted  on  a hill  to  the  left,  nor  could  he  be  silenced 
by  the  enemy’s  batteries,  for  his  front  was  covered  by  a heavy 
fringe  of  pines,  and  now  the  eight-inch  mortars  in  rear  of 
Wright,  and  Langhorne’s  ten-inch  mortars  from  the  Baxter 
road,  took  part  in  the  dreadful  chorus. 

“ On  the  Federal  side,  Griffin  of  Potter’s  division,  not  wait- 
ing for  Wilcox,  pushed  forward  his  brigade,  and  gained 
ground  to  the  north  of  the  crater,  and  Bliss’  brigade  of  the 
same  division,  coming  to  his  support,  still  further  ground  was 
gained  in  that  direction.  But  his  leading  regiments,  deflected 
by  the  hostile  fire,  bore  to  their  left,  and  mingling  with  Led- 
lie’s  men  swarming  along  the  sides  of  the  great  pit,  added  to 
the  confusion. 

“ Wilcox  now  threw  forward  a portion  of  his  division  and 
succeeded  in  occupying  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of 
the  works  south  of  the  crater,  but  was  estopped  by  the  fire  of 
Chamberlayne’s  guns,  and,  whenever  occasion  offered,  by  the 
fire  of  the  infantry,  his  men  on  the  exposed  flank  gave 
ground,  and  pushing  the  right  regiments  into  the  crater,  the 
confusion  grew  Avorse  confounded.  Some  of  the  men,  indeed, 
from  fear  of  suffocation,  had  already  emerged  from  the  pit, 
and  spread  themselves  to  the  right  and  left,  but  this  was  a 
matter  of  danger  and  difficulty,  for  the  ground  was  scored 
with  covered  ways  and  traverses,  honey-combed  with  bomb- 
proofs,  and  swept  by  the  artillery.  Others  of  them  pressed 
forward  and  got  into  the  ditch  of  the  unfinished  gorge-lines, 
while  not  a few,  creeping  along  the  glacis  of  the  exterior  line, 
made  their  way  over  the  parapet  into  the  main  trench.  In 


THE  CRATEK  MINE. 


605 


all  this  there  was  much  hand  to  hand  fighting,  for  many  men 
belonging  to  the  dismembered  brigade  still  found  shelter 
behind  the  traverses  and  bomb-proofs,  and  did  not  easily 

yield.  . . . 

“ Lee,  informed  of  the  disaster  at  ten  minutes  past  six  in 
the  morning,  had  bidden  his  aid,  Colonel  Charles  Venable,  to 
ride  quickly  to  the  right  of  the  army  and  bring  up  two  brig- 
ades of  Anderson's  old  division,  commanded  by  Mahone,  for 
time  was  too  precious  to  observe  military  etiquette  and  send 
the  orders  through  Hill.  Shortly  after  the  General-in-Chief 
reached  the  frontier  in  person,  and  all  men  took  heart  when 
they  descried  the  grave  and  gracious  face,  and  ‘ Traveler,’ 
stepping  proudly,  as  if  conscious  that  he  bore  upon  his  back 
the  weight  of  a nation. 

“ Beauregard  was  already  at  the  Gee  House,  a commanding 
position  five  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the  crater,  and  Hill 
had  galloped  to  the  right  to  organize  an  attacking  column, 
and  had  ordered  down  Pegram,  and  even  now  the  light  bat- 
teries of  Brander  and  Ellett  were  rattling  through  the  town 
at  a sharp  trot,  with  cannoneers  mounted,  the  sweet,  serene 
face  of  their  boy-colonel  lit  up  with  that  glow  which  to  his 
men  meant  hotly-impending  fight.  Venable  had  sped  upon 
his  mission  and  found  Mahone’s  men  already  standing  to 
their  arms;  but  the  Federals,  from  their  lofty  ‘lookouts,’ 
were  busily  interchanging  signals,  and  to  uncover  such  a 
length  without  exciting  observation,  demanded  the  nicest  pre- 
caution. Yet  was  this  difficulty  overcome  by  a simple  device, 
for  the  men  being  ordered  to  drop  back  one  by  one,  as  if 
going  for  water,  obeyed  with  such  intelligence,  that  Warren 
continued  to  report  to  Meade  that  not  a man  had  left  his 
front. 

“ Then  forming  in  the  ravine  to  the  rear,  the  men  of  the 
Virginia  and  Georgia  brigades  came  pressing  down  the  valley 
with  swift,  swinging  stride  ; not  with  the  discontented  bear- 
ing of  soldiers  whose  discipline  alone  carries  them  to  what 
they  feel  to  be  a scene  of  fruitless  sacrifice,  but  with  the  glad 
alacrity  and  aggressive  ardor  of  men  impatient  for  battle,  and 


606 


BLUE  AUD  GRAY. 


who,  from  long  knowledge  of  war,  are  conscious  that  fortune 
has  placed  within  their  grasp  an  opportunity  which,  by  the 
magic  touch  of  veteran  steel,  may  be  transformed  to  ‘swift 
winged  victory.’  Halting  for  a moment  in  rear  of  the  ‘ Rag- 
land House,’  Mahone  bade  his  men  strip  off  blankets  and  knap- 
sacks and  prepare  for  battle.  Then  riding  quickly  to  the 
front,  while  the  troops  marched  in  single  file  along  the  cov- 
ered way,  he  drew  rein  at  Bushrod  Johnson’s  headquarters 
and  reported  in  person  to  Beauregard.  Informed  that  John- 
son would  assist  in  the  attack  with  the  outlying  troops  about 
the  crater,  he  rode  still  further  to  the  front,  dismounted,  and 
pushing  along  the  covered  way  from  the  plank  road,  came  out 
into  the  ravine,  in  which  he  afterward  formed  his  men. 
Mounting  the  embankment  at  the  head  of  the  covered  way, 
he  descried  within  an  hundred  and  sixty  yards  a forest  of 
glittering  bayonets,  and  beyond,  floating  proudly  from  the 
captured  works,  eleven  Union  flags.  Estimating  rapidly  from 
the  hostile  colors  the  probable  force  in  his  front,  he  at  once 
dispatched  liis  courier  to  bring  up  the  Alabama  brigade  from 
the  right,  assuming  thereby  a grave  responsibility,  yet  was 
the  wisdom  of  the  decision  vindicated  by  the  event.  Scarcely 
had  the  order  been  given  when  the  head  of  the  Virginia  brig- 
ade began  to  debouch  from  the  covered  way. 

“Directing  Colonel  Weisiger,  its  commanding  officer,  to 
file  to  the  risfht  and  form  line  of  battle,  Mahone  stood  at  the 
angle,  speaking  quietly  and  cheerily  to  his  men.  Silently  and 
quietly  they  moved  out,  and  formed  with  that  precision  dear 
to  every  soldier’s  eye,  the  sharpshooters  followed  by  the  Sixth, 
Sixteenth,  Sixty-first,  and  Twelfth  Virginia,  the  men  of  Sec- 
ond Manassas  and  Crampton  Gap.  But  one  caution  was 
given,  to  reserve  their  fire  until  they  reached  the  brink  of  the 
ditch;  but  one  exhortation,  that  they  were  counted  on  to  do 
this  work,  and  do  it  quickly. 

“Now  the  leading  regiment  of  the  Georgia  brigade  began  to 
move  out,  when  suddenly  a brave  Federal  officer  seizing  the 
colors  called  on  his  men  to  charge.  Descrying  this  hostile 
movement  on  the  instant,  Weisiger,  a veteran  of  stern  coun- 


THE  CRATER  MINE. 


G07 


tenance  which  did  not  belie  the  personal  intrepidity  of  the 
man,  littered  to  the  Virginians  the  simple  word,  ‘Forward.’ 
Then  the  sharpshooters  and  the  men  of  the  Sixth  on  the  right, 
running  swiftly  forward,  for  theirs  was  the  greater  distance  to 
traverse,  the  whole  line  sprang  along  the  crest,  but  there  burst 
from  more  than  eight  hundred  war-like  voices  that  fierce  yell 
which  no  man  ever  yet  heard  unmoved  on  field  of  battle. 
Storms  of  case-shot  from  the  right  mingled  with  the  tempest 
of  bullets  which  smote  upon  them  from  the  front,  yet  was 
there  no  answering  volley,  for  these  were  veterans  whose  fiery 
enthusiasm  had  been  wrought  to  a finer  temper  by  the  stern 
code  of  discipline,  and  even  in  the  tumult  the  men  did  not 
forget  their  orders.  Still  pressing  forward  with  steady  fury, 
while  the  enemy  appalled  by  the  inexorable  advance  gave 
ground,  they  reached  the  ditch  of  the  inner  works. 

“ Then  one  volley  crashed  from  the  whole  line,  and  the  Sixth 
and  Sixteenth  with  the  sharpshooters,  clutching  their  empty 
guns  and  redoubling  their  fierce  cries,  leaped  over  the  retrenched 
cavalier,  and  all  down  the  line  the  dreadful  work  of  the  bay- 
onet began.  How  long  it  lasted  none  may  say  with  certainty, 
for  in  those  fierce  moments  no  man  heeded  time,  no  man  asked, 
no  man  gave  quarter ; but  in  an  incredibljr  short  time,  as 
seemed  to  those  who  looked  on,  the  whole  of  the  advanced 
line  north  of  the  crater  was  retaken,  the  enemy  in  headlong 
flight,  and  the  tattered  battle-flags  planted  along  the  parapets 
from  left  to  right  told  Lee  at  the  Gee  House  that  from  this 
nettle,  danger,  valor  had  plucked  the  flower,  safety  for  an 
army. 

“ Redoubling  the  sharpshooters  on  His  right,  Mahone  kept 
down  all  fire  from  the  crater,  the  vast  rim  of  which  frowned 
down  upon  the  lower  line  occupied  by  his  troops.  And  now 
the  scene  within  the  horrid  pit  was  such  as  might  be  fitly 
portrayed  only  by  the  pencil  of  Dante,  after  he  had  trod 
‘nine  circled  hell.’  From  the  great  mortars  to  the  right  and 
left,  huge  missiles,  describing  graceful  curves,  fell  at  regular 
intervals,  with  dreadful  accuracy,  and  burst  among  the  help- 
less masses  huddled  together,  and  every  explosion  was  fol- 


608 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


lowed  by  piteous  cries,  and  oftentimes  the  very  air  seemed 
darkened  by  flying  human  limbs.  Haskell,  too,  had  moved 
up  his  Eprouvette  mortars  among  the  men  of  the  Sixteenth 
Virginia,  so  close,  indeed,  that  his  powder  charge  was  but  one 
ounce  and  a half,  and,  without  intermission,  the  storm  of  fire 
beat  upon  the  hapless  men  imprisoned  within.  . . . 

“ At  half-past  ten,  the  Georgia  brigade  advanced  and  at- 
tempted to  dislodge  Wilcox’s  men,  Avho  still  held  a portion  of 
the  lines  south  of  the  crater,  but  so  closely  was  every  inch  of 
the  ground  searched  by  artillery,  so  biting  was  the  fire  of 
musketry  that,  obliquing  to  their  left,  they  sought  cover 
behind  the  cavalier  trench  won  by  the  Virginia  brigade,  many 
officers  and  men  testifying  by  their  blood  how  gallantly  the 
venture  had  been  essayed. 

“ Half  an  hour  later  the  Alabamians  under  Saunders  arrived, 
but  too  late.  The  attack  was  postponed  until  after  one  P.M., 
in  order  to  arrange  for  co-operation  from  Colquitt  on  the 
right.  Sharply  to  the  minute  agreed  upon  the  assaulting  line 
moved  forward,  and  with  such  astonishing  rapidity  did  these 
glorious  soldiers  rush  across  the  intervening  space  that  ere 
their  first  wild  cry  subsided  their  battle-flags  had  crowned  the 
works.  The  Confederate  batteries  were  now  ordered  to  cease 
firing,  and.  forty  volunteers  were  called  for  to  assault  the 
crater,  but  so  many  of  the  Alabamians  offered  themselves  for 
the  service  that  the  ordinary  system  of  detail  was  necessary. 
Happily,  before  the  assaulting  party  could  be  formed  a white 
handkerchief,  made  fast  to  a ramrod,  was  projected  above  the 
edge  of  the  crater,  and  after  a brief  pause  a motley  mass  of 
prisoners  poured  over  the  side  and  ran  for  their  lives  to  the 
rear. 

“In  this  grand  assault  on  Lee’s  lines,  for  which  Meade  had 
massed  sixty-five  thousand  troops,  the  enemy  suffered  a loss 
of  above  five  thousand  men,  including  eleven  hundred  and  one 
prisoners,  among  whom  were  two  brigade  commanders,  while 
vast  quantities  of  small  arms  and  twenty-one  standards  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  victors. 

“Yet  many  brave  men  perished  on  the  Confederate  side. 


THE  CRATER  MINE. 


GO  9 


Elliott’s  brigade  lost  severely  in  killed  and  prisoners.  The 
Virginia  brigade,  too,  paid  the  price  which  glory  ever  exacts. 
The  Sixth  carried  in  ninety-eight  men  and  lost  eighty-eight, 
one  companjr, — ‘the  dandies,’ of  course, — ‘Old  Company  F’ 
of  Norfolk,  losing  every  man  killed  or  wounded.  Scarcely 
less  was  the  loss  in  other  regiments.  The  sharpshooters  car- 
ried in  eighty  men  and  lost  sixty-four,  among  the  slain  their 
commander,  William  Broadbent,  a man  of  prodigious  strength 
and  activity,  who,  leaping  first  over  the  works,  fell  pierced  by 
eleven  bayonet  wounds ; a simple  captain,  of  whom  we  may 
say,  as  was  said  of  Ridge  : ‘No  man  died  that  day  with  more 
glory,  yet  many  died,  and  there  was  much  glory.’  ” 

General  Lee  well  understood  that  the  result  of  the  cam- 
paign before  Petersburg  was  simply  a question  of  time  ; that 
unless  Grant’s  plans  could  be  deranged,  and  he  compelled  to 
cease  making  his  efforts  to  extend  his  left  flank,  he  would  ul- 
timately reach  the  railroad,  and  compel  the  Confederates  to 
evacuate  Petersburg.  The  Confederate  General  determined 
to  make  a movement  upon  the  Federal  capital,  compelling 
Grant  to  withdraw  a large  portion  of  his  army  from  before 
Petersburg,  and  thus  oblige  him  to  cease  making  his  aggres- 
sive movements  in  that  direction. 

To  carry  out  this  plan,  General  Lee  detached  a body  of 
twelve  thousand  troops  to  move  upon  Washington.  The  op- 
portunity seemed  to  be  a golden  one,  as  Washington  was  at 
that  time  unprotected,  and  the  whole  Federal  frontier  was 
open  for  the  Confederates’  advance.  The  only  troops  that 
General  Early  could  by  any  possibility  encounter  in  his 
movement  upon  Washington,  made  by  way  of  the  Shenan- 
doah Valley,  would  be  a small  force  under  General  Hunter, 
away  off  in  Western  Virginia,  a few  troops  under  General 
Sigel  at  Washington,  and  another  small  detachment  under 
General  Webber,  at  Harper’s  Ferry. 

Early  arrived  at  Martinsburg  on  the  third  of  July;  Sigel 
immediately  retreating  across  the  Potomac  at  Shepherdstown, 
and  Webber  fell  back  across  the  river  to  Maryland  Heights. 
Hunter  being  too  far  away  to  endanger  his  advance,  he  imme- 
39 


610 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


diately  crossed  the  Potomac  and  marched  to  Frederick  City 
by  the  way  of  Hagerstown.  Reaching  Frederick  on  the 
seventh  of  July,  from  this  point  he  could  easily  advance  upon 
Baltimore  or  Washington,  as  he  should  elect.  The  only  force 
then  to  dissipate  Early’s  advance  was  a few  hundred  heavy 
artillerymen,  some  invalids,  and  a few  “ Hundred  Days  Men,” 
under  General  Wallace,  who  was  in  command  at  Baltimore. 

When  General  Grant  learned  of  the  movement  that  was 
being  made  by  General  Early,  he  detached  the  Sixth  army 
corps  from  its  position  before  Petersburg,  and  sent  it,  by 
transports,  to  Washington.  Providentially  at  that  time,  Gen- 
eral Emory,  commanding  the  Eighteenth  corps,  arrived  in 
Hampton  Roads  with  his  command,  in  transports,  from  New 
Orleans,  and  without  disembarking  his  troops,  he  was  ordered 
to  Washington,  to  assist  the  Sixth  corps  in  repulsing  the  Con- 
federates under  General  Early. 

The  only  hope  of  the  Confederate  commander  consisted  in 
the  rapidity  of  his  movements,  whereby  he  could  reach  Wash- 
ington before  the  arrival  of  these  troops.  General  Rickett’s 
division  of  the  Sixth  corps,  luckily,  reached  General  Wallace, 
.before  the  latter,  with  his  small  and  feeble  command,  encoun- 
tered General  Early.  When  thus  reinforced  by  General 
Ricketts,  Wallace  moved  forward  and  took  a position  on  the 
Monocacy  river.  General  Early  here  attacked  him  on  the 
eighth,  and  compelled  Wallace  to  fall  back,  but  he  succeeded 
in  delaying  the  advance  of  his  opponent,  and  this  delay  was 
of  great  advantage  to  the  Federals;  Wallace  fell  back  upon 
Baltimore.  The  road  to  the  city  of  Washington  was  now 
open  for  the  advance  of  the  Confederate  commander,  and  if 
that  advance  had  been  a rapid  one,  Washington  would  have 
been  captured. 

Early  moved  with  some  vigor,  sending  a cavalry  force  down 
on  the  Baltimore  route  which  destroyed  the  track  and  bridges 
of  the  Northern  Central  and  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroads. 
This  movement  cut  all  communications  between  Washington 
and  .the  North,  and  also  protected  the  rear  of  Early’s  com- 
mand. His  troops  marched  down  the  great  pike  leading  from 


THE  CRATER  MINE. 


Oil 


Frederick  City  to  Georgetown,  and  on  the  ninth  his  advance 
reached  Rockville,  only  fourteen  miles  from  Washington. 
From  this  time  his  movements  were  fatally  slow,  and  it  was 
not  until  the  morning  of  the  eleventh  that  he  formed  his  line 
before  the  defences  on  the  northern  side  of  Washington,  in 
front  of  Fort  Stevens. 

He  could  then  have  easily  entered  the  city  as  there  was  no 
force  to  oppose  him  that  could  have  for  a single  hour  checked 
his  advance.  But  he  did  not  press  this  advantage,  and  during 
the  day  the  Sixth  and  Ninth  corps  arrived,  and  then  it  was 
too  late  for  Early  to  grasp  the  prize. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  twelfth  a brigade  of  the  Sixth 
corps  made  a charge  upon  Early’s  line,  driving  the  Confeder- 
ates back  for  a long  distance,  each  side  losing  quite  heavily. 
During  the  night  Early  recrossed  the  Potomac  at  Edwards’ 
Ferry,  and  succeeded  in  rebelling  the  Shenandoah  Yalley  in 
safety,  carrying  with  him  a large  amount  of  captured  booty. 

The  Sixth  and  Eighteenth  corps  soon  marched  to  Shenan- 
doah Valley,  where  they  remained  to  participate  that  autumn 
in  the  campaign  under  Sheridan.  This  movement  of  General 
Lee  failed  in  its  object  to  relieve  the  pressure  of  General  Grant 
at  Petersburg,  it  only  having  caused  the  withdrawal  of  one 
corps,  and  that  did  not  compel  him  to  cease  his  active  move- 
ments around  Petersburg. 

The  authorities  at  Washington  were  much  frightened,  and 
would  undoubtedly  have  welcomed  the  withdrawal  of  the 
whole  Army  of  the  Potomac  to  have  protected  the  capital, 
but  Grant  stood  firm,  nor  did  he  relax  his  hold  at  Petersburg 
for  a single  moment. 

On  the  twelfth  of  August  he  began  another  movement 
against  Richmond,  from  the  north  bank  of  the  James  river. 
This  expedition  was  placed  under  the  command  of  General 
Hancock.  This  command  consisted  of  the  Second  corps  and 
the  Tenth,  under  General  Birney,  and  a cavalry  division  under 
General  Gregg.  It  was  hoped  to  deceive  the  Confederates 
with  the  impression  that  these  troops  were  about  to  be  sent  to 
Washington.  So  they  embarked  upon  transports,  but  during 


612 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  night  of  the  twelfth,  instead  of  sailing  for  the  Federal 
capital,  they  returned  rapidly  up  the  James  river,  and  early 
next  morning  landed  at  Deep  Bottom,  a point  yet  held  by  the 
command  of  General  Foster.  The  landing  was  so  difficult  that 
it  was  nine  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth  before  the 
troops  were  ready  to  advance. 

Hancock  advanced  over  the  New  Market  and  Malvern  Hill 
roads,  and  did  not  encounter  much  opposition  until  he  reached 
Bailey’s  Creek.  Here  the  Confederates  were  found  in  a very 
strong  position.  The  divisions  of  Mott  and  Barlow  engaged 
them  with  but  little  result.  The  command  of  Birney  met 
with  some  success,  breaking  at  one  point  through  the  Con- 
federate line,  and  capturing  four  guns. 

General  Lee  immediately  began  to  reinforce  his  line  by 
troops  brought  from  the  south  side  of  the  James  river.  Dur- 
ing the  four  days  that  followed  there  was  considerable  fight- 
ing, and  very  many  lives  were  lost  on  both  sides.  The  cavalry 
also  encountered  the  Confederate  horsemen.  On  the  night  of 
the  second,  Hancock  withdrew,  and  resumed  his  old  position 
before  Petersburg. 

This  movement  on  the  north  side  of  the  James  cost  the 
Federal  army  thirteen  hundred  men.  The  results  gained 
were  very  small,  but  General  Grant,  not  discouraged  by  con- 
tinual failures,  was  resolved  to  strike  a blow  with  his  left 
flank,  and  thus  accomplish  what  the  movement  by  his  right 
had  failed  to  do.  This  new  movement  was  conducted  by 
General  Warren,  who  with  the  Fifth  corps  was  to  advance 
upon  the  Weldon  railroad.  It  was  hoped  that  this  movement 
might  meet  with  little  opposition,  as  so  large  a portion  of  Lee's 
command  was  upon  the  north  side  of  the  James. 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  WELDON  RAILROAD. 

W arren  moved  rapidly  upon  the  morning  of  the  eighteenth, 
and  overcoming  what  opposition  he  encountered,  before  noon 
he  seized  the  prize  Avhich  Grant  had  so  long  coveted,  the 
Weldon  railroad.  Leaving  Griffin’s  division  to  hold  the 
point  captured,  and  to  guard  the  roads  from  the  west  and 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  WELDON  RAILROAD. 


613 


south,  with  the  remainder  of  his  corps  he  moved  along  the 
line  of  the  railroad  in  the  direction  of  Petersburg.  Having 
advanced  about  one  mile,  he  found  a Confederate  line  of 
battle  waiting  to  dispute  his  path.  In  the  afternoon,  with 
Crawford’s  division  on  the  right,  and  the  division  of  Ayers  on 
the  left,  he  again  undertook  to  advance.  At  this  time  the 
Confederates  made  a forward  movement  on  the  left  of  Gen- 
eral Ayers.  In  this  attack  the  Confederates  moved  on  the 
Vaughn  road,  the  Federal  commander  being  ignorant  of  its 
existence. 

The  blow  fell  upon  the  Maryland  brigade  ; there  was  a 
sharp  fight  and  the  Marylanders  gave  way,  compelling  Ayers’ 
division  to  stop  its  advance ; Crawford  being  also  obliged  to 
halt.  In  this  engagement  the  Federals  lost  one  thousand 
men,  but  they  were  in  possession  of  the  Weldon  railroad,  and 
immediately  began  to  intrench  themselves.  The  presence  of 
this  force,  in  its  present  position,  was  a great  inconvenience 
to  General  Lee,  and  he  determined  to  dislodge  it.  The  troops 
that  had  met  the  two  divisions  of  Warren  were  heavily  rein- 
forced, and,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  nineteenth,  made  a sudden 
attack  upon  the  left  flank  of  the  Federals. 

General  Warren  had  directed  General  Bragg  to  establish 
with  his  brigade  a strong  skirmish  line,  by  the  shortest  route, 
between  his  right  flank  and  that  of  the  left  of  the  army,  and 
thus  protect  his  flank. 

For  some  reason  Bragg  did  not  execute  the  order  as  di- 
rected, but  formed  his  line  a mile  in  the  rear,  leaving  the 
right  flank  of  Crawford’s  division  entirely  uncovered.  When 
General  Warren  learned  of  this,  he  ordered  Bragg  to  immedi- 
ately correct  the  error,  but  before  he  could  do  that,  the  Con- 
federates, in  force,  swept  down  upon  Crawford’s  right  flank 
and  in  his  rear.  His  line  being  thus  taken  in  reverse  was 
badly  confused,  and,  with  the  right  of  Avers’  division,  was 
obliged  to  fall  back  upon  Griffin’s  position.  The  Federals 
lost  twenty-five  hundred  prisoners,  but  still  retained  the  pos- 
session of  the  Weldon  railroad. 


614 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


During  the  conflict  Generals  Wilcox  and  White  arrived 
with  two  thousand  men  belonging  to  the  Ninth  corps.  With 
this  reinforcement,  General  Warren  immediately  advanced 
and  regained  the  ground  he  had  lost.  The  Confederates,  after 
their  brilliant  charge,  retired  with  their  prisoners  behind  their 
fortifications.  Warren,  being  satisfied  that  Lee  would  make 
another  attempt  to  regain  the  important  position,  began  to 
diligently  fortify  it.  And  he  was  not  mistaken,  for  on  the 
morning  of  the  twenty-first,  the  Confederates  turned  thirty 
pieces  of  artillery  upon  Warren’s  position.  After  an  hour’s 
vigorous  shelling,  the  Confederate  infantry  advanced,  one  line 
in  front,  and  another  with  the  hope  of  turning  the  Federal 
flank. 

Warren  soon  repulsed  the  attack  in  his  front,  and  was  ready 
to  receive  the  force  upon  his  flank  which  consisted  of  a brig- 
ade of  South  Carolineans  commanded  by  General  Haygood. 
These  troops  soon  found  themselves  nearly  surrounded,  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  that  they  escaped,  after  leaving  five  hun- 
dred prisoners  in  the  hands  of  the  Federals.  Warren’s  loss 
was  only  three  hundred  men.  Two  hundred  Confederates 
were  left  dead  upon  the  field  and  were  buried  by  the  Federals. 
Continuing  to  fortify,  Warren  soon  made  his  position  one  of 
great  strength. 

General  Lee  now  gave  up  all  hope  of  recapturing  this  im- 
portant line  of  railway.  General  Grant  resolved  to  destroy 
the  Weldon  railroad  for  several  miles  in  the  rear  of  the  point 
held  by  General  Warren,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty- 
first  Hancock  moved  with  his  corps,  and  that  afternoon  reached 
a position  in  the  rear  of  Warren’s  command.  This  movement 
was  quickly  made,  and  then  for  two  days  Hancock’s  men  were 
busily  engaged  in  tearing  up  the  Weldon  railroad  track,  mov- 
ing slowly  toward  the  south.  At  this  time  the  Federal  cavalry 
were  operating  upon  the  left,  near  Dinwiddie  Court-house. 
On  the  twenty-fourth  the  Second  corps  tore  up  the  track  for 
the  distance  of  three  miles  south  of  Ream’s  Station,  and  then 
returned  to  their  defences  at  the  latter  place. 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BEAM’S  STATION. 


G15 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BEAM’S  STATION. 

Hancock  had  received  orders  to  destroy  the  track  as  far 
south  as  Rowant.y  Creek,  some  eight  miles  below  Ream’s  Sta- 
tion, and,  on  the  twenty-fifth,  he  again  sent  his  men  forth  on 
their  mission  of  destruction.  Gibbon’s  division  was  to  lead 
the  advance,  and  he  had  proceeded  but  a short  distance,  before 
his  cavalry,  which  had  been  sent  to  the  front,  fell  back  with 
intelligence  that  the  Confederates  were  rapidly  advancing  in 
heavy  force,  with  both  cavalry  and  infantry.  Hancock  imme- 
diately withdrew  the  advancing  line  of  Gibbon,  and  placed  it 
within  the  breastworks  at  the  station,  upon  the  left  of  the 
First  division,  under  the  command  of  General  Miles.  These 
two  divisions  constituted  Hancock’s  entire  command  of  in- 
fantry, numbering  six  thousand  men. 

The  Confederates  made  their  first  attack  at  two  o’clock  in 
the  afternoon.  They  struck  the  right  of  General  Miles  a 
heavy  blow,  but  this  assault,  although  made  in  a most  gallant 
style,  was  quickly  repulsed  by  the  Federals.  This  was  fol- 
lowed by  a second  and  more  determined  attack  on  the  part  of 
the  Confederates,  but  they  were  once  more  repulsed,  some  of 
them  falling  very  close  to  the  Federal  line. 

General  Hancock  was  laboring  under  a great  embarrass- 
ment. The  earthworks,  behind  which  he  had  placed  his  men, 
had  been  constructed  some  months  before  by  another  com- 
mand, and  were  very  faulty  both  in  location  and  arrangement. 
General  A.  P.  Hill  commanded  the  Confederates,  and  although 
a portion  of  his  command  had  been  twice  repulsed,  he  deter- 
mined to  carry  the  position  occupied  by  the  Federals.  He 
ordered  General  Heth  to  carry  the  works  regardless  of  cost, 
and  before  that  officer  made  the  assault,  Hill  opened  a heavy 
artillery  fire  upon  the  Federals,  who  were  poorly  protected 
behind  the  defective  and  fatal  breastworks.  They  soon  be- 
came demoralized.  The  Confederates  under  Heth  made  a 
desperate  assault  upon  Miles’  men,  and  succeeded  in  breaking 
the  Federal  line,  which  recoiled  before  this  tide  of  disaster. 

■One  brigade  of  Gibbon’s  division,  commanded  by  Colonel 
Rugg,  had  been  held  in  reserve,  but  it  did  not  come  promptly 


616 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


to  the  rescue.  The  Confederates  swept  on  with  wild  yells  of 
victory,  and  placed  their  colors  upon  the  batteries  of  Sleeper, 
Perrin  and  McKnight.  Hancock  was  not  dismayed  by  this 
disaster,  but  immediately  ordered  Gibbon  to  charge  with  his 
division,  and,  if  possible,  retake  the  lost  position  and  recapture 
the  guns.  Gibbon’s  division,  however,  failed  to  exhibit  their 
accustomed  valor,  and  but  feebly  responded  to  the  order. 
They  moved  forward  slowly,  and  when  the  Confederates 
opened  upon  them,  the}r  quickly  fell  back  to  their  former 
position. 

The  outlook  for  the  Federals  was  now  a desperate  one,  and 
but  for  the  fighting  done  by  a portion  of  Miles’  division,  the 
disaster  would  have  been  a most  terrible  one.  General  Miles 
greatly  distinguished  himself  on  that  occasion,  having  rallied 
the  Sixty-first  New  York,  and  at  its  head  charged  upon  a por- 
tion of  the  Confederates,  drove  them  back,  and  recaptured 
the  battery  of  McKnight.  The  Confederate  cavalry,  being 
dismounted,  charged  upon  the  Federal  left,  and  drove  a por- 
tion of  Gibbon’s  men  from  their  breastworks,  but  a line  of 
Federal  cavalry,  also  dismounted,  succeeded  in  driving  them 
back  for  a while,  but  were  in  turn  driven  back  by  the  Con- 
federates, and,  with  the  rest  of  the  Federal  troops,  fell  back  to 
a new  line  in  the  rear. 

General  Hancock  was  not  reinforced  until  it  was  too  late 
to  save  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  Mott’s  division  of  the  Second 
corps,  and  Wilcox’s  division  of  the  Ninth,  were  marching  to 
reinforce  him ; but,  instead  of  going  by  the  most  direct  route 
to  reach  Ream’s  Station,  they  were  ordered  to  march  by  the 
plank  road.  The  distance  being  so  great,  and  the  movement 
so  tardy,  they  did  not  reach  the  point  of  their  destination. 
After  dark,  Hancock  retreated  to  rejoin  the  rest  of  the  army, 
and,  about  the  same  time,  General  Hill  retraced  his  steps  to 
the  Confederate  lines.  It  was  a most  brilliant  victory  for  the 
Confederate  arms.  The  Confederates  acknowledged  a superi- 
ority of  numbers.  General  Hancock  lost  twenty-four  hun- 
dred, killed,  wounded,  and  missing.  The  Confederate  loss 
was  also  severe,  but  they  fell  back  to  their  lines,  bearing  with 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BEAM’S  STATION.  617 

them  seventeen  hundred  prisoners,  a number  of  guns  and 
captured  colors. 

It  is  but  justice  to  the  gallant  old  Second  corps,  to  state 
that  the  ranks  then  contained  but  few  of  the  men  who 
had  fought  so  bravely  in  the  Wilderness  and  Spottsylvania, 
as  also  at  Cool  Arbor  — death  had  shattered  its  veteran 
ranks.  Much  new  material,  not  yet  disciplined,  had  been 
used  in  filling  its  quota,  and  the  officers  found  it  almost 
impossible  to  make  them  of  any  service,  under  the  murderous 
fire  of  the  Confederate  guns. 

No  other  movement  was  made  until  the  last  of  September, 
but  during  all  of  that  time  there  was  constant  shelling,  and 
many  brave  men  of  both  armies  went  down  in  death,  as  the 
long,  tedious,  and  hot  days  slowly  passed  away.  There  was  a 
constant  strain  of  anxiety  which  made  those  days  memorable 
to  both  armies,  and  which  is  still  fresh  in  the  minds  of  those 
who  survive. 

General  Grant  now  determined  to  make  a movement  with 
the  troops  of  General  Butler  upon  his  right.  While  the  Fed- 
erals  were  making  these  movements  against  Petersburg, 
General  Lee  had  been  obliged  to  withdraw  nearly  all  of  his 
troops  from  the  defences  of  Richmond,  to  reinforce  his  line  in 
front  of  the  first  named  city,  so  that  at  the  close  of  Septem- 
ber, there  only  remained  north  of  the  James  river,  the  brig- 
ades of  Laws,  Benning,  Gregg,  and  Fulton,  of  Johnson’s  divis- 
ion, Gary’s  cavalry  brigade,  and  two  others  of  local  troops. 

On  the  twenty-eighth  of  September,  General  Birney,  com- 
manding the  Tenth,  and  General  Ord,  the  Eighteenth  corps, 
were  ordered  to  cross  the  James  river,  and  make  a movement 
upon  Richmond,  along  the  northern  banks  of  that  river.  The 
Eighteenth  corps  was  to  form  the  left  column  and  march 
along  the  Varina  road,  near  the  river;  and  the  Tenth  by  the 
New  Market  and  Darby  Town  roads.  General  Kautz,  with  a 
division  of  cavalry,  was  also  to  proceed  in  the  advance,  along 
the  Darby  Town  road.  The  plan  was  for  Ord  to  strike  the 
Confederate  line  at  Chapin’s  Bluff,  and  thus  prevent  the  Con- 
federates from  sending  reinforcements  against  Birney. 


618 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Both  of  these  columns  crossed  the  James  river  on  the  night 
of  the  twenty-eighth,  and,  before  daylight,  were  moving  along 
their  respective  routes,  driving  before  them  the  Confederate 
skirmishers.  At  half-past  seven  o’clock  in  the  morning,  Gen- 
eral Ord  had  reached  the  open  country  around  Fort  Harrison, 
on  Chapin's  Farm.  This  was  the  strongest  point  on  the  whole 
line ; it  was  about  one  mile  and  a half  from  Chapin’s  Bluff, 
and  connected  with  it  by  strong  lines  of  earthworks.  The 
artillery  occupying  Fort  Harrison  immediately  opened  upon 
the  troops  of  General  Ord,  and  he  quickly  planned  an  assault. 

Stannard’s  division,  with  Burnham’s  brigade  in  front,  was 
to  advance  on  the  left  of  the  Varina  road  in  columns  of  divis- 
ions, over  the  open  ground  before  the  Confederate  lines,  pre- 
ceded by  a heavy  line  of  skirmishers.  It  had  to  pass  over  a 
distance  of  some  fifteen  hundred  yards  to  reach  the  Confeder- 
ate line.  General  Heckman  was  to  advance  with  his  division 
on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  make  an  assault  upon  the  east- 
ern side  of  Fort  Harrison. 

CAPTURE  OF  FORT  HARRISON. 

This  movement  would  envelop  the  fort  on  the  east  and 
south.  In  the  meantime  the  Confederates  were  bringing  all 
the  reinforcements  they  could  from  their  extreme  left.  Stan- 
nard’s division  advanced  rapidly  upon  the  Confederate  line,  and 
when  it  reached  the  hill  upon  which  the  fort  was  built  Burn- 
ham’s brigade  dashed  up  it  on  the  double-quick  and  captured 
the  fort,  together  with  sixteen  guns  and  a number  of  prison- 
ers, including  the  commanding  colonel.  Stannard’s  division 
lost  five  hundred  and  ninety-four,  killed  and  wounded,  among 
the  former  being  the  gallant  General  Burnham,  of  Maine,  one 
of  the  bravest  officers  in  the  army.  Colonel  Stevens  assumed 
command  of  the  brigade,  but  he  was  soon  wounded,  his  suc- 
cessor sharing  a similar  fate.  The  Federal  troops  pressed  on- 
ward and  the  Confederates  were  driven  from  their  works  on 
the  right  and  left  of  the  fort,  six  guns  and  a number  of  pris- 
oners being  captured.  General  Ord  now  swept  down  the 
works  toward  the  James  river,  determined  to  capture  the  last 


ATTACK  ON  FORT  GILMER. 


619 


redan  of  the  Confederates  upon  the  banks  of  that  stream, 
together  with  the  pontoon  bridge  which  spanned  it  at  that 
point.  He  soon  discovered  that  the  redan  was  covered  by  the 
Confederate  gun-boats  and  a heavy  battery  in  the  rear.  His 
movement,  therefore,  failed  to  accomplish  that  result.  In  this 
assault  General  Ord  was  severely  wounded  in  the  leg,  and  the 
command  of  the  corps  devolved  upon  General  Heckman.  The 
Confederates  occupying  Fort  Gilmer,  a fortification  situated 
to  the  Federal  right  of  Fort  Harrison,  were  now  reinforced 
by  the  brigades  of  Generals  Gregg,  Benning,  and  Fulton. 
General  Heckman  immediately  made  an  attack,  but  was  re- 
pulsed with  heavy  loss.  General  Birney  was  advancing  along 
the  route  marked  out  for  him  to  pursue.  General  Grant 
reached  Fort  Harrison  and  ordered  Birney  to  continue  his  ad- 
vance in  conjunction  with  Heckman. 

ATTACK  ON  FORT  GILMER. 

At  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  Ames’  division  of  Birney’s 
corps,  with  a colored  brigade,  made  an  assault  on  Fort  Gilmer 
and  a long  line  of  earthworks  on  the  New  Market  road.  Gen- 
eral Ames  bravely  led  his  division  over  half  a mile  under  a 
terrible  fire.  They  advanced  through  three  ravines  filled  with 
fallen  trees,  and  when  they  emerged  from  the  last  one  were 
close  under  the  guns  of  the  Confederates. 

The  latter  now  poured  a terrible  fire  of  grape  and  canister 
upon  them,  before  which  they  recoiled  in  great  con- 
fusion. The  colored  troops  also  advanced  over  every  obsta- 
cle, many  of  them  springing  into  the  ditch  of  the  fort,  and 
attempting  to  climb  over  the  parapets,  but  nearly  all  of  those 
who  entered  the  ditch  were  killed.  The  Federal  left  flank  be- 
ing unprotected,  Birney’s  left  flank  was  withdrawn  to  the  New 
Market  road,  and  a line  was  extended  from  Fort  Harrison  to 
the  James  river,  just  above  Dutch  Gap.  General  Weitzel  was 
now  placed  in  command  of  the  Eighteenth  corps. 

General  Ewell  was  in  command  of  the  Confederates,  and 
during  the  day  he  was  joined  by  General  Lee.  The  brigades 
of  Bratton  and  Anderson  were  brought  from  the  Confederate 


620 


BLUE  'AND  GRAY. 


right  by  rail,  and  arrived  upon  the  scene  of  action  during  the 
evening.  Montague,  with  four  regiments  of  Pickett’s  divis- 
ion, also  arrived,  and,  during  the  night  of  the  twenty-ninth, 
General  Hoke,  with  the  brigades  of  Kirkland,  Clingman,  and 
Colquitt,  arrived;  also,  Scales’  brigade,  of  Wilcox’s  division. 
These  ten  brigades  were  concentrated  for  action  at  Fort  Gil- 
mer, for  the  purpose  of  assaulting  Fort  Harrison,  and  to  recap- 
ture the  works  taken  by  the  Federals  on  the  previous  day. 
It  was  also  a busy  night  within  the  Federal  lines,  large  par- 
ties toiling  with  great  vigor  to  strengthen  the  captured  fort. 

On  the  thirtieth,  at  two  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  General 
Anderson,  in  command  of  Longstreet’s  corps,  made  a terrible 
assault  upon  Fort  Harrison,  twelve  pieces  of  artillery  opening 
upon  the  Federal  position,  and  then  the  brigades  of  Laws, 
Clingman,  Bratton,  Anderson,  and  Colquitt,  charged  the 
work.  These  gallant  troops  dashed  through  the  underbrush, 
close  up  to  the  Federal  lines,  but  they  found  men  equally  as 
brave  defending  Fort  Harrison,  and  were  repulsed  by  the  ter- 
rible musketry  fire  which  was  poured  upon  them.  Their  ad- 
vance was  checked,  but  they  rallied  and  again  charged, — 
three  times  they  moved  forward  to  the  assault,  and  as  many 
times  were  they  driven  back  by  the  Federals,  and  finally  Avith- 
drew,  leaving  the  Federals  victors  upon  that  field  of  slaughter. 

In  this  bloody  affair  General  Stannard  lost  an  arm.  For  the 
two  days  in  which  the  troops  were  engaged,  the  Federal  army 
lost  in  killed,  Avounded,  and  missing,  two  thousand,  two  hun- 
dred and  seventy-tAvo.  In  the  battle  of  the  thirtieth,  the  Con- 
federate loss  was  two  thousand  men,  in  killed,  Avounded,  and 
prisoners. 

Noav  for  a time  the  storm  of  war  was  hushed  upon  the  north 
bank  of  the  James,  but  its  deadly  roar  was  heard  at  the  same 
time  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  Federal  line,  as  the  contending 
hosts  met  in  deadly  array,  near  Hatcher’s  Run.  General  Grant 
decided  to  make  a movement  here,  for  the  purpose  of  extending 
his  left  flank,  at  the  same  time  that  the  movement  Avas  being 
made  on  the  north  bank  of  the  James,  and  for  this  purpose, 
General  Warren,  with  two  divisions  of  the  Fifth  corps,  was 


BATTLE  OF  PEEBLE’S  FARM.  621 

ordered  to  move  out  from  the  left,  in  the  direction  of  Peeble’s 
Farm. 

General  Park,  with  two  divisions  of  the  Ninth  corps  was  to 
follow  him.  The  object  was  to  secure  the  junction  of  the 
“Squirrel  Level,”  and  “Poplar  Spring  Church ” roads,  at  a 
point  known  as  Peeble's  Farm.  Here  a redoubt  terminated 
in  a six  gun  fort  which  covered  the  roads.  From  this  point 
the  forces  of  Warren  and  Parke  were  to  move  in  a north- 
westerly direction  toward  the  Boydton  plank  road,  and  the 
South  Side  railroad,  if  it  was  deemed  practicable  to  do  so. 

BATTLE  OF  PEEBLE’S  FARM. 

On  the  thirtieth,  Warren,  with  the  divisions  of  Griffin  and 
Ayers,  moved  promptly  against  the  works  at  Peeble’s  Farm, 
where  the  two  roads  unite.  Bartlett’s  brigade  led  the  assault, 
passing  at  a double-quick  over  an  open  field  six  hundred 
yards  in  width,  which  was  raked  by  the  Confederate  artillery. 
They  carried  the  redoubt  and  fort,  which  was  bravely  defended 
by  a force  of  infantry  and  the  dismounted  cavalrymen  of  Gen- 
eral Dearborne. 

The  Confederates  did  not  retreat  until  the  Federals  were 
climbing  over  the  parapets.  The  Federal  loss  was  very  severe.  / 
Colonel  Welch,  commanding  the  Sixteenth  Michigan,  was 
killed  as  he  entered  the  works.  The  victors  captured  a num- 
ber of  prisoners.  Lieutenant  A.  E.  Fernald,  of  the  Twentieth 
Maine,  ran  in  advance  of  his  regiment  and  captured  a gun 
which  he  held  until  reinforcements  arrived.  General  Ayers 
now  moved  forward  with  his  division  upon  the  right  of  Grif- 
fin’s, and  carried  the  intrenchments  in  his  front,  and  thus  the 
whole  line  passed  into  the  possession  of  the  Federals.  Gen- 
eral Parke  advanced  on  Warren’s  left  and  moved  with  his  two 
divisions,  commanded  by  Potter  and  Wilcox,  to  the  Pegram 
Farm,  Wilcox  forming  the  left  of  the  line,  and  the  right  under 
Potter  expecting  to  connect  with  the  left  of  Warren. 

General  Hill,  who  at  that  time  commanded  the  Confederate 
forces  within  the  Petersburg  defences,  prepared  to  meet  this 
advance  of  General  Meade  by  advancing  the  divisions  of  Heth 


622 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


and.  Wilcox  to  the  Jones’  House,  near  Pegram’s  Farm.  Gen- 
eral Potter,  passing  through  a piece  of  woods,  found  himself 
within  less  than  a half  mile  of  the  main  line  of  Confederate 
intrenchments,  and  also  near  the  divisions  of  Heth  and  Wil- 
cox. He  immediately  prepared  to  attack,  hut  the  Confeder- 
ates assumed  the  offensive  and  made  a vigorous  attack  upon 
Potter.  They  turned  his  right  flank,  forcing  his  line  back,  as 
also  a portion  of  Wilcox’s  division. 

General  Parke  immediately  formed  a new  line,  and  General 
Griffin  coming  to  his  support,  the  Confederate  advance  was 
checked.  The  Federal  loss  far  exceeded  that  of  the  Confed- 
erate, as  the  latter  captured  a large  number  of  prisoners. 
Mott’s  division  arrived  to  reinforce  General  Parke  and  the 
position  that  had  been  thus  captured  was  held,  and  a form- 
idable line  of  defences  constructed  within  a mile  of  the  Con- 
federate line.  This  movement  cost  the  Federals  a loss  of  two 
thousand  men  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  The  Confeder- 
ate loss  cannot  be  ascertained  but  was  probably  not  as  heavy 
as  that  of  the  Federals. 

The  roar  of  battle  was  next  heard  on  the  north  bank  of  the 
James  river,  where  General  Kautz  with  a force  of  seventeen 
hundred  men  and  two  batteries  of  artillery,  held  the  Darby 
Town  road  at  the  place  where  the  Confederate  works  had  been 
captured  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  September.  On  his  right 
was  a SAvamp  which  extended  to  his  rear  and  across  the  Darby 
Town  road. 

BATTLE  OF  WHITE  OAK  SWAMP. 

The  Confederates  resolved  to  drive  Kautz  from  this  valua- 
ble position,  and  for  that  purpose  Generals  Field  and  Hoke 
marched  their  divisions  on  the  night  of  October  sixth  to  the 
road,  and  at  sunrise  of  the  seventh,  Field  advanced  Avith  the 
brigades  of  Anderson  and  Bratton,  Avhile  Gary’s  cavalry,  sup- 
ported by  Lane,  moved  around  the  right  of  General  Kautz, 
by  the  Charles  City  road.  Kautz  fell  back  rapidly  before 
the  vigorous  attack  of  Field,  and,  in  crossing  the  swamp,  he 
came  in  contact  with  Gary’s  cavalry,  and  lost  eight  guns.  He 


BATTLE  OF  WHITE  OAK  SWAMP. 


623 


succeeded  in  crossing  to  the  New  Market  road,  where  he  was 
protected  by  the  Tenth  corps.  His  loss  had  been  one  hun- 
dred killed,  and  two  hundred  wounded  and  missing. 

General  Field  moved  across  the  swamp  and  made  an  attack 
upon  the  right  of  the  Tenth  corps,  but  was  repulsed  and 
driven  across  the  swamp,  after  having  sustained  a considera- 
ble loss.  General  Gregg,  one  of  the  most  gallant  of  the  Con- 
federate brigade  commanders,  fell  dead  at  the  head  of  his 
brave  Texans,  and  General  Bratton  was  wounded. 

On  the  thirteenth  of  October  General  Butler  made  a slight 
advance  to  regain  the  works  on  the  Darby  Town  road,  but 
was  repulsed  with  some  loss. 

The  Federal  general  now  resolved  to  make  another  move- 
ment around  the  Confederate  right,  for  the  purpose  of  captur- 
ing the  South  Side  railroad,  which  was  now  the  main  avenue 
alone  which  the  Confederates  maintained  their  eommunica- 
tions  with  the  south.  On  the  twenty-fourth  of  October 
General  Grant  wrote  as  follows  to  General  Meade : 

“ Make  your  preparations  to  march  out  at  an  early  hour,  on 
the  twenty-seventh,  to  gain  possession  of  the  South  Side  rail- 
road, and  to  hold  it,  and  fortify  back  to  your  present  left.  In 
commencing  your  advance,  move  in  three  columns,  exactly  as 
proposed  by  yourself  in  our  conversation  of  last  evening,  and 
with  the  same  force  you  proposed  to  take.  Parke,  who  starts 
out  nearest  to  the  enemy,  should  be  instructed  that,  if  he 
finds  the  enemy  intrenched,  and  the  works  well  manned,  he  is 
not  to  attack,  but  confront  him  and  be  prepared  to  advance 
promptly  when  he  finds  that,  by  the  movement  of  the  other 
two  columns  to  the  right  and  rear  of  them,  they  begin  to 
give  way,”  etc. 

At  that  time  the  best  information  the  Federal  commanders 
could  obtain  of  the  Confederate  position  was  that  their  in- 
trenchments  had  been  extended  to  Hatcher’s  Run,  at  a point 
two  miles  above  where  the  Vaughn  road  crossed  that  stream, 
and  a mile  above  Armstrong's  mill,  but  that  these  intrench- 
ments  were  in  an  unfinished  condition.  They  did  not  cross 
the  stream  or  extend  along  its  banks.  On  the  south  side  of 


624 


BLUE  AILD  GRAY. 


Hatcher’s  Run,  at  the  Burgess  mill,  where  the  Boydton  plank 
road  crosses  the  stream,  they  had  emplacements  for  artillery 
and  infantry  parapets. 

General  Meade’s  plan  was  to  leave  sufficient  force  in  the 
Federal  intrenchments  to  hold  them  against  any  attack,  and 
with  a force  of  thirty  thousand  men,  with  sufficient  artillery 
and  three  thousand  cavalry  under  General  Gregg,  to  move  out 
from  the  Federal  left.  Hancock,  with  General  Gregg  on  his 
left,  was  to  cross  Hatcher’s  Run  by  the  Vaughn  road,  move 
to  the  Boydton  plank  road,  past  Dabney’s  mill,  thence  along 
the  White  Oak  road  to  its  intersection  with  the  Clairborne 
road;  thence  recross  Hatcher’s  Run  two  miles  above  Burgess 
mill,  and  then  march  to  the  South  Side  railroad  at  a point 
three  miles  east  of  Sutherland  Station.  General  Parke,  with 
the  Ninth  corps  was  to  move  early  on  the  same  day  and  en- 
deavor to  capture  the  works  near  Hatcher's  Run  by  surpris- 
ing the  Confederates.  If  he  failed  in  this  he  was  to  engage 
them  in  front,  while  Hancock  and  Warren  operated  on  the 
flank. 

General  Warren  with  the  Fifth  corps  was  to  move  to  the 
vicinity  of  Armstrong’s  mill  to  support  General  Parke,  jmd  if 
his  attack  was  successful  to  follow  it  up  by  moving  upon  the 
left  of  the  Ninth  corps.  If  Parke  did  not  break  the  Confed- 
erate line  Warren  was  to  cross  Hatcher’s  Run,  turn  the  ene- 
my’s right  by  recrossing  the  run  at  the  Burgess  mill,  thus 
keeping  upon  the  right  of  Hancock.  The  troops  were  all  to 
carry  four  days’  rations. 

On  the  twenty-fifth  of  October  General  Hancock  withdrew 
the  divisions  of  Mott  and  Gibbon  from  the  intrenchments  and 
massed  them  in  a concealed  position  in  the  rear,  General  Egan 
being  in  command  of  Gibbon’s  division.  General  Miles’  divis- 
ion held  the  Petersburg  line  from  the  Appomattox  river  to 
battery  twenty-four,  between  the  Jerusalem  plank  road  and 
the  Weldon  railroad.  Hancock’s  command  was  composed  of 
ten  thousand  infantry. 

On  the  twenty-sixth,  Mott  and  Egan  moved  along  in  rear 
of  the  intrenchments.  General  Parke  assigned  fifteen  hun- 
dred men  to  hold  his  line,  and  General  Warren  assigned  twen- 


BATTLE  OF  WHITE  OAK  SWAMP. 


625 


ty-five  hundred,  under  General  Baxter,  to  render  the  same 
service  for  him.  Parke  and  Warren  had  about  eleven  thou- 
sand men  each.  The  design  was  for  all  of  the  columns  to 
move  at  half-past  three  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  the  twenty- 
seventh.  The  morning  was  dark  and  rainy,  and  the  move- 
ment was  necessarily  delayed,  which  prevented  the  Confeder- 
ates from  being  surprised.  Generals  Warren  and  Parke 
advanced  upon  the  Confederate  pickets,  but  found  their  posi- 
tion so  strong  that  they  did  not  deem  an  attack  in  their  front 
to  be  practicable. 

Griffin’s  division  was  in  front  of  the  extreme  right  of  the 
Confederate  position ; his  skirmishers  reaching  to  Hatcher's 
Run.  This  was  at  nine  o’clock  in  the  morning.  General 
Meade  being  satisfied  that  an  attack  should  not  be  made 
in  front,  and  being  notified  by  General  Hancock  that  he  had 
crossed  Hatcher’s  Run,  ordered  General  Warren  to  cross  the 
run  with  a portion  of  his  corps  and  connect  with  General 
Hancock.  General  Crawford,  with  the  Maryland  brigade  of 
Ayers’  division  in  support,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  run. 
General  Parke  began  to  intrench  his  advanced  position. 

Crawford’s  division  was  immediately  formed  in  line  of  bat- 
tle, with  Bragg's  brigade  on  the  right,  extending  to  the  run, 
Hoffman’s  brigade  on  the  left,  and  the  Maryland  brigade  in 
reserve.  The  forest  was  thick ; the  Confederates  had  felled 
trees,  and  these,  with  the  thickets  and  running  vines,  made 
an  advance  almost  impossible.  The  Confederates  had  also 
dammed  the  run  so  that  it  had  overflowed  its  banks,  and  it 
was  very  difficult  to  distinguish  between  the  main  stream  and 
its  many  tributaries.  General  Griffin  was  ordered  to  skirmish 
with  the  Confederates  upon  the  north  bank  of  the  run,  that 
Crawford's  men  could  be  guided  by  the  report  of  the  firing. 

At  four  o’clock  Crawford  had  succeeded  in  advancing  more 
than  a mile,  and  was  upon  the  right  flank  of  the  line  that 
Griffin  was  facing.  Communication  with  Griffin  was  almost 
impossible.  The  Boydton  plank  road  was  over  a mile  in 
Crawford’s  front,  with  a trackless  forest  between,  and  no 
guide  to  point  out  the  way.  The  Dabney  Mill  road  was  a 

mile  distant  upon  his  left.  Under  these  circumstances  War- 

40 


62  6 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


ren  ordered  Crawford  to  halt  and  reform  his  line,  but  to  press 
forward  with  his  skirmishers. 

Hancock’s  advance  crossed  Hatcher’s  Run  at  daylight,  with 
Egan’s  division  in  advance ; Smith’s  brigade  forded  the  stream 
and  gallantly  carried  the  Confederate  rifle-pits  upon  its 
banks  ; Mott  swiftly  followed  Egan  and  moved  beyond  Dab- 
ney’s mill,  striking  the  Boydton  plank  road  about  one  mile 
south  of  Burgess  mill;  Gregg,  who,  with  his  cavalry,  had 
crossed  Hatcher’s  Run  below  the  infantry,  had  encountered 
Hampton’s  cavalry,  but  had  pressed  on  along  the  Vaughn 
and  Quaker  roads,  and  now  joined  Hancock. 

When  the  latter  reached  the  plank  road  and  began  to  move 
through  the  open  country,  he  encountered  a sharp  artillery 
fire  in  his  front  and  the  White  Oak  road,  upon  his  left,  to 
which  Beck’s  battery  immediately  replied.  Egan  was  or- 
dered along  the  Boydton  road  to  drive  the  Confederates  from 
Burgess  Tavern  and  Mill,  across  the  bridge  to  the  north  side 
of  the  run,  while  Mott  was  to  advance  and  seize  the  White 
Oak  road. 

It  was  now  ten  o’clock  at  night  and  General  Meade  ordered 
General  Hancock  to  halt  upon  the  plank  road.  Egan  gal- 
lantly advanced  and  drove  the  Confederates  across  the  run, 
.and  in  compliance  with  orders  from  General  Hancock,  halted 
and  formed  his  line  across  the  plank  road  at  its  intersection 
with  the  White  Oak  road  where  he  was  under  a heavy  fire 
from  the  Confederate  artillery  on  the  north  bank  of  the  run, 
as  also  from  a battery  on  the  White  Oak  road. 

The  Confederates  were  very  busy  in  the  meantime,  prepar- 
ing to  repel  Hancock’s  advance.  Heth’s  and  Mahone’s  divis- 
ions of  infantry,  with  Hampton's  cavalry,  were  concentrating 
at  the  crossing  of  the  Boydton  plank  road  over  Hatcher’s 
Run,  and  Burgess  mill,  directly  in  front  of  Egan.  Heth’s 
division  remained  at  the  bridge  to  engage  the  Federals,  while 
Mahone  moved  swiftly  to  and  crossed  the  run  a mile  below 
Burgess  mill,  moving  along  a narrow  wood  road,  the  exist- 
ence of  which  was  unknown  to  the  Federals,  to  strike  Han- 
cock's right.  Hampton  moved  up  the  stream  to  attack  his 
left  and  rear. 


627 


BATTLE  OF  HATCHER’S  RUN. 

BATTLE  OF  HATCHER’S  RUN. 

Mahone  with  his  accustomed  vigor  pressed  on,  and  broke 
out  of  the  woods  with  a yell  and  volley,  upon  Egan’s  right 
flank,  but  the  latter  quickly  prepared  to  receive  him,  the  guns 
of  Rodes  and  Beck  opening  upon  the  advancing  Confederates. 
The  brigades  of  De  Trobriand  and  Kerwin  received  them  in 
front,  while  those  of  Smythe,  Willett  and  McAllister  rushed 
down  upon  their  flank,  and  Mahone  was  hurled  back  with 
considerable  loss. 

At  the  same  time  Hampton  made  a heavy  attack  upon 
Hancock’s  left  and  rear,  but  the  Federals,  by  standing  firmly, 
held  their  position.  Just  before  dark,  Warren  sent  Ayers’ 
division  to  reinforce  Hancock,  but  during  the  night  Hancock 
withdrew  from  his  position  and  on  the  twenty-eighth  the 
troops  returned  to  their  former  positions. 

Hancock  lost  in  killed  and  wounded,  eight  hundred  and 
fifty-seven  men ; his  missing  amounting  to  six  hundred  and 
twenty-five  more.  Warren  lost  two  hundred  and  eleven  killed 
and  wounded  ; missing  forty-eight.  The  Confederate  loss  is 
not  known. 

While  this  movement  was  being  made  along  Hatcher’s  Run, 
General  Butler  made  an  advance  along  the  north  bank  of  the 
James,  the  troops  being  under  the  command  of  General 
Weitzel.  Nothing  of  importance  was  accomplished  and  the 
troops  returned  to  their  former  positions,  and  thus  active 
operations  around  Petersburg  ceased  for  the  season.  Thus 
closed  the  most  desperate  campaign  of  the  civil  war,  the 
troops  of  both  armies  going  into  winter  quarters,  about  the 
last  of  November. 

Surgeon  McParlin,  medical  director  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  reported  to  General  Meade,  November  seventh,  that 
the  wounded  in  that  army  from  May  third  to  October  thirty- 
first,  1864,  was  fifty-seven  thousand,  four  hundred  and  ninety- 
five  men,  exclusive  of  the  Ninth  corps  in  the  Wilderness  and 
at  Spotts}dvania,  and  the  Eighteenth  corps  while  it  served 
with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  The  Fifth  corps  alone,  dur- 
ing that  time,  had  lost  over  eleven  thousand  men  in  killed 
and  wounded. 


628 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

REMINISCENCES,  ANECDOTES,  AND  POEM. 

THE  STORY  OF  A SCOUT. 

General  Gordon,  of  the  Confederate  army,  once  had  among 
his  scouts  one  of  the  bravest  fellows  that  ever  lived.  On  the 
last  retreat  two  men  in  Confederate  uniform  were  captured, 
and  one  of  them  had  a lieutenant’s  insignia. 

“ They  were  brought  into  my  camp,”  says  General  Gordon, 
“ and  George  said,  ‘ General  Gordon,  I know  that  man,’  point- 
ing to  one;  ‘he  decoyed  me  into  the  Federal  lines  and  gave 
me  up.’  I said  to  the  Yankee,  who  was  as  fine  a looking  man 
as  I ever  saw  in  my  life,  whole  in  body  and  whole  in  soul,  ‘My 
friend,  this  is  a serious  charge  against  you.  I hope  you  can 
acquit  yourself.’ 

“ He  insisted  that  he  was  a Confederate  lieutenant,  and  gave 
me  his  place  in  the  Confederate  army  with  the  greatest  pre- 
cision and  confidence;  but  George  said  again,  ‘General  Gor- 
don, that  man  is  a spy ; I cannot  be  deceived  about  him.’  So 
I said  to  the  Yankee,  ‘My  friend,  we  must  strip  you  and  see 
if  my  scout  is  not  mistaken.’  We  did  strip  him,  and  in  a 
portion  of  his  garments  we  found  a direct  order  from  General 
Sheridan. 

“ Said  I,  ‘ My  friend,  I sympathize  with  you,  but  you  know 
the  penalty  of  your  detection  ? ’ 

“‘Yes,’  said  he,  ‘General  Gordon,  I have  taken  my  life  in 
my  hands  a long  time ; you  have  caught  me ; I am  ready  for 
the  penalty.’  I looked  into  the  man’s  eyes,  and  I saw  the 
soul  of  a man  there.  Said  I,  ‘Take  him  to  the  guardhouse.’ 

“Now  I sincerely  hoped  I would  not  have  to  hang  that  man. 
Indeed,  I did  not  mean  to  hang  him ; but  his  offense  was  a 


CARRIAGES  AND  MILLINERY  TO  THE  REAR. 


629 


hanging  one.  The  next  day  it  was  suggested  to  me  that  I 
had  the  spy.  Said  I,  ‘ We  are  too  hotly  engaged  ; let  him  go 
over  another  day.’  I kept  reprieving  him  until  finally  the 
Federals  took  him  off  my  hands.  I never  meant  to  hang  him 
at  all.” 

RATHER  DIE  ON  THE  FIELD. 

The  Sixth  corps,  under  command  of  General  Sedgwick,  ar- 
rived on  the  battlefield  of  Gettysburg  at  a very  critical 
moment.  A New  Jersey  brigade  that  formed  a part  of  the 
command  reached  the  battlefield  at  three  o’clock  on  the  after- 
noon of  July  third.  At  the  moment  it  entered  the  fight,  a 
poor  fellow,  sick  and  foot-sore,  who  looked  almost  like  the 
image  of  death,  hobbled  from  an  ambulance,  and  shouldering 
his  musket,  started  for  the  scene  of  conflict.  A surgeon  who 
saw  him,  thus  accosted  him  : “ Where  are  you  going?  ” “ To 

the  front,  Doctor,”  said  the  brave  fellow,  who  was  barely  able 
to  stand  upon  his  feet.  “ To  the  front,”  exclaimed  the  sur- 
geon, “ why,  sir,  a man  in  your  condition  cannot  march  a half 
mile.  You  have  no  strength  to  carry  a musket.”  “ But,  Doc- 
tor, my  comrades  are  going  in,  and  I have  a younger  brother 
in  my  company  whom  I want  to  look  after,  and  I must  go.” 
“But,”  continued  the  doctor,  “you  are  sick  and  have  every 
symptom  of  typhoid  fever,  and  the  over-exertion  will  kill  you.” 
“Well,  if  I must  die,  I had  rather  die  on  the  battlefield.” 

He  marched  away,  joined  his  comrades,  and  just  as  the  sun 
set  on  the  evening  of  July  fourth,  they  buried  him  where  he 
fell  on  the  previous  day  with  a mangled  arm  and  a minie-ball 
through  his  head. 

CARRIAGES  AND  MILLINERY  TO  THE  REAR. 

A good  yarn  is  told  of  General  Grant  and  a captain  in  one 
of  the  infantry  regiments  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  that  oc- 
curred in  the  spring  of  1864,  just  before  the  opening  of  the 
Wilderness  campaign. 

General  Grant,  accompanied  by  an  orderly,  was  riding  on 
horseback  through  a heavy  rain  along  one  of  the  muddy 


630 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Virginia  roads  when  he  met  an  elegant  carriage  containing  a 
captain  who  had  been  a fellow  cadet  with  Grant  at  West 
Point.  The  meeting  was  a happy  surprise  to  both. 

The  Lieutenant-General  was  clad  in  a fatigue  uniform  wet 
with  rain  and  daubed  with  mud.  The  captain  wore  an  ele- 
gant uniform  of  blue  with  new  felt  straps  and  buttons  ; great 
black  plumes  upon  his  hat,  closely  fitting  gloves  of  yellow  buck- 
skin, and  patent-leather  boots  which  had  never  been  stained 
by  a drop  of  rain  or  grain  of  dust. 

After  a very  cordial  salutation,  General  Grant  asked  the 
captain  if  he  could  have  the  pleasure  of  his  company  for  a 
little  time.  “ Yes,  indeed,”  responded  the  captain,  “ but  will 
you  not  ride  with  me  in  the  carriage  ? ” “ No,  I thank  you,” 

replied  the  other,  “ I am  anxious  to  reach  my  point  of  destina- 
tion and  must  press  on.” 

The  captain  stepped  from  his  comfortable  carriage,  and  plod- 
ing  out  in  the  mud  and  rain,  walked  by  the  side  of  his  com- 
mander until  he  was  thoroughly  wet  and  bespattered  with 
mud.  The  General  asked  many  questions  relative  to  his  com- 
mand, and  when  the  conversation  ended,  reminded  him  of  the 
work  they  were  there  to  do,  and  intimated  that  it  was  quite 
time  for  easy  carriages  and  millinery  to  be  sent  to  the  rear. 

A FEW  REASONS  WHY. 

When  the  two  great  armies  of  Grant  and  Lee  were  fighting 
near  the  Po  river,  a colonel  in  command  of  a Maine  regiment 
learned  that  there  was  a Confederate  wagon  train  which  could 
be  easily  captured. 

Anxious  to  immortalize  himself  and  his  command,  he  imme- 
diately detached  three  companies  of  his  regiment,  under  the 
command  of  his  major,  to  advance  and  capture  the  prize. 
The  major  was  a brave  officer,  as  also  a shrewd  Yankee,  and 
evidently  did  not  have  much  faith  in  the  success  of  the  en- 
terprise. 

“No  trouble  ! No  trouble ! ” repeated  the  colonel,  “ dash  in 
upon  the  train,  shoot  down  the  horses,  and  it  is  yours.”  The 
three  small  companies  marched  away,  and,  after  several  hours. 


TIED  ON  THE  WRONG  SADDLE. 


631 


returned  to  camp  without  the  wagons.  The  colonel,  who  was 
on  the  tiptoe  of  anxiety  during  their  absence,  looked  much 
displeased  when  he  saw  them  returning  without  the  coveted 
prize,  and  demanded  why  they  had  not  brought  them. 

The  major  with  the  coolness  and  deliberation  that  a Yankee 
alone  can  display,  slowly  responded,  “There  are  a few  reasons 
why  I did  not  bring  them  in.”  “Give  me  those  reasons,”  de- 
manded his  superior. 

“ Well,  sir,  the  Po  river  was  between  me  and  the  train  ; I had 
no  bridge  to  cross  upon,  it  was  too  deep  to  ford,  and  my  men 
could  not  swim.  Then  there  was  a heavy  skirmish  line  on 
the  other  bank  of  the  river,  and  beyond  that,  in  the  woods, 
there  was  a brigade  of  cavalry,  and  on  the  hill,  to  their  right, 
was  a batter}1-  of  artillery,  and  beyond  these,  but  between 
them  and  the  wagon  train,  was  the  Confederate  line  of  battle, 
and  upon  the  whole,  I thought  it  would  not  be  convenient  for 
me  to  bring  it  off  with  my  one  hundred  and  fifty  men.”  The 
colonel  subsided. 

TIED  ON  THE  WRONG  SADDLE. 

Colonel  D.,  in  command  of  the Maine  regiment,  was 

for  a time  on  General  Sedgwick’s  staff,  and  while  there  be- 
came acquainted  with  all  of  the  officers  in  the  quartermaster’s 
department  at  headquarters,  and  they  gladly  granted  him  any 
favor  he  asked.  After  he  returned  to  his  regiment,  there  came 
a time  when  it  was  almost  impossible  to  obtain  any  commis- 
sary, and  this  colonel,  like  many  others  in  the  army,  sorrow- 
fully longed  for  his  favorite  beverage. 

One  day  the  colonel  of  a Massachusetts  regiment  was  in  the 
tent  of  the  Maine  colonel,  and  as  he  was  taking  his  departure, 
remarked : “ I am  going  to  send  Captain  Bill  Smith  over  to 
the  corps  headquarters  to  see  if  I cannot  get  a canteen  of 
whiskey.” 

The  moment  he  left,  the  Maine  colonel  called  Lieutenant 
C.,  and  said,  “Jack,  take  this  note,  get  a horse,  and  ride  over 
to  the  corps  headquarters,  and  give  it  to  the  quartermaster, 
he  is  an  old  friend  of  mine.  I have  asked  him  for  two  can- 


632 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


teens  of  whiskey,  and  also  have  written  him  it  would  not  be 
prudent  for  him  to  let  Captain  Smith  have  any  for  that  Mas- 
sachusetts chap.  I Avill  get  mine,  but  won’t  he  be  mad,  and 
won’t  he  swear,  when  they  refuse  to  let  him  have  any  ? And 
by  the  way,  C.,  they  will  probably  ask  you  to  drink  while 
there ; you  do  so,  and  fill  up  on  their  whiskey,  that  the  can- 
teens may  be  full  for  the  rest  of  us.” 

The  horse  was  secured  and  the  lieutenant  reached  the  corps 
headquarters  just  as  Captain  Smith  did,  and  their  horses  were 
hitched  beside  each  other.  The  request  of  the  Maine  colonel 
was  granted,  Avhile  Captain  Smith  Avas  informed  that,  owing 
to  the  strict  orders  given  by  the  corps  commanders,  no  whis- 
key could  be  sold.  While  the  lieutenant’s  canteens  were 
being  filled,  Smith  having  left  the  tent,  he  Avas  invited  to 
drink,  and,  in  obedience  to  his  commander’s  instructions,  he 
filled  up. 

With  giddy  head  and  unsteady  step,  he  left  the  tent  to 
return  to  the  regiment.  Captain  Smith’s  horse  was  still 
standing,  as  the  OAvner  Avas  making  a call  on  some  friends. 
With  a chuckle  over  his  success,  the  demoralized  lieutenant 
tied  the  canteens  to  the  saddle,  unhitched  his  horse,  and 
mounting  him,  rode  to  camp,  Avliere  he  arrived  after  dark. 
The  colonel  Avas  anxiously  awaiting  his  coming  and  ran  out 
to  meet  him. 

The  lieutenant  rolled  from  his  horse  and  stood  before  him, 
as  he  supported  himself  by  the  bridle  rein. 

“ Where  are  the  canteens,  Lieutenant  ? ” 

“ Hie,  right  there  on  the  sad — saddle,  Colonel.”  The  col- 
onel felt  all  over  the  saddle  but  no  canteens  Avere  to  be  found. 
By  this  time  the  lieutenant  had  sat  down  upon  the  ground. 

The  colonel  caught  him  by  the  shoulder  and,  with  a rough 
shake,  exclaimed,  “ Where  are  the  canteens,  you  drunken 
wretch?”  “ On  the  saddle,  sir.”  “No,  they  are  not  there.” 

“Well,  then,  I must  have  tied  them  on  Smith’s  saddle  by 
mistake.”  Which  he  had  actually  done,  and  the  colonel  was 
euchred. 


SOUTHERN  COLIC. 


633 


A DUTCHMANS  DESCRIPTION. 

At  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  the  Federal  advance  was 
led  by  a Dutch  colonel  who  had  seen  much  service  in  his  own 
country.  His  men  skirmished  along  the  streets  and  drove  the 
Confederates  before  them. 

After  the  battle  this  officer,  with  a gush  of  native  elo- 
quence, described  the  manner  in  which  he  had  captured  a 
large  brick  house  in  which  the  Confederate  skirmishers  had 
taken  refuge.  Said  he,  “ I finds  mine  men  und  leads  dem 
aroundt  de  corner  und  orders  dem  to  sharge  dot  ’ouse,  but, 
mine  Got,  dey  shust  proke  and  rundt  avay  like  some  scheep. 
I forint  dem  againt  and  said,  by  tampt,  you  tooks  dot  ’ouse,  but 
dey  shurst  runts  vonce  more  shust  like  some  scheep  a couple 
of  times.  Vonce  more  I findts  dem  and  I say  I plows  out 
your  dampt  prains  less  you  scharge  dot  ’ouse,  und  dey  shurst 
roundt  oup  dot  street  und  into  dot  ’ouse  and  I findts  sex 
deadt  repels,  ine  dozen  wounded  vons,  and  as  mouch  as  swi 
dozen  dot  rundt  avay  before  we  got  dare.” 

SOUTHERN  COLIC. 

During  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  several  officers  of  the 
Nineteenth  Maine  regiment  were  suddenly  seized  with  the 
colic,  and,  so  terrible  was  the  attack,  they  were  obliged  to 
withdraw  from  under  fire  and  recross  the  river,  filling  the  air 
with  groans  of  agony  as  they  went. 

The  following  day,  the  colonel  of  the  regiment,  whose  head- 
quarter baggage  had  been  left  on  the  north  side  of  the  river, 
surprised  the  surgeon  by  inquiring,  “ Surgeon,  why  is  this 
southern  colic  so  different  from  the  northern  colic  ? ” “ There 

is  no  difference,”  was  the  response,  “but  why  do  you  ask,  Col- 
onel ? ” “ Why,”  said  the  colonel,  “ I had  six  quarts  of  beans 

with  my  baggage,  and  those  three  officers  [giving  their  names] 
were  so  sick  with  the  colic,  that  they  had  to  get  from  under 
fire,  but  they  stole  and  ate  every  one*  of  my  baked  beans.” 


634 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


BOUND  TO  GO  TO  RUIN. 

Surgeon  B.  always  wore  a blouse  with  black  buttons,  in- 
stead of  those  which  were  of  the  regulation  design,  and  for 
this  practice  he  had  been  nicknamed  “ the  chaplain  ” by  his 
messmates.  He  was  a good  fellow,  but  the  buttons  were 
about  the  only  resemblance  to  a good  chaplain. 

One  day,  in  winter  quarters,  the  chaplain  of  a Massachu- 
setts regiment  called  at  the  colonel’s  tent  and  inquired  for  the 
chaplain.  The  colonel,  who  was  much  of  a wag,  pointed  out 
to  him  the  surgeon’s  tent.  The  chaplain  entered  the  tent  and 
extended  his  hand  to  the  officer  who  wore  the  black  buttons, 
and  addressed  him  as  chaplain. 

The  surgeon  saw  the  joke  and  resolved  to  carry  on  the 
innocent  deception.  They  chatted  fraternally  for  an  hour, 
everything  going  on  smoothly  until  the  chaplain  inquired  of 
the  surgeon  as  to  the  spiritual  condition  of  his  regiment.  By 
this  time  the  surgeon  had  nearly  forgotten  himself,  and  as  he 
waxed  warm  his  old  habit  developed,  and  in  answering  the 
question  he  said : 

“ Our  spiritual  condition,  I am  sorry  to  say,  is  very  bad. 
I have  preached  and  prayed  ; exhorted,  warned,  practiced  and 
coaxed,  but  in  spite  of  all  my  labors  of  love  for  the  members 
of  this  regiment,  the  infernal  devils  are  bound  to  go  to  ruin 
anyway.” 

The  chaplain,  with  a look  of  horror  upon  his  face  at  such 
language  from  a brother  chaplain,  left  the  regiment,  moaning 
over  what  appeared  to  be  truly  a hard  condition  of  morals  in 
its  midst. 


AN  AMUSING  SENTENCE. 

A captain  belonging  to  a western  regiment  was  much  dis- 
tinguished for  his  bravery  and  for  his  love  of  whiskey. 

The  men  composing  his  company  raised  a sum  of  money 
for  the  purpose  of  sending  home  the  body  of  a comrade  who 
had  been  killed,  and  for  erecting  a monument  over  his  grave. 
The  money  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  captain.  The 


A QUESTION  TO  ASK  THE  COURT. 


G35 


body  was  sent  borne  to  Ohio  for  burial,  but  the  captain  fell  in 
with  some  of  his  chums,  and  the  balance  of  the  fund  was  spent 
in  purchasing  whiskey,  instead  of  a monument. 

The  following  winter,  one  of  the  men,  being  home  on  a fur- 
lough, discovered  that  the  monument  had  not  been  erected, 
and  when  he  returned  to  the  regiment,  charges  were  preferred 
against  the  captain,  and  he  was  tried  before  a court-martial 
for  using  the  money. 

The  court,  remembering  the  gallant  record  of  the  accused, 
rendered  the  following  verdict:  “Guilty  as  charged.  Pen- 
alty: That  the  captain  be  obliged  to  accept  a sixty  days  leave 
of  absence,  and  make  the  journey  to  Ohio,  and  erect  the  mon- 
ument at  the  expense  of  the  government.” 

History  does  not  say  whether  the  penalty  was  ever  inflicted 
or  not. 


A SURPRISED  PROHIBITIONIST. 

A young  captain  from  the  prohibition  state  of  Maine  was 
appointed  judge  advocate  in  a case  of  court-martial,  where  an- 
other captain,  belonging  to  a western  regiment  was  being 
tried  for  drunkenness. 

The  case  was  of  a clear  character,  and  of  a very  aggravat- 
ing nature.  The  officer  accused  had  been  placed  in  charge  of 
some  ambulances,  and,  becoming  intoxicated,  had  fallen  from 
his  horse.  While  in  this  unconscious  condition  he  had  lost  the 
animal  and  ambulances.  He  was  carried  to  his  regiment  much 
bruised  aud  very  muddy. 

The  judge  advocate  was  highly  elated  over  the  easy  victory 
he  was  to  win  in  his  first  case  of  prosecution  ; but  imagine 
his  disgust  when  the  court  decided  that  the  accused  was  inno- 
cent, and  recommended,  that,  in  the  future,  such  petty  and 
trifling  charges  not  be  brought  before  it. 

A QUESTION  TO  ASK  THE  COURT. 

The  army  court-martial  was  an  institution  peculiar  to  it- 
self. Among  other  rules  it  was  customary  that  when  any 
member  of  the  court  wished  to  ask  a question  of  importance 


686 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


in  relation  to  the  law  or  the  case  under  consideration,  he 
would  inform  the  judge  advocate,  and  all  persons  in  the  tent, 
save  the  court  and  judge  advocate,  would  retire. 

A portly,  red-faced  German  colonel  was  president  of  a 
court-martial  convened  within  the  Federal  lines  in  front  of 
Petersburg.  The  case  was  a tedious  one  but  of  considerable 
importance.  The  day  was  very  hot  and  the  air  in  the  great 
tent,  which  was  filled  with  the  members  of  the  court  and  wit- 
nesses, was  much  like  a heated  oven. 

About  eleven  o’clock  in  the  morning,  the  president  of  the 
court,  with  a gravity  becoming  the  position  he  occupied,  arose 
and  said : “ Misther  Shudge  Advocate,  I liaf  a question  of 

importance  to  ask  the  court.”  The  tent  was  cleared  of  every 
one  except  those  who  were  supposed  to  remain,  and  all  waited 
with  great  curiosity  to  learn  what  the  important  question  was. 
“ I wish  to  know,  Misther  Shudge  Advocate,  which  fellow 
prougt  the  bottle  with  him  to-day  ? ” A flask  was  produced 
and  passed  around  the  circle. 

The  president  was  satisfied  and  the  trial  proceeded. 

o,  shackson  ! 

One  of  Sigel’s  men  was  marching  down  the  valley  alone. 
There  had  been  a battle,  and  he  was  making  for  the  rear. 
The  inhabitants  along  the  way  had  heard  of  the  fight,  but  did 
not  know  of  the  result. 

They  hailed  the  Dutchman,  and  asked,  “Has  there  been  a 
battle?”  “Yah,”  was  the  answer,  but  the  soldier  did  not 
halt.  “Who  beat?”  yelled  the  questioners;  when  the  sol- 
dier in  a sort  of  matter  of  fact  way,  responded,  “ 0,  Shackson.” 

WATCH  FOR  DE  FLASH  OF  MINE  SWORD. 

The  rapid  movements  of  Stonewall  Jackson  in  the  valley, 
sent  consternation  to  the  hearts  of  the  German  soldiers,  and 
this  condition  of  things  was  so  well  known  that  the  officers 
used  to  exhort  the  men  before  entering  a fight,  to  inspire  their 
courage. 

A German  colonel  one  day  formed  his  regiment  and  thus 


INFLUENCE  OF  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


637 


addressed  them : “ Mine  poys,  we  ish  to  haf  an  nudder  fight 
mit  Shackson ; I vant  you  to  standt  like  men  ; all  dat  you 
needt  to  do  ish  to  follow  your  kernel,  andt  you  vill  all  be  saf. 
Look  for  mine  sword,  and  vere  you  see  dat  flash  you  may 
know  dat  dare  ish  no  danger.” 

YOU  “ PEEPS ” TOO  LATE. 

Blenker’s  Dutchmen  were  great  foragers,  and  many  stories 
are  told  of  their  exploits  and  blunders.  While  they  were 
serving  in  the  valley,  nothing  escaped  them ; they  prowled 
around  every  house,  shed,  barn,  and  climbed  upon  ever}7’  hen- 
roost. 

It  is  told  of  one  of  them,  that  while  upon  one  of  their  expe- 
ditions, he  was  fortunate  enough  to  find  a hen’s  nest,  then 
occupied  by  her,  and  filled  with  a dozen  eggs.  In  his  great 
joy  over  the  prize  thus  found,  he  did  not  stop  to  ascertain  the 
condition  of  the  eggs,  but  seizing  one,  regardless  of  the  vigor- 
ous remonstrances  of  the  hen,  he  broke  the  shell,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  swallow  its  contents.  Just  as  it  passed  into  his 
mouth,  there  was  a motion  and  gentle  “peep  ” from  the  occu- 
pant of  the  shell,  but  as  it  was  swallowed,  Blenker’s  hero 
remarked : “You  peeps  too  late,  mine  leetle  pheller.” 

INFLUENCE  OF  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 

A squad  of  Union  soldiers  were  sitting  upon  the  picket 
line,  that  ran  along  the  bank  of  the  Rappahannock  river,  a 
few  weeks  before  General  Grant  opened  the  campaign  of  the 
Wilderness.  A portion  of  them  were  very  profane  and  were 
soundly  abusing  Christianity  and  all  its  followers,  and  among 
others  the  Christian  soldier,  General  O.  O.  Howard,  came  in 
for  a large  share  of  slanderous  abuse.  At  length  a tall  sol- 
dier from  Ohio,  in  tones  that  commanded  respect,  said,  “ Boys, 
I will  tell  you  what  I know  about  General  Howard.  Just 
before  Hooker  fought  at  Chancellorsville,  my  only  brother,  a 
mere  boy,  was  sick  and  dying.  We  were  in  the  same  com- 
pany and  messed  in  the  same  tent.  Jimmy  knew  that  he 
would  soon  be  mustered  out,  and  was  anxious  to  have  every- 


638 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


thing  ready.  It  was  a dark,  stormy  night.  I sat  by  his  side 
and  held  his  thin  hands  in  mine,  while  he  talked  of  home. 
He  sent  lots  of  messages  to  the  old  folks  and  the  girls.  He 
gave  me  some  good  advice,  and  then  sorter  hesitated.  I saw 
he  was  uneasy  like  ; something  seemed  to  press  upon  his 
mind.  After  a while  he  told  me  that  he  was  a little  timid 
about  the  future  ; didn’t  like  the  idea  of  advancing  in  a 
strange  country  without  a kind  of  skirmish  line  to  clear  the 
way.  The  poor  boy  said  he  believed  there  was  to  be  a general 
inspection  on  the  other  side,  and  he  was  not  ready  for  it,  and 
he  wanted  some  one  to  pray  for  him.  I never  took  much 
stock  in  those  things,  and  Jimmy’s  request  rather  demoralized 
me  ; but  he  looked  so  wishful  that  I determined  to  find  some 
one  to  help  the  poor  fellow  through.  I ran  through  the  rain 
and  mud  to  the  chaplain’s  tent,  but  he  was  sick  and  could  not 
go  with  me.  I didn’t  know  what  to  do.  I could  not  go  back 
alone,  and  see  him  die  with  that  wishful  look  upon  his  face. 
Just  then  I happened  to  think  of  General  Howard.  I had 
heard  some  officers  laugh  about  his  prayers,  and,  not  stopping 
to  think,  I ran  across  the  field  half  a mile  to  his  tent.  The 
guard  had  been  removed,  and  I knocked  at  the  door  of  the 
General’s  tent.  When  he  came  out,  I blurted  out  that  my 
brother  was  dying,  and  I wanted  some  one  to  pray  with  him. 
He  caught  his  hat  and  hurried  with  me  to  my  tent.  Poor 
Jimmy  was  very  low  and  breathing  hard,  but  lie  knew  me, 
and  when  I told  him  who  the  General  was,  his  thin  cheeks 
flushed  with  joy.  Howard  got  down  on  the  ground  by  his 
side  and  how  he  prayed  ! Somehow  my  own  sight  failed  me 
for  a time  and  the  tears  ran  down  over  my  face  ; but  when  I 
looked,  poor  Jimmy  had  been  transferred.  He  had  one  hand 
on  the  General’s  shoulder,  and  there  was  a smile  on  his  face. 
It  sort  of  looked  to  me  as  if  he  had  passed  the  inspection  all 
right.  Howard  said  a good  many  kind  words  to  me  that 
night,  and  the  next  day,  when  we  had  prepared  his  grave  and 
carried  him  in  a blanket  upon  a board  to  bury  him,  General 
Howard  came  down  in  full  uniform  and  stood  by  my  side. 
He  spoke  lots  of  encouraging  things,  and  before  all  the  offi- 


CHRISTIAN  EXAMPLE. 


639 


cers  and  men  he  shook  my  hand  and  told  me  to  be  a good 
man  for  Jimmy’s  sake.  Now,  boys,  what  do  you  think  of 
that?”  The  subject  was  changed,  and  no  more  blasphemy 
was  heard  that  night  around  that  picket  post  on  the  Rappa- 
hannock river. 


CHRISTIAN  EXAMPLE. 

The  scene  is  a regimental  camp  located  near  the  Rapidan 
river,  Virginia.  The  time  is  in  the  early  spring  of  1864. 
The  government  was  making  gigantic  efforts  to  replete  the 
shattered  ranks  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Recruits  were 
daily  arriving.  Nearly  all  were  young  men,  and  a large  pro- 
portion were  mere  beardless  boys.  It  was  a dangerous  soci- 
ety in  which  to  place  those  who  had  for  the  first  time  left 
home  and  its  sacred  influences.  The  old  soldiers  were  grand 
men,  brave  and  kind-hearted,  but  many  were  rough  and  pro- 
fane. A strange  sensation  was  created  in  the  camp  one  night ; 
it  was  after  the  evening  “roll-call.”  A squad  of  the  boys 
were  out  in  the  company  street,  engaged  in  playing  games. 
Their  mirth  was  suddenly  interrupted  bv  the  ringleader  of 
the  squad,  who  remarked,  “ What  on  earth  is  that  ? ” In  a 
moment  the  whole  squad  was  listening.  Some  one  in  a tent 
at  the  lower  end  of  the  street  was  speaking  in  a low,  solemn, 
but  distinct  tone.  That  tent  was  occupied  by  a number  of 
the  recruits  who  had  just  arrived.  Cautiously  the  ringleader 
approached  the  tent,  and  listened.  In  a moment  he  roared, 
“Ha,  ha,  ha,  he  is  a praying,  or  I am  a sinner!”  By  this 
time  he  was  surrounded  by  his  comrades,  Avho  laughed  and 
joked  until  the  prayer  closed,  and  then  returned  to  their 
tents,  after  giving  “ three  cheers  for  the  parson.”  There  was 
a long  consultation  among  the  boys  that  night.  An  advance 
of  the  rebel  army  could  hardly  have  awakened  more  interest 
than  the  knowledge  that  a praying  man  had  arrived  in  the 
company.  “You  watch  things  for  the  next  three  weeks,”  re- 
marked the  one  who  was  the  acknowledged  leader  in  mischief, 
“and  I will  show  you  how  I will  take  the  religion  out  of 
him.”  From  that  time  they  began  a petty  persecution  upon 


640 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  object  of  their  ridicule,  who  was  a pale-faced  lad  of  some 
eighteen  yeprs  of  age,  all  of  which  he  endured  with  such  pa- 
tience and  genuine  Christian  forbearance,  that  a majority  soon 
became  ashamed  of  the  course  they  were  pursuing,  and  plead 
with  the  others  to  desist.  But  to  all  these  expostulations  the 
leader  would  reply:  “ O,  the  little  cuss  is  no  better  than  the 
rest  of  us ; only  trying  to  make  us  believe  he  is  pious.  I for 
one  have  no  faith  in  this  religion,  all  nonsense,  and  when  we 
get  under  fire  you  will  see  his  feet  fly  like  drumsticks  to  the 
rear.  These  Christians  don't  like  the  smell  of  gunpowder. 
Somehow  I pever  knew  it  to  fail.” 

The  time  soon  came  when  they  broke  camp  and  entered  the 
Wilderness,  where  the  terrible  battle  was  soon  to  be  fought. 
This  regiment  on  the  fifth  of  May  met  the  enemy  on  the  old 
“ Turnpike  road.”  It  was  a desperate  struggle,  and  many 
men  were  killed  and  wounded.  The  company  referred  to  was 
in  an  exposed  position,  and  suffered  a terrible  loss,  while  the 
whole  brigade,  being  flanked  by  the  enemy,  was  obliged  to 
fall  back  to  a line  of  breastworks  they  had  built  before  they 
made  the  advance.  When  the  line  was  reformed,  it  was 
found  that  this  young  Christian  lad  was  among  the  missing. 
When  last  seen,  he  was  far  out  in  the  advance,  almost  sur- 
rounded by  his  enemies,  and  near  him,  fighting  desperately, 
was  his  tormentor,  and  both  of  them  were  given  up  for  lost. 
As  they  were  lying  behind  the  breastworks  to  escape  the 
bullets  which  were  flying  thickly,  a man,  bearing  a heavy  bur- 
den, came  tramping  back  through  the  dense  underbrush.  It 
was  the  ringleader,  bearing  the  dead  body  of  the  one  whom 
he  had  so  delighted  to  abuse.  He  laid  the  body  down,  and  as 
he  wiped  away  the  blood  flowing  from  several  slight  wounds 
upon  his  own  face,  remarked,  “ He  fought  like  the  devil.  I 
couldn't  bear  to  leave  him  with  the  rebs ; thought  we  would 
give  him  a decent  burial.”  They  digged  a shallow  grave, 
and  as  they  placed  his  remains  within  it,  there  was  not  a dry 
eye  in  the  company.  With  their  knives  they  cut  his  name 
and  regiment  upon  a rough  stick,  and  placed  it  at  his  head. 
As  they  were  forming  the  rough  letters,  the  ringleader,  who 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 


641 


had  risked  his  own  life  while  endeavoring  to  save  the  other, 
drew  his  rough  hand  across  his  eyes,  and  remarked  with  a 
husky  voice,  “ You  had  better  put  the  words  Christian  soldier 
in  somewhere,  for  he  deserved  it,  and  it  will  kinder  repay  for 
our  abuse.”  They  were  rough  men,  but  the  words  were  in- 
scribed as  he  desired  ; and  when  the  regiment  marched  away 
to  other  fields  of  battle,  that  strange  inscription  remained  as 
an  evidence  of  the  influence  of  a Christian  example  under  the 
most  adverse  circumstances. 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN-. 

The  following  good  story  is  credited  to  General  Sherman 
and  ought  to  be  preserved.  We  give  it  in  full,  as  told  by  the 
General. 

“ Some  time  after  I had  superseded  General  Anderson  in 
command  of  the  department,  I one  day  confided  to  Honor- 
able Joshua  F.  Speed,  a true-hearted  Union  man  of  Louis- 
ville, the  embarrassments  under  which  I labored,  soundly 
berating  the  war  department,  which  had  placed  me  in  com- 
mand, while  it  withheld  the  means  necessary  to  make  my 
force  effective. 

‘“What  do  you  want?’  said  Mr.  Speed.  ‘Everything/ 
said  I ; ‘arms,  wagons,  tents,  bread  and  meat,  money,  and  a. 
competent  staff.’ 

“ ‘Name  what  you  want  on  paper,  and  give  it  to  me,’  said 
Mr.  Speed.  I did  as  requested,  and  handed  it  over. 

“Nothing  more  was  seen  of  Mr.  Speed  for  several  days,  when 
he  entered  my  room  and  handed  me  copies  of  orders  direct- 
ing Colonel  Thomas  Swords,  Assistant  Quartermaster- Gen- 
eral, and  Captain  H.  C.  Symonds,  Commissary  of  subsistence, 
to  report  to  me  for  duty. 

“ The  order  directed  Colonel  Swords  to  draw  for  present 
needs,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  He  had  also  a copy  of 
an  order  drawn  by  President  Lincoln  himself  upon  the  ord- 
nance department,  for  ten  thousand  Springfield  rifles  of  the 
latest  design. 


41 


G42 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


“ * How  is  this  ? ’ I exclaimed,  ‘ that  more  attention  is  paid 
the  requests  of  you,  a citizen,  than  of  me,  a general  in  the 
army?  You  had  better  take  command  here.’ 

“ ‘ I can  explain  it,’  said  Mr.  Speed.  ‘ Many  years  ago  I 
was  engaged  in  business  in  Springfield,  Illinois.  I had  a lit- 
tle store  where  I kept  a miscellaneous  stock  of  calico,  horse 
collars,  molasses,  nails,  liair-brushes,  quinine  and  other  articles 
of  daily  use  in  the  community.  I had  a clerk,  and  had  fitted 
up  for  our  joint  occupancy  a room  over  the  store  to  be  used 
as  a bedroom.  Having  a stove  in  the  back  part  of  the  store, 
the  space  around  it  naturally  became  a snug  lounging  place 
for  the  young  men  of  the  village.  Among  these  were  two 
young  lawyers,  who  were  eking  out  a precarious  livelihood  at 
the  bar,  and  who,  I remember,  usually  chose  their  position  in 
proximity  to  the  sugar  barrel. 

“ ‘ The  names  of  these  two  young  men  were  Abraham  Lincoln 
and  Stephen  A.  Douglass.  One  day  Mr.  Lincoln,  sitting  with 
his  feet  on  the  stove,  asked  me  the  price  of  a bedstead,  mat- 
tress, pillow  and  bed  clothing,  saying  in  reply  to  my  inquiry, 
that  he  thought  of  fixing  up  a bed  in  his  office,  thereby  econ- 
romizing  in  his  expenses.  I figured  up  the  cost,  but  told  him 
that  I had  a better  plan,  that  my  clerk  had  lost  his  health  and 
gone  back  to  Kentucky  to  regain  it,  and  that  I would  be  glad 
to  have  him  for  a room-mate.  He  at  once  went  upstairs  on 
,a  prospecting  tour,  came  down,  went  over  to  his  office,  and 
returning  with  a pair  of  large  saddle-bags,  he  carried  them  up- 
stairs. Presently  he  came  down  and  resumed  his  seat,  saying, 
“ Well,  Speed,  I’ve  moved  ! ” He  lived  with  me  a long  time, 
long  enough  for  me  to  learn  to  love  and  admire  him,  and  to 
watch  his  upward  course  with  certainty  that  it  would  not  stop 
■short  of  the  White  House,  and  I was  not  surprised  when  he 
reached  it. 

“ ‘ I took  your  memoranda  and  went  to  Washington.  I im- 
mediately called  upon  the  President  and  made  known  our 
■wants  an  Kentucky.  He  complied  readily  with  every  request 
'I  made,  and  the  only  mistake  you  made,  General,  was  in  not 
.asking  for  more.’  ” 


WOUNDED.  643 

The  following  touching  poem  is  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  W. 
E.  Mitter. 


WOUNDED. 

THE  DYING  UNION  VOLUNTEER. 

Let  me  lie  down. 

Just  here  in  the  shade  of  this  cannon-tom  tree; 

Here,  low  on  the  trampled  grass,  where  I may  see 
The  surge  of  the  combat,  and  where  I may  hear 
The  glad  cry  of  victory,  cheer  upon  cheer; 

Let  me  lie  down. 

Oh,  it  was  grand ! 

Like  the  tempest  we  charged,  in  the  triumph  to  share, 
The  tempest — its  fury  and  thunder  were  there; 

On,  on,  o’er  intrenchments,  o’er  living  and  dead, 

With  the  foe  under  foot  and  our  flag  overhead; 

Oh,  it  was  grand ! 

Oh,  that  last  charge ! 

Right  through  the  dread  hell-fire  of  shrapnel  and  shell, 
Through  without  fait’  ring — clear  through  with  a yell ; 
Right  in  their  midst,  in  the  turmoil  and  gloom, 

Like  heroes  we  dashed  at  the  mandate  of  doom. 

Oh,  that  last  charge ! 

I am  no  saint, 

But,  boys,  say  a prayer;  There’s  one  that  begins, 

“ Our  Father,”  and  then  says,  “Forgive  us  our  sins;” 
Don’t  forget  that  part,  say  that  strongly,  and  then 
I’ll  try  to  repeat  it,  and  you’ll  say  amen! 

Ah,  I am  no  saint. 

Hark!  there’s  a shout! 

Raise  me  up,  comrades!  We  have  conquered,  I know!— 
Up,  up  on  my  feet,  with  my  face  to  the  foe! 

Ah,  there  flies  the  flag  with  its  star-spangles  bright, 

The  promise  of  glory,  the  symbol  of  right! 

Well  may  they  shout! 

I’m  mustered  out! 

O God  of  our  fathers,  our  freedom  prolong, 

And  tread  down  rebellion,  oppression  and  wrong! 

0 land  of  earth’s  hope,  on  thy  blood-reddened  sod 

1 die  for  the  Nation,  the  Union,  and  God! 

I’m  mustered  out! 


644 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Campaigns  of  the  Shenandoah.  Description  of  the  wonderful 
valley.  Its  appearance  at  the  beginning  of  the  war.  The 

FIELD  UPON  WHICH  JACKSON,  ASHBY,  AND  SHERIDAN  WON  THEIR 

laurels.  Harper’s  ferry.  Evacuated  by  confederates.  Pat- 
terson OUT-GENERALED.  FEDERALS  OCCUPY  BATH.  JACKSON’S 
WEARY  MARCH  TO.  EVACUATED  BY  FEDERALS.  CROSS  THE  POTOMAC. 

Confederates  at  romney.  Immense  capture  by  confeder- 
ates. General  banks  in  command  of  federals.  Battle  of 
kernstown.  Confederates  repulsed.  Battle  of  mcdoweli.. 
Federals  defeated.  Battle  of  winchester.  Federals  de- 
feated. Immense  capture  of  supplies.  .Death  of  turner  ash- 
by.  Battle  of  port  republic.  Federals  defeated.  Driven 

FROM  THE  VALLEY'.  MlLROY  SURPRISED,  HIS  ARMY  AND  GUNS  CAP- 
TURED. Battle  of  new  market.  Federals  repulsed.  Sigel 
removed.  Battle  of  piedmont.  Federals  victorious.  Death  of 

GENERAL  JONES.  BURNING  OF  LEXINGTON  MILITARY’  INSTITUTE. 

Battle  of  lynchburg.  Federals  defeated.  Battle  of  trevil- 
ian’s  station.  Sheridan  defeated.  Early’’s  invasion  of  Mary- 
land. Alarm  at  Washington.  Federals  hastening  to  its  de- 
fence. Battle  of  monocacy.  Early’s  advance  on  Washington. 
Excitement  in  Baltimore.  Arrival  of  federal  reinforce- 
ments AT  THE  CAPITAL.  PRESIDENT  LINCOLN  RECEIVES  THEM. 
Battle  of  fort  stevens,  witnessed  by  mr.  Lincoln.  Confeder- 
ates DEFEATED  AND  RETIRE.  GENERAL  YVRIGHT  IN  COMMAND  OF 
FEDERALS.  SECOND  BATTLE  OF  KEARNSTOWN.  FEDERALS  DEFEATED. 

Death  of  general  mulligan.  Confederate  raids.  Burning  of 
CHAMBERSBURG.  DESCRIPTION  OF.  BATTLE  OF  NEW  CREEK.  CON- 
FEDERATES DEFEATED.  BATTLE  OF  MOOREFIELD.  CONFEDERATES  DE- 
FEATED. Sheridan  in  command  of  federals.  Battle  of  the 
opequan.  Death  of  general  rodes.  Confederates  repulsed. 
Death  of  general  russell.  Confederates  fall  back  to  stras- 
burg.  Sheridan  promoted.  Great  loss  of  life.  Death  of 

GENERAL  GODYVIN.  GENERALS  UPTON,  MCINTOSH,  CHAPMAN,  FITZ 
LEE  AND  Y'ORK  WOUNDED.  BATTLE  OF  FISHER’S  HILL.  CONFEDER- 
ATES DEFEATED.  BATTLE  OF  CEDAR  CREEK.  FEDERALS  SURPRISED 
AND  DEFEATED.  DEATH  OF  GENERALS  TIIOBURN  AND  BIDWELL. 

Arrival  of  sheridan.  Federals  rallied.  Confederates  utter- 
ly routed.  Dreadful  loss  of  life.  Death  of  generai,  loweli,. 
Generals  weight,  geover  and  ricketts  wounded.  The  north 


CAMPAIGNS  OF  THE  SHENANDOAH. 


645 


elated.  Mr.  Lincoln’s  dispatch;  Early’s  army  broken  up. 
Sheridan  master  of  the  Shenandoah.  Rejoins  grant.  Arrives 
AT  WHITE  HOUSE  MARCH  NINETEENTH,  1865.  THE  BEAUTIFUL  VAT- 
LEY  A WASTE.  ROSTER. 

This  wondrously  beautiful  valley  became  noted  during  the 
civil  war  as  the  theater  of  some  of  the  most  brilliant  and  dash- 
ing adventures,  as  well  as  the  most  important  and  decisive 
battles  of  that  bloody  and  perilous  period. 

It  was  here  that  “ Stonewall  ” Jackson  won  his  early  laurels, 
as  in  rapid  succession  Milroy,  Schenck,  Banks,  Fremont  and 
Shields  were  met  and  defeated  bv  this  military  genius,  and 
thus  the  names  of  McDowell,  Winchester,  Port  Republic 
and  Cross  Keys  were  inscribed  upon  the  banners  of  his  victo- 
rious legions. 

It  was  in  this  valley  that  Turner  Ashby  displayed  his 
matchless  valor,  won  his  undying  fame,  and  met  his  early 
and  tragic  death.  In  view  of  its  grand  old  mountain  walls 
was  the  field  where  brave,  dashing  Phillip  Sheridan  won  his 
imperishable  honors  at  the  head  of  the  Federal  troops. 

In  the  early  campaigns  of  the  war,  the  Federals  met  with 
so  many  reverses  that  it  became  to  them  the  valley  of  humili- 
ation, but  in  the  fall  of  1864,  the  tide  of  war  turned,  and 
General  Early  met  with  as  serious  disasters  as  those  suf- 
fered by  the  Federals  in  the  earlier  campaigns  of  the  war. 

The  Shenandoah  is  a continuation  of  the  far  famed  Cum- 
berland valley  of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  west  by  the  Shenandoah  mountains,  which  run  in  a 
southwesterly  direction  from  a point  near  Martinsburg  in 
West  Virginia.  On  the  east,  it  is  bounded  by  the  Blue 
Ridge,  which  range  runs  parallel  with  the  other  above  men- 
tioned, thus  making  the  general  direction  of  the  valley  from 
Harper’s  Ferry,  southwest.  Its  width  varies  from  twenty 
miles  at  some  points  to  only  seven  or  eight  at  others. 

From  Strasburg,  a point  fifty  miles  south  of  Harper’s  Fer- 
ry, to  McGaheysville,  a village  about  six  miles  east  of  Harris- 
burg, the  valley  is  subdivided  by  the  Massanutten  mountains, 
which  rise  abruptly  at  McGaheysville  and  extend  for  about 


64G 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


thirty-five  miles.  Between  the  Massanutten  and  the  Blue 
Ridge  is  a narrow  valley  in  which  is  situated  the  town  of  Lu- 
ray,  the  county  seat  of  Page  County,  and  which  was  usually 
termed  during  the  war  the  Luray  Valley.  The  principal  river 
is  the  Shenandoah,  of  which  there  are  two  branches,  that  of 
the  south  being  the  larger,  and  flowing  down  the  eastern  base 
of  the  Blue  Ridge  from  Augusta  County  through  the  Luray 
Valley.  The  other  branch,  or  North  river,  has  its  source  in 
Brock’s  Gap,  a notch  in  the  Noi'th  mountains,  in  Rock- 
ingham County,  and  flowing  across  the  valley,  striking 
the  base  of  the  Massanutten  near  Mount  Jackson,  and  thence 
coursing  its  way  around  its  northern  extremity,  and,  turning 
at  its  foot,  unites  with  the  South  river  near  Front  Royal, 
thence  rolling  along  at  the  foot  of  the  Blue  Ridge  the  Shen- 
andoah empties  into  the  Potomac  at  Harper’s  Ferry. 

Other  streams  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley  are  known  as  the 
Opequon,  Cedar,  Stoney,  Mill  and  Smith’s  Creeks,  these,  with 
numerous  other  streams,  brooks  and  springs,  makes  this  sec- 
tion one  of  the  most  fertile  and  well  watered  spots  in  Vir- 
ginia. The  climate  is  most  delightful.  Cereals  of  every  kind 
are  produced  in  the  greatest  abundance.  Fruits  of  each  va- 
riety, suited  to  the  zone,  here  attain  perfection.  It  has  al- 
ways been  termed  the  granary  of  Virginia. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  it  presented  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  pictures  of  peaceful  prosperity  to  be  found  in  the 
civilized  world.  The  fruitful  fields  were  cultivated  by  hands 
of  thrift  and  industry.  The  farmhouses  all  displayed  evi- 
dences of  comfort  and  plenty.  The  great  barns  were  filled  to 
overflowing  with  the  products  of  the  soil ; immense  herds  of 
farm  stock  grazed  upon  the  hillsides  and  drank  from  the 
crystal  streams ; the  hum  of  busy  mills,  the  energy  and  bustle 
of  the  villages  and  larger  towns,  made  up  a scene  not  then 
found  in  any  other  section  south  of  Mason  and  Dixon’s  line, 
and  an  individual  viewing  those  scenes  in  1860  could  not  have 
comprehended  how  quickly  the  whole  was  to  change,  and  that 
those  hillsides  were  soon  to  echo  the  thunders  of  battle,  while 
the  verdant  fields  were  to  be  crimsoned  with  blood,  and  tram- 
pled by  the  hoofs  of  the  war  steeds. 


POINTS  OF  HISTORIC  INTEREST. 


647 


POINTS  OF  HISTORIC  INTEREST. 

The  principal  points  made  historic  by  the  battles  of  the 
civil  war  are  Martinsburg,  Shepherdstown,  Charlestown,  Win- 
chester, Strasburg,  Woodstock,  Edinburg,  New  Market,  Mt. 
Jackson,  Harrisonburg,  Port  Republic,  Staunton,  Waynesbor- 
ough,  Lexington,  and  Harper's  Ferry.  The  distance  from 
Staunton  to  the  Potomac  is  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles, 
and  it  was  within  this  narrow  area  that  occurred  those  avoii- 
derful  campaigns  which  made  the  Shenandoah  Valley  as  fa- 
mous in  its  historic  associations  as  it  was  beautiful  in  its  mag- 
nificent scenery. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  attention  both  North  and 
South  was  directed  to  this  \Mley,  as  it  Avas  then  generally 
supposed  that  Harper's  Ferry,  a small,  rugged  village  perched 
upon  a point  of  land  betAveen  the  Potomac  and  Shenandoah 
rAers,  near  the  mouth  of  the  latter,  Avas  a place  of  great 
strategic  value.  This  place  had  been  the  theater  of  the 
famous  John  Brown  raid,  and  had  thus  been  made  familiar 
to  the  whole  country. 

The  war  began  in  the  valle}r  during  April,  186R  by  the  Con- 
federates advancing  to  seize  Harper's  Ferry.  The  small  force 
of  United  States  regulars  then  occupying  the  Government 
buildings  in  the  toAvn,  evacuated  them,  upon  the  advance  of 
the  Confederates,  and  retreated  across  the  Potomac  river.  The 
Confederates  retained  possession  until  the  following  June, 
when  General  Johnston,  then  in  command,  being  convinced 
that  as  a position  it  possessed  no  importance,  destroyed  the 
arsenal  and  the  bridge  across  the  Potomac  river,  and  retreated 
up  the  valley.  Undoubtedly  the  prime  cause  of  this  with- 
drawal from  Harper's  Ferry  was  the  fact  that  General  Patter- 
son Avas  advancing  Avith  a strong  Federal  force  through  Mary- 
land toward  Virginia  and  the  Confederates  expected  that  Pat- 
terson would  undertake  to  form  a junction  someAvhere  in  the 
valley  with  the  troops  under  General  McClellan  ; then  moving 
from  West  Virginia  toward  Winchester. 

General  Johnston  retreated  to  Winchester,  and  as  General 
Patterson  continued  his  ad\Tance  the  Confederate  commander 


648 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


dispatched  a small  force  under  General  Jackson,  who  was  then 
comparatively  unknown  but  who  afterward  became  the  fa- 
mous “Stonewall  Jackson,”  to  dispute  Patterson’s  advance 
across  the  Potomac.  General  Jackson  with  his  brigade  and 
Stuart’s  cavalry  moved  to  Martinsburg,  although  Patterson 
succeeded  in  crossing  the  Potomac  at  Williamsport  while 
Jackson  retired,  yet  maintaining  a running  fight  until  he 
reached  Falling  waters,  which  is  on  the  main  road  to  Martins- 
burg. Here,  for  a brief  period,  Jackson  made  a stand,  but 
was  forced  to  fall  back  before  the  superior  force  of  his  op- 
ponent, and  rejoined  Johnston  at  Winchester,  while  Patterson 
fell  back  toward  the  Potomac. 

PATTERSON  OUTGENERALED. 

The  mission  of  Patterson  was  to  threaten  General  John- 
ston and  prevent  him  from  sending  reinforcements  to  Beaure- 
gard, who  was  confronting  the  command  of  McDowell  upon 
the  plains  of  Manassas,  but  thus  early  in  the  war  was  the  su- 
periority of  the  Confederate  generalship  manifested,  for  Gen- 
eral Johnston  completely  deceived  General  Patterson  as  to  his 
plans,  and  succeeded  in  slipping  away  without  his  knowledge, 
and,  by  forced  marches,  reached  Manassas  in  time  to  reinforce 
the  sorely  pressed  troops  of  Beauregard,  and  winning  the  vic- 
tory of  Bull  Run,  the  thunders  of  which  battle  died  away  be- 
fore the  sleepy  Patterson  dreamed  his  wily  antagonist  had 
outgeneraled  him. 

Aside  from  a few  raids  of  minor  importance,  this  covered 
all  the  military  movements  made  in  the  valley  during  the  sum- 
mer and  autumn  of  1861,  but  these  events  were  only  the  be- 
ginning of  greater  that  were  soon  to  follow,  for,  in  the  month 
of  September,  General  Jackson  had  been  commissioned  a Ma- 
jor-General, and,  in  October,  was  placed  in  command  of  the 
Confederate  forces  at  Winchester.  At  the  same  time  Colonel 
Turner  Ashby,  at  the  head  of  twelve  hundred  troopers,  was 
guarding  the  approaches  to  the  valley,  by  picketing  the  Po- 
tomac river  from  Harper's  Ferry  to  Romney. 

In  the  month  of  December  following,  the  Federals,  in  strong 


JACKSON’S  WEARY  MARCH. 


649 


force,  occupied  Bath,  on  the  south  side  of  the  Potomac,  while 
General  Banks,  with  his  main  army,  was  at  a point  near  at 
hand,  on  the  north  side  of  that  river. 

The  Confederate  General  Loring,  with  quite  a large  body  of 
troops,  after  a long  and  weary  march,  joined  General  Jackson 
in  December.  On  the  first  of  January,  1862,  Jackson  found 
himself  at  the  head  of  an  army  of  nine  thousand  men,  and,  on 
New  Year's  day,  with  a large  portion  of  his  troops,  he  marched 
from  Winchester.  The  object  of  this  move  was  to  surprise 
the  Federals  at  Bath,  which  is  also  known  as  Berkeley  Springs. 

jackson's  weary  march. 

It  was  a long,  weary  march  that  the  impetuous  Confederate 
general  undertook  that  winter  day.  Over  fifty  miles  of 
the  route  was  over  one  of  the  roughest  countries  in  the 
world,  and  he  was  obliged  to  march  along  unfrequented  roads, 
traced  upon  the  steep  mountainsides,  passing  through  narrow 
defiles,  where  the  way  was  blocked  by  huge  masses  of  rock, 
made  slippery  and  dangerous  by  ice.  Fierce  storms  were  rag- 
ing ; sleet  and  snow  impeded  the  advance  of  his  troops  ; while 
bitter  winds  swept  with  remorseless  vigor  through  the  moun- 
tain defiles. 

The  men  had  no  tents  and  were  thinly  clad,  while  many  died 
from  exposure  and  accident.  Horses  by  the  score  slipped  over 
the  precipices  and  were  either  killed  or  disabled.  Thus  the 
little  army  toiled  on.  The  men’s  shoes  were  worn  out,  their 
clothes  were  in  rags ; nor  were  they  allowed  to  kindle  fires, 
lest  their  presence  might  be  revealed  to  the  Federals.  The 
indomitable  Jackson  led  the  van,  and  his  men  bravely  followed 
him.  Upon  arriving  at  Bath,  he  found  that  the  Federals  had 
retreated  from  that  place,  and  by  fording  the  Potomac,  had 
reached  a place  of  security  upon  its  northern  bank. 

General  Shields,  with  a Federal  force  of  several  thousand 
men,  was  then  at  Romnejq  and  he,  believing  that  Jackson  was 
about  to  cross  the  Potomac  near  Bath,  hastily  crossed  it  with 
a large  portion  of  his  troops,  at  a point  forty  miles  above  that 
place,  to  dispute  Jackson’s  passage. 


650 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


As  soon  as  Jackson  learned  of  that  movement  he  rapidly 
marched  to  Romney,  where  Shields  had  left  a portion  of  his 
troops  and  an  immense  quantity  of  stores.  The  former  were 
captured,  and  the  latter,  to  the  extent  of  half  a million  of 
dollars  in  value,  were  either  carried  away  or  destroyed.  Leav- 
ing a small  force  at  Romney,  Jackson  fell  back  to  Winchester 
with  his  captured  stores.  His  loss  had  been  very  heavy,  as 
many  men  had  perished  from  exposure. 

GENERAL  BANKS  IN  COMMAND  OF  THE  SHENANDOAH. 

During  the  remainder  of  the  winter  there  was  no  more 
fighting  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  nor  did  the  spring  cam- 
paign open  till  March,  when  General  Banks,  with  an  army  of 
sixteen  thousand  men,  was  put  in  command  of  the  Shen- 
andoah, by  the  national  government,  and  established  his 
headquarters  at  Strasburg.  General  Shields,  commanding  a 
portion  of  this  army,  was  at  Winchester.  Meanwhile  Jack- 
son,  at  the  head  of  the  Confederates,  was  further  up  the  val- 
ley, waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  strike  the  Federals.  Gen- 
eral Shields  made  a feint  of  retreating  from  Winchester,  which 
movement  deceived  Jackson,  and  he  resolved  to  attack  the 
Federal  rear. 


BATTLE  OF  KERNSTOWN. 

On  the  twenty-third  of  March  an  engagement  took  place  at 
Kernstown,  where  Shields  had  secured  a strong  position. 
Jackson  supposing  that  this  was  nothing  but  the  rear  guard 
of  the  Federals,  made  the  attack  with  much  vigor.  The  op- 
posing forces  were  about  equal  in  number,  and  the  battle 
raged  with  great  fury  until  dark.  The  Confederate  left  flank 
under  General  Garnett,  was  turned  and  flung  back  upon  the 
center,  and  when  the  shades  of  night  covered  the  scene,  Jack- 
son  was  obliged  to  retreat.  He  fell  back  as  far  as  Cedar 
Creek,  General  Shields  pursuing  him  as  far  as  Harrisonburg. 
Each  side  lost  about  five  hundred  men  or  one-fifth  of  all 
engaged. 


BATTLE  OF  McDOWELL. 


651 


Soon  after  this,  General  Shields  and  his  men  were  trans- 
ferred from  the  command  of  General  Banks  to  that  of  Mc- 
Dowell, on  the  Rappahannock. 

By  the  last  of  April,  General  Jackson  had  been  reinforced 
by  Ewell’s  division  from  Gordonsville,  and  two  brigades  com- 
manded by  General  Johnson  from  West  Virginia,  giving  him 
command  of  an  army  of  some  fifteen  thousand  men. 

At  this  time  Banks  was  at  Harrisonburg  with  five  thousand 
men;  Fremont  was  at  Franklin  across  the  mountains;  and 
Milroy,  with  one  brigade,  had  crossed  the  mountains 
from  Fremont  as  if  to  join  Banks  at  Harrisonburg.  Jack- 
son  now  conceived  the  brilliant  plan  of  attacking  these 
commands  in  detail,  and  thus  crushing  them  in  succession. 
With  remarkable  vigor  he  began  to  execute  the  plan.  Ewell 
was  sent  to  hold  Banks  in  his  position  while  Jackson  moved 
to  Staunton;  from  thence  he  sent  Johnson  with  five  brigades 
to  attack  Milroy. 

BATTLE  OF  MCDOWELL. 

The  latter  rapidly  retreated  to  a point  called  McDowell, 
in  the  meantime,  where  he  was  reinforced  by  General  Schenck, 
with  a brigade  of  troops  from  Fremont’s  command.  Jackson 
gave  battle,  and,  after  a brief  engagement,  Milroy  retreated  to 
Franklin  and  joined  the  army  of  Fremont. 

On  May  fourteen  Jackson  turned  from  the  pursuit  of  Mil- 
roy to  crush  Banks.  The  latter,  seeing  his  danger,  retreated 
rapidly  to  Strasburg,  hotly  pursued  by  Ewell.  Jackson,  by  a 
rapid  movement,  united  his  command  with  Ewell  at  New 
Market,  and,  instead  of  marching  directly  upon  Strasburg,  he 
marched  in  an  easterly  direction,  by  the  way  of  the  Luray 
Valley,  to  Front  Royal  to  cut  off  Bank’s  retreat  from  Stras- 
burg. 

On  the  twenty-seventh,  the  intrepid  Confederate  leader 
reached  Front  Royal  and  captured  the  garrison  of  nearly  one 
thousand  men  under  Colonel  Ivenley.  From  thence  he  dashed 
on  to  Middletown  hoping  to  get  in  the  rear  of  Banks,  but  to 
say  the  least,  the  latter  was  a hard  man  to  outrun,  when  on 


G52 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  retreat,  and  had  already  taken  to  his  heels.  When  Jack- 
son  reached  Middletown  he  only  struck  the  rear  guard  of  the 
Federal  command. 

BATTLE  OF  WINCHESTER. 

On  the  twenty-fourth,  Banks  halted  on  the  Heights  of 
Winchester  with  his  command  and  gave  battle.  With  his  su- 
perior force,  Jackson  pressed  on,  and,  after  a sharp  conflict, 
sent  the  Federals  flying  from  Winchester  in  the  wildest  dis- 
order. Banks  retreated  to  the  north  bank  of  the  Potomac, 
having  marched  fifty -three  miles  in  forty-eight  hours.  Jack- 
son  advanced  nearly  to  Harper’s  Ferry  and  then  retired  up 
the  valley.  His  spoils  were  immense  ; a large  number  of  pris- 
oners and  military  stores  of  every  description,  aggregating  in 
value  to  the  extent  of  a million  of  dollars. 

The  news  of  these  movements  sent  terror  and  dismay  to  the 
war  councils  at  Washington  ; orders  for  General  McDowell  to 
join  McClellan,  on  the  peninsula,  were  immediately  counter- 
manded, and  he  was  instructed  to  throw  twenty  thousand  men, 
by  way  of  the  Manassas  Gap  railroad,  into  the  valley.  He 
knew  that,  moving  along  a much  longer  route  than  that  which 
the  Confederates  would  have  to  pass  over  in  retiring  up  the 
valley,  it  would  be  impossible  for  him  to  intercept  them,  but 
his  expostulations  were  overruled,  and,  instead  of  reinforcing 
the  overpressed  army  of  McClellan  on  the  peninsula,  his 
troops  were  sent  upon  this  wild-goose  chase  to  the  valley. 

The  men  sent  forward  by  McDowell  moved  with  all  possi- 
ble speed,  and  General  Fremont  also  moved  over  from  West- 
ern Virginia  to  join  the  advancing  column  of  McDowell,  that 
a junction  might  be  formed,  if  possible,  in  season  to  cut  off 
Jackson’s  retreat.  In  this  the  Federals  were  successful  on  the 
thirty-first  of  May,  but  too  late  to  be  of  any  importance,  as 
Jackson  had  already  passed  that  point  and  proceeded  up  the 
valley.  The  Federals  vigorously  pressed  the  pursuit.  General 
Fremont  marched  directly  up  the  valley,  while  the  division  of 
Shields  was  sent  up  the  Luray  Valley  to  head  off  the  Confed- 


BATTLE  OF  PORT  REPUBLIC.  655 

erate  leader,  if  possible,  should  he  undertake  to  pass  through 
the  Blue  Ridge. 

Jackson  reached  Harrisonburg  on  the  fifth  of  June,  and 
Fremont  arrived  at  the  same  point  on  the  next  day.  From 
thence  Jackson  passed  on  to  Port  Republic,  where  there  was 
a bridge  upon  which  he  could  cross  the  Shenandoah  river. 

DEATH  OF  COLONEL  ASHBY. 

During  this  movement,  in  one  of  the  many  skirmishes  that 
occurred,  Colonel  Turner  Ashby  was  killed.  He  was  one  of 
the  most  gallant  officers  in  the  Confederate  service,  and  in  his 
death  they  sustained  a great  loss.  The  following  is  a tribute 
to  his  gallantry  from  General  Jackson:  “As  a partisan  offi- 
cer, I never  knew  his  superior ; his  daring  was  proverbial ; 
his  power  of  endurance  almost  incredible ; his  tone  of  char- 
acter heroic,  and  his  sagacity  almost  intuitive  in  divining  the 
purposes  and  movements  of  the  enemy.” 

While  Jackson  was  making  tins  movement,  Shields  was 
moving  up  the  eastern  side  of  the  river  to  prevent  Jackson 
from  crossing,  or  to  fo^m  a junction  with  Fremont,  as  he 
should  think  proper.  However,  Jackson  moved  in  such  a 
manner  that  neither  of  these  plans  were  carried  out.  He 
threw  forward  a division  to  Port  Republic  to  cover  the  bridge, 
while  he  left  Ewell's  division  five  miles  from  that  place  to  dis- 
pute Fremont’s  further  advance. 

On  the  eighth  of  June  Fremont  made  an  attack  upon 
Ewell,  and  at  the  same  time  Shields  moved  upon  the  other 
division  of  the  Confederates,  under  General  Jackson. 

After  a sharp  struggle  Fremont  was  repulsed  by  Ewell,  and 
Jackson  succeeded  in  holding  Shields  in  check. 

BATTLE  OF  PORT  REPUBLIC. 

Early  the  next  morning  General  Jackson  concentrated  all 
of  his  force  at  Port  Republic,  crossing  the  river,  burning  the 
bridge  to  prevent  Fremont  from  following  him,  and  then  fell 
with  all  his  force  upon  Shields,  whose  force  was  driven  from 


656 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


its  position  with  the  loss  of  many  prisoners  and  considerable 
artillery.  These  engagements  are  known  by  the  names  of 
Cross  Keys  and  Port  Republic.  Thus  closed  the  wonderful 
valley  campaign  of  Jackson.  In  a period  of  less  than  four 
weeks  he  had  defeated  the  armies  of  Generals  Banks,  Fre- 
mont, and  Shields,  captured  thousands  of  prisoners,  many 
pieces  of  artillery,  thousands  of  small  arms,  and  munitions  of 
war  to  an  amount  almost  incredible  in  extent.  Federal  au- 
thority in  the  valley  was  entirely  overthrown.  The  Govern- 
ment at  Washington  was  thoroughly  frightened,  and  the 
results  of  these  few  weeks  amounted  to  much  more  than  this. 
McDowell  had  not  been  permitted  to  join  McClellan,  which 
fact  was  one  of  the  prime  factors  in  the  disastrous  failure  of 
the  Peninsula  campaign. 

The  people  of  the  valley  rejoiced  over  the  discomfiture  of 
the  Federal  armies,  and  for  a number  of  weeks  after  the 
events  narrated  in  the  preceding  pages,  quiet  again  reigned 
throughout  the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  as  no 
army  of  any  importance  remained  to  disturb  it. 

Not  until  the  following  September  was  this  silence  broken 
by  the  roar  of  the  guns  of  Stonewall  Jackson  and  General 
Miles,  when  the  latter  surrendered  his  army  to  the  former  at 
Harper's  Ferry,  just  before  the  battle  of  Antietam.  When 
the  Confederates  were  defeated  upon  that  bloody  field,  the 
shattered  and  war-worn  ranks  of  General  Lee  passed  through 
this  valley,  en  route  for  Fredericksburg. 

Again  for  months  another  quiet  season  reigned  throughout 
the  valley,  during  which  time  the  beautiful  fields  recovered 
from  the  effects  of  marching  armies  and  the  stains  of  human 
blood,  but  this  beautiful  transition  was  soon  again  to  be 
changed  to  one  of  war. 

In  the  fruitful  and  balmy  month  of  June,  1863,  the  Second 
corps  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Yirginia,  under  the  command 
of  General  Ewell,  and  which  constituted  the  van  of  the  grand 
army  of  invasion,  with  which  Lee  was  marching  to  Pennsyl- 
vania, broke  through  the  mountain  passes  of  the  Blue  Ridge, 
and  into  the  valley  like  a tornado. 


MILROY  SURPRISED. 


057 


MILROY  SURPRISED. 

The  Federal  General  Milroy  was  surprised  at  Winchester  ; 
nearly  all  of  his  command  Avas  captured,  and  he,  %vith  only  a 
feAV  soldiers,  escaped  through  the  Confederate  lines,  and 
crossed  the  Potomac  at  Harper's  Ferry.  The  Confederates 
thus  captured  three  thousand  prisoners,  thirty  pieces  of  artil- 
lery, one  hundred  wagons,  and  many  stores.  At  the  same 
time  seven  hundred  Federals  surrendered  to  General  Rodes 
at  Martinsburg. 

Ewell  passed  on  and  was  immediately  followed  by  the 
corps  of  Longstreet,  Hill,  and  the  cavalry  under  Stuart ; com- 
prising all  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  and  its  baggage 
train. 

After  the  great  battle  in  Pennsylvania  had  been  decided 
in  favor  of  the  Federals,  the  shattered  remains  of  General 
Lee's  command  once  more  sought  refuge  in  the  valley  of  the 
Shenandoah,  and  received  sympathy  and  support  from  its  in- 
habitants who  were  loyal  to  the  Confederate  cause. 

Passing  over  the  intervening  months  which  elapsed,  we 
find  during  the  spring  of  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-four, 
that  the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah  was  included  in  the  de- 
partment of  West  Virginia,  and  was  under  the  command  of 
General  Sigel,  as  also  another  portion  of  his  command  was  iu 
the  Kanawha  Valley  under  General  Crook,  while  Sigel’s. 
headquarters  were  in  the  lower  valley,  near  the  Potoinac  river. 

When  General  Grant  crossed  the  Rapidan  with  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  in  May,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-four,  he 
ordered  General  Sigel  to  send  General  Crook  up  the  Kanawha 
Valley  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  Virginia  and  Ten- 
nessee railroad  at  Newbridge,  while  Sigel  was  to  move  up  the 
Shenandoah  Valley  to  Staunton.  Crook's  expedition  met 
with  some  reverses,  but  succeeded  in  destroying  the  railroad 
at  New  River  and  inflicted  considerable  loss  upon  the  Confed- 
erates. On  the  ninth  of  May,  Sigel,  Avith  Sullivan’s  division 
of  infantry  and  Stahel's  cavalry,  moved  up  the  valley  pike  to 
Cedar  Creek,  and  on  the  eleventh  he  pushed  through  Stras- 
42 


658 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


burg  to  Woodstock.  On  the  fourteenth  he  moved  to  Mt. 
Jackson. 

In  the  meantime  General  Breckenridge  was  mustering  an 
army  of  five  thousand  men  to  oppose  him.  The  two  com- 
mands met  near  New  Market  on  the  fifteenth  of  May. 

BATTLE  OF  NEW  MARKET. 

Sigel  formed  his  line  of  battle  and  Breckenridge  moved  to 
the  attack,  with  the  veteran  brigades  of  Echols  and  Wharton 
in  the  advance.  The  conflict  was  brief,  and  the  Federals 
were  flanked  and  pushed  back.  They  gallantly  rallied,  but 
were  soon  driven  from  the  field.  It  was  a complete  victory 
for  the  Confederates.  The  forces  were  about  equal  in  num- 
bers. Sigel  fell  back  to  Fisher’s  Hill. 


SIGEL  REMOVED. 

General  Grant  immediately  asked  for  the  removal  of  Gen- 
eral Sigel,  and  General  Hunter  was  appointed  to  the  place 
thus  made  vacant. 

On  the  twenty-sixth  of  May,  General  Hunter  broke  camp 
at  Cedar  Creek  and  moved  up  the  pike  to  Woodstock.  He 
had  with  him  the  troops  of  Sigel’s  former  command,  making 
in  all  a force  of  eight  thousand,  five  hundred  men,  with 
twenty-one  pieces^  of  artillery.  From  Woodstock  he  moved 
to  New  Market  and  from  thence  to  Harrisonburg,  where,  on 
the  second  of  June,  he  encountered  General  Imboden  at  Mt. 
Crawford.  The  position  of  the  Confederate  commander  being 
.of  great  strength,  the  Federal  General  moved  southeastward 
to  Port  Republic,  at  which  place  he  crossed  the  south  fork  of 
the  Shenandoah  river. 

On  the  fifth  he  advanced  toward  Staunton,  and  soon  met 
a Confederate  force,  under  command  of  General  Jones,  occu- 
pying a position  at  Piedmont.  The  Federal  cavalry,  under 
Stahel,  drove  in  the  Confederate  pickets.  This  was  followed 
for  two  hours  by  a heavy  artillery  fire,  when  the  Federal  in- 
fantry advanced  upon  the  Confederate  position.  The  entire 
line  was  carried  in  this  assault ; oue  thousand  men,  including 


BURNING  OF  LEXINGTON  MILITARY  INSTITUTE.  659 

sixty  officers,  were  captured,  and  General  Jones,  the  Confed- 
erate commander,  was  killed.  On  the  following  day  the  Fed- 
eral captured  five  hundred  sick  and  wounded  men,  three 
guns  and  many  small  arms. 

General  Hunter  now  established  himself  at  Staunton, where, 
on  the  eighth  of  June,  he  was  reinforced  by  some  infantry 
under  Crook,  and  four  thousand,  four  hundred  cavalry,  under 
Averill,  thus  making  his  command  over  eighteen  thousand 
men  with  which  he  was  to  move  upon  Lynchburg.  Around 
this  city  the  Federals  destroyed  a large  amount  of  property, 
also  a great  factory  on  the  Virginia  Central  railroad. 

On  the  morning  of  the  tenth  the  Federal  army  moved  in  the 
immediate  direction  of  Lynchburg  along  four  parallel  roads 
through  a very  fertile  country  extending  from  Staunton  to 
Lexington.  The  Confederate  cavalry,  under  General  Mc- 
Causland,  fell  back  before  the  Federal  advance,  and,  in  its  re- 
treat, burned  the  bridge  over  the  North  river  at  Lexington, 
and  then  took  up  a position  at  Shepherdstown,  posting  a few 
pieces  of  artillery  among  the  houses  of  the  town.  General 
Hunter  immediately  ordered  his  cavalry  under  Averill,  and 
White’s  brigade  of  Crook’s  infantry  to  flank  the  Confederate 
position. 

BURNING  OF  LEXINGTON  MILITARY  INSTITUTE. 

The  Confederates,  on  the  consummation  of  this  order,  at 
once  retired,  and  the  Federals  occupied  the  town.  There  were 
several  buildings  of  historic  fame  in  this  town,  among  them 
the  Virginia  Military  Institute,  made  doubly  so  by  the  brill- 
iant career  of  Stonewall  Jackson, who  was  one  of  the  professors 
in  this  school  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  This  building, 
the  home  of  Governor  John  Letcher,  and  several  iron  mills 
were  destroyed.  A statue  of  General  Washington  was  taken 
from  Washington  Hall  and  carried  away  in  wagons  to  Wheel- 
ing ; and  many  other  acts  of  a similar  character  were  per- 
formed by  the  Federals  which  were  not  justified  by  the  rules 
and  customs  of  civilized  warfare. 

Many  stores,  a few  guns,  and  several  hundred  prisoners 


660 


BLUE  AND  GEAY. 


were  captured  in  Lexington.  General  Hunter  tarried  for  sev- 
eral days  and  then  continued  his  march  upon  Lynchburg.  It 
has  never  been  settled  whether  this  was  a necessary  delay  or 
not,  hut  be  that  as  it  may,  the  delay  proved  tire  salvation  of 
the  latter  place,  as  General  Lee  was  enabled  to  inaugurate  a 
movement  for  its  successful  defence.  On  the  fourteenth  Hun- 
ter moved  his  troops  from  Lexington  to  Buchanan ; on  the 
following  day  the  Blue  Ridge  was  crossed  at  the  Peaks  of  Otter. 
On  the  sixteenth  he  passed  Liberty,  and  on  the  seventeenth 
reached  Quaker  church,  only  five  miles  from  Lynchburg. 

In  the  meantime,  the  two  great  commanders,  Grant  and 
Lee,  at  the  head  of  their  respective  commands,  near  the 
Ohickahominy,  were  intently  watching  the  events  just  nar- 
rated, and  for  very  different  purposes.  Lee  saw  that  a blow 
was  being  aimed  at  one  of  the  most  vital  points  in  the  whole 
Confederacy ; for  Lynchburg  was  second  only  to  Richmond 
in  its  importance  to  the  South  as  a great  railroad  center. 
Grant,  also  well  knowing  that  the  possession  of  Lynchburg 
was  of  vital  importance  to  his  foe,  was  determined  to  seize  it, 
and  thus  deal  a fatal  blow  at  the  Confederate  capital.  Each 
commander  detached  a part  of  his  force,  under  a trusty  lieu- 
tenant, to  carry  out,  if  possible,  their  designs. 

When  Sigel  was  defeated  at  New  Market,  General  Lee  at 
once  ordered  Breckenridge  to  join  him  with  the  troops  under 
his  command,  the  brigades  of  Echols  and  Wharton  thus  join- 
ing him  in  season  to  fight  at  the  North  Anna,  but  when  Hun- 
ter so  quickly  began  his  advance  movement,  Lee  saw  his  er- 
ror and  immediately  detached  these  troops  and  ordered  them 
to  march  to  Lynchburg  for  its  defence.  By  a rapid  move- 
ment, Breckenridge  reached  Lynchburg  before  Hunter  came 
up,  and  took  a position  behind  its  intrenchments.  Generals 
D.  Id.  Hill  and  Hayes,  together  with  a large  number  of  other 
Confederate  wounded,  were  at  this  time  in  Lynchburg. 
Many  of  these  aided  in  the  defence  of  the  city. 

General  Lee  also  ordered  his  Second  corps,  under  General 
Early,  to  withdraw  from  Cool  Arbor,  J une  thirteenth,  and  to 
move  by  way  of  Louisa  and  Charlottesville,  crossing  the  Blue 


BATTLE  OF  LYNCHBURG. 


661 


Ridge  at  either  Brown's  or  Swift-Run  Gap,  and,  if  possible,  to 
strike  the  rear  of  General  Hunter’s  line,  The  Federals  had 
destroyed  the  telegraph  lines,  so  Lee  did  not  know  definitely 
the  position  Hunter  occupied. 

General  Early  was  in  command  of  the  old  Stonewall  Jack- 
son  corps,  famous  for  its  rapid  marches,  and  with  these  veter- 
an troops  he  crossed  the  Chickahominy  and  on  the  fifteenth 
he  reached  Trevilian’s  Station,  from  whence,  four  days  later, 
he  arrived  at  Charlottesville,  having  in  that  time  marched  over 
eighty  miles. 

On  the  seventeenth  of  June,  while  the  troops  of  General 
Hunter  were  attacking  the  advance  lines  of  the  Confederates 
around  Lynchburg,  General  Early's  command  arrived  and  im- 
mediately took  positions  in  the  lines  of  earthworks. 

All  through  that  night  Hunter  knew  that  the  Confederates 
had  been  reinforced,  by  the  sounds  from  their  lines,  but  was 
still  confident  that  he  could  capture  the  place. 

BATTLE  OF  LYNCHBURG. 

On  the  morning  of  the  eighteenth  the  Federal  general  ad- 
vanced  to  within  two  miles  of  the  town,  reaching  a point 
known  as  the  toll  gate,  upon  the  Bedford  pike,  after  very  hard 
skirmishing.  During  the  afternoon  he  made  a heavy  attack 
upon  the  Confederate  lines,  and  after  a gallant  fight,  during 
which  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixteenth  Ohio  regiment  planted 
its  colors  upon  the  Confederate  works,  was  repulsed.  General 
Hunter  now  knew  that  it  was  not  possible  for  him  to  capture 
the  town  and  during  the  night  he  quietly  withdrew  to  Liberty, 
and  on  the  following  day  retreated  to  Bedford’s  Gap. 

When  Early  discovered  that  his  enemy  was  retreating  he 
put  all  of  his  troops  in  motion  in  hot  pursuit.  General  Breek- 
enridge  being  sick  his  command  was  given  to  General  Elzey, 
and  the  cavalry  command  was  given  to  General  Ransom.  By 
rapid  marching  Early's  advance  came  up  with  Hunter's  rear 
on  the  afternoon  of  the  nineteenth  and  drove  it  rapidly  through 
Liberty.  At  this  moment  the  Federal  general  found  himself 
in  a -very  embarrassing  position  ; he  was  two  hundred  miles 


602 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


from  his  base,  with  a superior  force  following  him,  and  with 
but  few  rations. 

In  this  emergency  he  resolved  not  to  retreat  by  the  way  of 
the  Shenandoah  Valley,  but  that  of  the  Kanawha.  He  retreat- 
ed rapidly  while  General  Early  pursued  him  with  much  vigor. 
The  Federals  suffered  greatly  from  lack  of  food  and  water 
during  this  memorable  retreat,  until,  on  the  twenty-seventh  of 
June  they  reached  Gauley  bridge  in  the  Kanawha  Valley, 
where  they  found  ample  supplies.  General  Early  did  not  enter 
the  valley  in  pursuit  but  fell  back  to  Lynchburg. 

BATTLE  OF  TREVILIAN’S  STATION. 

General  Grant  had  detached  General  Sheridan,  with  a 
heavy  cavalry  force,  to  co-operate  with  Hunter  in  the  move- 
ment upon  Lynchburg.  The  latter  moved  promptly,  crossing 
the  Pamunky  on  the  seventh  of  June,  and  four  days  later  he 
reached  the  Virginia  Central  railroad  at  Trevilian’s  Station. 
At  this  point  he  became  desperately  engaged  with  the  cavalry 
command  of  Fitz  Lee  and  Hampton’s  old  division.  He  en- 
countered columns  in  almost  every  direction,  but  finally  suc- 
ceeded in  extricating  himself  and  in  joining  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  at  White  House. 

Thus  ended  the  two  campaigns  of  Sigel  and  Hunter  in  the 
valley.  The  victories  of  the  latter  had  been  more  disastrous 
to  the  Union  arms  than  the  defeats  of  the  former,  for  when  he 
retreated  to  the  Kanawha  Valley  he  left  that  of  the  Shenan- 
doah entirely  without  any  Federal  command,  which  fact,  Gen- 
eral Lee,  with  his  accustomed  skill,  resolved  to  turn  against 
his  antagonist. 

EARLY'S  INVASION  OF  MARYLAND. 

Instead  of  recalling  General  Early  to  the  Army  of  North- 
ern Virginia,  he  ordered  him  to  move  with  all  of  his  troops 
to  Maryland,  by  the  way  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  Early 
promptly  obeyed,  and  once  more  the  stars  and  bars  waved 
proudly  through  this  beautiful  section  of  Virginia.  This  was 
a bold  strike  on  the  part  of  General  Lee,  but  one  which  prom- 


EARLY’S  INVASION  OF  MARYLAND.  C63 

ised  great  results.  He  Avell  knew  the  temper  of  the  Wash- 
ington Government,  and  how  much  it  dreaded  the  advance  of 
any  Confederate  force.  He  therefore  reasoned  that  the  pres- 
ence of  General  Early  in  Maryland,  threatening  Washington 
and  Baltimore,  would  create  such  a panic  in  those  places  that 
General  Grant  would  be  compelled  to  withdraw  a large  por- 
tion of  his  army  from  before  Petersburg  to  defend  the  seat  of 
government. 

To  make  this  movement  General  Early  had  an  army  of  sev- 
enteen thousand  men,  composed  as  follows : the  four  infantry 
divisions  of  Rodes,  Gordon,  Echols  and  Ramseur.  Ransom’s 
division  of  cavalry,  including  the  brigades  of  Bradley,  T. 
Johnson,  Imboden,  W.  L.  Jackson,  and  McCausland.  Long’s 
three  battalions  of  artillery,  comprising  the  batteries  of  Nel- 
son, 'King,  Braxton,  and  McLaughlin,  making  in  all  forty 
guns,  many  of  them  being  twelve-pound  Napoleons. 

Breckenridge  was  in  command  of  the  divisions  of  Gordon 
and  Echols,  while  all  the  other  commands  reported  directly  to 
the  commander-in-chief. 

General  Early  occupied  Winchester  on  July  second,  and 
on  the  fourth  of  J uly  he  was  master  of  the  valley.  The 
small  force  of  Federals,  under  Sigel,  crossed  the  Potomae  on 
the  approach  of  the  Confederates,  at  Shepherdstown,  and  oc- 
cupied Maryland  Heights.  At  the  same  time  a small  force  of 
Federals,  under  General  Webber  at  Harper's  Ferry,  destroyed 
the  railroad  bridge  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  and 
likewise  fell  back  to  Maryland  Heights. 

Early  could  not  occupy  Harper’s  Ferry  as  it  was  com- 
manded by  Sigel's  guns  on  Maryland  Heights ; he  therefore 
moved  Rodes  and  Ramseur  from  that  vicinity  on  the  night  of 
the  fifth,  and  crossed  the  Potomac  at  Shepherdstown. 

During  this  time  Breckenridge  was  pressing  Sigel  upon  the 
Heights,  but  Early  soon  moved  off  toward  Frederick  City. 
Johnson  had  occupied  Boonsboro;  McCausland  had  entered 
Hagerstown  and  levied  a requisition  of  twenty  thousand  dol- 
lars upon  that  place.  The  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  canal  had 


C64 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


been  destroyed,  and  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  had 
also  suffered  severely. 

The  greatest  terror  reigned  through  the  State  of  Maryland, 
over  this  sudden  appearance  of  a Confederate  army.  Great 
alarm  was  felt  in  Washington  for  its  safety,  and  this  feeling 
prevaded  the  entire  North.  President  Lincoln  called  upon 
the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  New  York  and  Massachusetts  for 
one  hundred  days’  men  to  resist  the  invaders,  and  General 
Hunter  was  ordered  from  the  Kanawha  Valley  for  the  same 
purpose. 

The  latter  moved  promptly,  but  the  route  over  which  lie 
had  to  pass  was  a long  and  tedious  one,  and  his  advance  did 
not  reach  Martinsburg  until  July  eleventh. 

General  Early  was  in  the  meantime  pressing  forward  al- 
most unmolested.  On  the  eighth,  Breckenridge  passed 
through  Fox  Gap,  and  Ramseur  through  Boonsboro,  and  both 
encamped  at  Middletown.  General  Rodes  marched  through 
Crampton’s  Gap  and  camped  at  Jefferson  ; Ransom  was  fight- 
ing the  Federal  cavalry  between  Middletown  and  Frederick, 
while  McCausland  had  been  sent  toward  Monocacy  to  cut 
the  railroad  and  telegraph  wires.  Thus  far  General  Early 
had  everything  his  own  way. 

On  the  sixth  of  July,  General  Grant  sent  Rickett's  division 
of  the  Sixth  corps,  together  with  the  dismounted  cavalrymen 
of  General  Sheridan,  to  assist  in  the  defence  of  the  National 
capital.  General  Lew  Wallace  had  also  mustered  a small 
force  to  oppose  Early’s  advance,  and  with  this  moved  forward 
to  Monacacy  junction,  near  Frederick.  On  the  evening  of 
the  seventh,  Rickett’s  division  arrived  at  Baltimore  from  City 
Point,  and  was  immediately  sent  forward  to  reinforce  Wal- 
lace, who  arranged  his  forces  with  great  skill  at  the  important 
position  he  had  seized,  and  now  awaited  Early’s  attack. 

The  Federals  had  only  six  pieces  of  artillery  to  oppose  the 
heavy  similar  arm  of  the  Confederate  general.  The  Federal 
force  consisted  of  but  six  thousand  men,  nearly  half  of  whom 
had  never  been  under  fire. 


ARRIVAL  OF  GENERAL  ORD. 


665 


BATTLE  OF  MONOCACY. 

When  Early  moved  out  of  Frederick,  General  Rodes  was 
on  his  left,  marching  with  his  division  by  way  of  the  Balti- 
more pike.  Ramseur  was  in  the  center,  upon  the  Washington 
road,  while  Gordon,  together  with  McCausland’s  cavalry, 
moved  on  the  right  to  turn  the  Federal  left.  Then  followed 
a sharp  fight,  in  which  the  Federals  Avere  driven  back  along 
the  Baltimore  pike  with  considerable  loss.  Early  did  not 
press  Wallace  far  in  the  direction  of  Baltimore,  but  withdrew 
his  troops  from  the  Baltimore  pike  and  prepared  to  move  upon 
Washington  itself.  Wallace  in  this  engagement  had  lost  near- 
ly two  thousand  men.  The  Confederate  loss  being  less  than 
one-half  that  number.  A great  advantage  had  been  gained 
by  Wallace,  however,  as  he  had  delayed  the  advance  of  the 
Confederates,  at  a time  Avhen  hours  were  of  precious  value  to 
the  Federals  who  Avere  pressing  to  the  defence  of  the  Nation- 
al capital.  At  the  break  of  day,  on  the  morning  of  the 
tenth,  the  Confederates  Avere  moving  along  the  Georgetown 
pike  at  the  rate  of  twenty  miles  per  day,  and  that  night 
camped  near  Rockville. 

While  these  events  Avere  transpiring,  Generals  Sigel  and 
Stahel,  Avitli  their  small  Federal  commands,  had  moved  on 
and  occupied  the  points  over  which  Early  had  passed  from 
SheplierdstoAvn  to  Frederick.  The  defeat  of  Wallace,  and 
the  rapid  advance  of  Early,  had  created  a strong  impression 
all  through  the  north.  Terror  magnified  the  small  army  of 
General  Early  to  one  that  Avas  at  least  fifty  thousand  strong, 
and  on  Sunday,  the  fifteenth,  all  the  church  bells  in  Baltimore 
rang  out  an  alarm,  to  arouse  the  people  to  a sense  of  their 
danger.  TAventy-five  hundred  of  Sheridan’s  dismounted  cav- 
alry reached’  Baltimore  on  that  day,  and  Avere  immediately 
forwarded  to  Washington.  Colonel  Root  proclaimed  martial 
laAV  in  Annapolis. 

ARRIVAL  OF  GENERAL  ORD. 

General  E.  O.  C.  Ord  had  been  sent  from  City  Point  to 
take  command  at  Baltimore,  and  on  the  tAvelfth  of  July  that 


666 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


officer  reported  the  force  around  the  city  to  be  as  follows: 
Rickett’s  division  of  twenty-four  hundred  and  eighty-eight 
men;  three  thousand  one  hundred  days’ men;  two  hundred 
sailors,  and  five  hundred  colored  soldiers.  Governor  Brad- 
ford called  for  ten  thousand  militia. 

In  the  meantime,  the  Confederates  were  raiding  in  every 
direction  ; capturing  grain,  bacon,  hogs,  cattle,  horses,  sheep, 
shoes  and  clothing,  and  sending  them  across  the  Potomac  river 
to  a place  of  safety.  Railroads  Avere  cut,  bridges  burned, 
trains  of  cars  captured,  Governor  Bradford’s  house  near  Bal- 
timore Avas  burned,  and  terror  reigned  in  every  quarter. 

On  the  eleventh  Early  pushed  on  from  Rockville  toward 
Washington.  It  was  in  the  midst  of  a terrible  drought;  the 
day  was  intensely  hot,  and  the  air  was  filled  with  dust. 

General  McCausland  was  in  the  advance  moving  out,  north 
of  GeorgetoAvn,  where  he  held  the  Confederate  right,  while 
the  main  column,  preceded  by  Imboden's  cavalry,  moved 
along  the  Seventh  street  road.  These  troops  marched  with 
all  possible  speed,  but  so  intense  was  the  heat  that  many 
of  their  veterans  Avho  had  made  such  wonderful  and  rapid 
marches  in  the  past,  fell  by  the  Avayside  exhausted.  About 
noon  the  Confederate  force  Avas  in  plain  vieAv  of  the  Federal 
capital,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fiftieth  Ohio  and  the  Twenty- 
fifth  New  York  falling  back  before  them,  and  taking  a posi- 
tion within  the  Federal  forts. 

Rodes  Avas  in  the  advance,  having  moved  by  the  flank  in 
line  of  battle,  and  at  one  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  his  skirmish- 
ers came  under  fire  of  the  forts.  General  Early  Avas  at  that 
time  at  Silver  Spring,  north  of  Washington,  a little  to  the 
west  of  the  Seventh  street  road,  Avith  his  cavalry  covering 
both  of  his  flanks  and  his  infantry  nearly  all  massed  along  this 
road,  between  the  houses  of  Blair  and  Batchelor,  the  latter 
being  two  miles  north  of  the  former. 

The  Federal  defences  consisted  generally  of  detached  forts 
connected  by  rifle-pits.  Fort  Stevens  Avas  directly  in  Early’s 
front,  Avith  Fort  DeRussey  on  the  west  and  Slocum  on  the 
east.  The  approaches  of  these  forts  were  also  raked  by  the 


ARRIVAL  OF  GENERAL  ORD. 


667 


guns  of  other  fortifications  that  would  pour  in  an  enfilading 
fire.  Early's  men  could  distinctly  see  the  dome  of  the  Nat- 
ional capitol  and  were  highly  elated  over  the  prospect  of  its 
capture,  but  General  Early  himself  was  in  an  embarrassing 
position.  He  had  learned  of  Hunter's  arrival  in  the  valley 
and  of  Sigel  being  in  his  rear ; he  also  knew  that  General 
Grant  had  sent  a portion  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  to 
Washington. 

These  things  he  ascertained  from  prisoners  who  had  been 
taken  from  the  Sixth  corps,  near  Frederick,  several  days  pre- 
viously. It  was  impossible  for  him  to  ascertain  how  many 
troops  were  actually  within  the  defences  at  Washington,  but 
with  his  field-glass  he  could  distinctly  see  bodies  of  men  mov- 
ing from  one  line  to  another  and  he  supposed  they  were  troops 
from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  These,  however,  were  of  very 
different  material  than  that  supposed  by  General  Early.  They 
were  composed  of  convalescents,  home  guards,  one  hundred 
days’  men,  marines*  sailors,  militia,  clerks,  and  citizens,  white 
and  black  ; a motley  mass  indeed.  They  were  all  under  the 
command  of  General  McCook.  All  of  these  were  but  a for- 
lorn hope,  if  brought  into  action  with  the  veterans  of  General 
Early,  but  assistance  was  hastening  from  other  sources. 

General  H.  S.  Wright,  with  two  divisions  of  the  Sixth 
corps,  was  ordered,  on  July  ninth  to  march  from  Petersburg  to 
City  Point  and  embark  for  Fortress  Monroe.  At  two  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  of  the  eleventh  the  vessels  touched  the 
wharves  at  Washington  and  landed  these,  at  the  same  time 
that  eight  hundred  men  of  the  Nineteenth  corps,  who  had  just 
arrived  from  New  Orleans,  were  landing.  President  Lincoln, 
with  an  anxious  countenance,  stood  on  the  wharf  at  the  foot 
of  Sixth  street,  to  welcome  the  Sixth  corps,  and  it  was  very 
difficult  to  decide  which  was  most  pleased  at  this  novel  meet- 
ing. The  troops  cheered  the  President,  and  lie  laughed  and 
clapped  his  hands  like  a schoolboy  when  he  saw  the  veterans 
who  had  thus  timely  come  to  his  relief.  The  men  quickly 
formed  their  lines,  and  the  Greek  cross  which  had  been  so 
often  baptized  in  blood  upon  fields  of  carnage,  was  borne 


668 


BLUE  AND  GEAY. 


through  the  streets  of  the  National  capital  amidst  the  cheers 
of  thousands  of  spectators. 

The  roar  of  the  guns  from  Fort  Stevens  caused  the  Sixth 
corps  to  quicken  their  pace,  and  they  arrived  upon  the  field 
of  battle  none  too  soon  to  save  the  day  for  the  Federals. 

Rodes  had  been  obliged  to  give  his  exhausted  men  a few 
moments’  rest,  and  was  just  deploying  a line  of  battle  to  move 
upon  the  Federal  forts,  when  Wright’s  men  arrived.  No  ac- 
tion took  place  that  day.  The  Sixth  corps  took  a position 
during  the  night  in  advance  of  Fort  Stevens,  and  intrenched 
it  in  true  Virginia  style. 

BATTLE  OF  FORT  STEVENS. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  the  twelfth,  Wheaton’s  brigade  of 
Getty’s  division  advanced  directly  in  front  of  Fort  Stevens, 
and  instantly  the  puffs  of  smoke  and  whiz  of  bullets  told 
that  the  skirmishers  were  at  work.  This  fire  was  kept  up 
until  the  middle  of  the  afternoon.  Bidwell's  brigade  was 
formed  to  assault  the  Confederate  position,  the  Seventy-sev- 
enth New  York,  Seventh  Maine,  and  Forty-ninth  New  York 
regiments  forming  the  first  line,  the  Forty-third  New  York, 
Sixtv-first  Pennsylvania,  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
second  New  York  regiments  the  second  line.  The  Rives 
house  was  the  central  point  of  attack.  The  guns  of  Fort 
Stevens  having  cleared  the  way,  this  brigade  advanced,  and 
Early’s  pickets  and  skirmishers  were  driven  back  for  a mile. 

The  Confederates  made  a most  gallant  fight,  and  the  loss 
was  heavy  on  both  sides. 

It  is  rarely  the  case  that  so  many  interested  spectators  wit- 
ness a battle.  On  the  parapet  of  Fort  Stevens  stood  the  tall 
form  of  President  Lincoln  beside  General  Wright.  His  care- 
worn face  flashed  with  a joyous  relief  when  he  saw  the  Con- 
federates retire  before  the  Federal  advance.  During  this 
time,  from  an  eminence  within  the  Confederate  lines,  stood 
an  anxiously  interested  group  of  spectators,  among  whom 
was  the  manly  form  and  fine  features  of  General  John  C. 
Breckenridge,  who  for  four  years  had  been  Vice  President  of 
the  United  States. 


GENERAL  WRIGHT  IN'  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS.  669 

Men  were  wounded  all  around  President  Lincoln,  but  he 
was  so  anxious  and  interested  that  for  a long  time  he  refused 
to  retire  from  his  exposed  position.  The  Federals  lost  many 
valuable  officers  in  this  battle,  among  them  Colonel  Visscher, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson  and  Major  Jones.  During  the 
niorht  Early  fell  back  through  Rockville,  burningthe  residence 
of  Honorable  Montgomery  Blair  as  he  retreated,  and  halted 
near  Darnestown.  Washington  was  now  once  more  considered 
free  from  danger. 

GENERAL  WRIGHT  IN  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS. 

At  this  stage  of  this  memorable  campaign  the  Federal  gen- 
eral, H.  G.  Wright,  was  appointed  to  the  supreme  command 
of  the  troops  moving  against  General  Early,  and  was  ordered 
by  General  Grant  to  pursue  the  Confederates  to  the  last  de- 
gree. General  Early  withdrew  from  Rockville  on  the  early 
morning  of  July  twelfth,  and  General  Wright  immediately, 
with  two  divisions  of  the  Sixth  corps,  began  to  pursue  him, 
having  also  directed  one  division  of  the  Nineteenth  corps  to 
follow  on  after  him.  On  the  morning  of  the  fourteenth,  Gen- 
eral Early  had  crossed  the  Potomac,  at  White's  Ford,  and  was 
encamped  at  Leesburg,  having  successfully  brought  off  his 
army  and  the  many  supplies  captured  north  of  the  Potomac 
river.  On  this  same  day  General  Wright  reached  Poolesville, 
twenty-six  miles  from  Fort  Stevens.  Only  the  advance  guard 
of  the  Federal  troops  had  come  in  contact  with  the  rear  pick- 
ets of  the  Confederates,  and  nothing  but  an  artillery  fire 
across  the  river  at  Poolesville  had  been  the  result. 

On  the  morning  of  the  sixteenth  Wright’s  forces  forded 
the  Potomac  and  marched  to  Leesburg,  while  General  Early 
marched  through  Hamilton  and  Purcellsville  to  Snicker's  and 
Ashby’s  Gaps.  Meanwhile  a Federal  brigade  of  cavalry,  un- 
der General  Crook,  marched  toward  Waterford  to  strike  the 
Confederate  cavalry. 

During  the  ensuing  evening  the  forces  reached  Purcells- 
ville, midway  between  Leesburg  and  Snicker’s  Gap.  Near 
this  locality  a Federal  cavalry  force,  commanded  by  General 


070 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Tibbetts,  struck  a Confederate  wagon  train,  and  captured 
one  hundred  mules,  eighty  wagons,  and  a few  prisoners,  with 
a loss  of  but  twenty  men  to  the  assaulting  party. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  eighteenth,  Early’s  forces  were 
around  Berryville,  while  the  fords  of  the  Shenandoah  were 
being  guarded  by  General  Breckenridge.  At  two  o'clock  the 
Federals  under  Thoburn  were  directed  to  cross  and  dislodge 
the  Confederates,  and  for  this  purpose  were  ordered  to  move 
to  Island  Ford,  one  mile  below  Snicker’s  Ford.  In  this  the 
Federals  were  successful,  and  the  pickets  were  made  prison- 
ers. From  these  it  was  now  learned  that  the  divisions  of 
Rodes  and  Gordon  were  only  a mile  or  two  away,  and  Tho- 
burn sent  this  information  back  to  General  Crook.  Instruc- 
tions were  therefore  given  Thoburn  to  await  the  arrival  of  a 
division  of  the  Sixth  corps  which  would  be  sent  to  his  sup- 
port. Meantime  the  Confederates  under  Breckenridge  and 
Rodes  advanced  upon  the  position  which  the  Federals  main- 
tained, and  after  a severe  fight  drove  them  back  across  the 
ford,  with  a loss  of  four  hundred  and  twenty-two  men. 

Several  minor  engagements  in  various  sections  had  taken 
place  by  detached  bodies  of  the  two  armies  up  to  this  time, 
but  as  yet  nothing  definite  had  been  accomplished  in  the  way 
of  destroying  General  Early’s  army.  The  cry  of  “ Bag  him,” 
had  only  been  executed  in  words,  nor  was  there  a sufficient 
force  at  hand  to  capture  the  veterans  of  this  bold  leader.  The 
fragmentary  character  of  the  forces  opposed  to  him  could  not 
be  molded  into  a weapon  sufficient  for  the  task,  and  therefore 
it  would  require  other  means  to  accomplish  this  much  desired 
event. 

On  the  morning  of  July  twenty-third,  General  Grant  or- 
dered the  Sixth  corps  to  return  to  him  and  the  Nineteenth  to 
remain  at  Washington.  When  General  Early  learned  of  what 
disposition  had  been  made  of  the  Sixth  corps  his  troops  were 
encamped  at  Strasburg.  Upon  also  learning  that  the  forces 
then  occupying  Kernstown  were  only  those  of  Crook  and 
Averill,  he  resolved  to  attack  them  immediately. 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  MULLIGAN'. 


671 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  KEKNSTOWN. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-fourth,  Early’s  whole  armv 
advanced  against  Kernstown  on  the  valley  pike,  Ramseur's 
division  being  sent  to  turn  Crook's  right.  The  cavalry  was 
divided  into  two  columns,  one  column  going  to  the  east  and 
the  other  to  the  west,  to  cut  off  Crook’s  retreat.  Crook 
formed  his  line  with  the  divisions  of  Sullivan,  Duval  and 
Mulligan  in  the  center,  with  the  cavalry  of  Duffle  and  Averill 
on  his  right  and  left  flank.  After  having  driven  the  Union 
skirmishers,  General  Early  attacked  the  Federal  left  with  the 
division  of  General  Echols  with  great  violence,  and  doubled 
it  up,  and  threw  it  into  great  confusion.  Now  Rodes,  Gor- 
don, and  Ramseur  pressed  Crook’s  center  and  right  so  vigor- 
ously that  the  whole  line  of  Federals  broke  in  utter  defeat. 
The  road  was  soon  filled  with  flying  trains,  and  the  fields 
with  similar  troops. 

At  dusk  the  fugitive  troops  reached  Bunker  Hill,  and  cross- 
ing Mill  Creek  went  into  camp  on  the  further  bank.  The 
Federals  lost  in  this  battle  twelve  hundred  men,  the  Second 
division  alone  losing  five  hundred  and  thirteen.  General  R. 
B.  Hayes’  brigade  also  lost  three  hundred  and  ninety-six  men. 

DEATH  OF  GENERAL  MULLIGAN. 

Of  the  three  hundred  and  seventeen  men  lost  from  the 
Third  division,  the  chief  was  that  of  General  M ulligan,  who 
was  known  for  his  defence  of  Lexington  in  eighteen  hundred 
and  sixt}r-one.  Every  field  officer  of  this  division  was  lost. 
The  Confederate  loss  was  very  light. 

On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-sixth  General  Crook,  leaving 
his  sick  and  wounded  in  the  hospitals  at  Martinsburg,  re- 
crossed the  Potomac  at  Williamsport  and  camped  on  that 
river. 

Finding  himself  once  more  in  unmolested  possession  of  the 
valley,  General  Early  proceeded  to  tap  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  railroad  at  Martinsburg,  which  had  been  repaired  since 
the  beginning  of  the  month.  At  the  same  time  he  burned 
the  bridges  at  Back  Creek,  but  these  exploits  did  not  satisfy 


G72 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


him.  He  now  sent  the  cavalry  commands  of  McCausland  and 
Johnson  to  burn  several  northern  tovjns  unless  they  would 
pay  tribute  money. 

On  the  twenty-ninth  of  July  McCausland  crossed  the  Po- 
tomac near  Clear  Spring,  west  of  Williamsport,  with  two 
brigades  and  four  guns  ; while  Imboden  and  Jackson  operated 
against  Harper’s  Ferry.  The  people  along  the  route  McCaus- 
land marched  became  panic  stricken  and  fled  in  every  direc- 
tion. General  McCausland  marched  toward  Chambersburg, 
going  directly  to  Mercersburg  without  any  interruption  of 
moment.  At  this  place  a train  which  had  been  left  there  when 
the  small  Federal  force  retired,  was  captured  and  burned. 

BURNING  OF  CHAMBERSBURG. 

On  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth  McCausland  rode  into  Cham- 
bersburg at  the  head  of  four  hundred  men.  In  the  absence 
of  the  chief  burgess  he  arrested  about  fifty  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  the  place,  and  to  them  disclosed  his  purpose.  He 
demanded  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  currency,  or  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars  in  gold.  These  were  his  orders 
from  General  Early,  and  if  this  demand  was  not  complied 
with  he  would  burn  the  town.  Upon  being  told  that  there 
was  no  gold  to  be  had  and  that  there  was  not  more  than  fifty 
thousand  dollars  in  currency  on  hand,  General  McCausland 
ordered  the  town  to  be  burned,  as  he  could  not  parley,  know- 
ing that  General  Averill  was  marching  hastily  to  its  succor. 

No  better  account  of  the  burning  of  this  town  can  be  pro- 
cured than  that  of  the  officer  whose  duty  it  was  to  apply  the 
torch,  and  the  following  extract  is  from  his  description. 
“ Deeply  regretting  that  such  a task  should  fall  upon  me,  I 
had  only  to  obey.  I felt  more  like  weeping  over  Chambers- 
burg, although  the  people  covered  me  with  reproaches,  which 
all  who  knew  me  will  readily  believe  I felt  hard  to  digest ; 
yet  my  pity  was  highly  excited  in  behalf  of  those  poor  un- 
fortunates, who  were  made  to  suffer  for  acts  perpetrated  by 
officers  of  their  own  Government.  The  day  was  bright  and 
intensely  hot.  The  conflagration  seemed  to  spring  from  one 
vast  building. 


BATTLE  OF  NEW  CEEEK. 


673 


“Dense  clouds  of  smoke  rose  to  the  zenith  and  hovered 
over  the  dark  plain.  At  night  it  would  have  been  a grand 
but  terrible  object  to  behold.  How  piteous  the  sight  of  those 
beautiful  green  meadows, — groups  of  women  and  children  ex- 
posed to  the  rays  of  a burning  sun,  hovering  over  the  few 
articles  they  had  saved,  most  of  them  wringing  their  hands, 
and  with  wild  gesticulations  bemoaning  their  ruined  homes.” 

Leaving  Chambersburg  in  flames,  McCausland  hastily 
marched,  westward  to  McConnellsburg,  where  he  camped. 
General  Averill  coming  up  soon  after  McCausland  had  left, 
dashed  through  Chambersburg  in  pursuit  of  him  before  he 
could  repeat  the  act  at  some  other  point,  and  successfully  pre- 
vented him  from  so  doing. 

Having  been  attacked  at  Hancock  by  the  Federal  cavalry, 
General  McCausland  withdrew  westwardly  along  the  National 
road  to  Cumberland,  and  upon  reaching  this  point  on  August 
first,  he  came  in  contact  with  the  Federal  forces  under 
Kelley  who  had  been  ordered  by  General  Halleck  to  block  the 
roads  and  destroy  the  bridges  to  retard  the  enemy’s  advance. 

The  Confederates  now  found  themselves  in  an  embarrassing 
situation  ; Kelley  was  in  their  front  and  Averill  in  close  prox- 
imity to  their  rear. 

During  the  afternoon  McCausland  attacked  Kelley  and  con- 
tinued to  skirmish  until  darkness  set  in,  when  he  retreated, 
after  having  lost  thirty  of  his  men  whom  he  left  upon  the 
field.  Arriving  at  Oldtown  on  the  morning  of  the  second, 
the  Confederates,  after  some  little  delay,  caused  by  a feeble 
resistance,  crossed  the  river,  and  by  the  middle  of  the  after- 
noon moved  to  Springfield,  nine  miles  distant,  and,  having 
burned  the  wire  bridge  behind  them,  proceeded  to  Romney, 
on  the  south  branch,  where  they  arrived  the  next  day. 

BATTLE  OF  NEW  CREEK. 

Upon  August  fourth  an  attempt  was  made  to  seize  the  rail- 
road post  at  New  Creek,  but  after  a sharp  fight  of  several 
hours  the  Confederates  were  repulsed  with  a loss  of  about 
seventy-five  men,  the  Federals  being  afflicted  with  about,  an 
43 


674 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


equal  number.  McCausland  now  withdrew  to  Moorefield, 
where  the  South  Fork  joins  the  south  branch  of  the  Potomac. 

BATTLE  OF  MOOREFIELD. 

Upon  the  early  morning  of  August  the  seventh,  the  Con- 
federates were  again  atttacked  by  a heavy  body  of  Federals, 
under  General  Averill,  and  after  a severe  fight  of  several 
hours  were  badly  defeated,  and  driven  from  the  field.  In 
this  engagement  the  Federals  captured  all  of  the  artillery 
which  the  Confederates  had,  many  horses,  and  over  four  hun- 
dred prisoners,  including  thirty-eight  officers.  The  loss  of 
the  Federals  was  not  so  great.  The  Confederate  forces  now 
retired  to  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  Among  the  killed  had 
been  the  Federal  Major  Conger  and  Captain  Clarke.  About 
this  time  the  Confederate  Colonel  Mosby  dashed  across  the 
Potomac  at  Cheek’s  Ford.  The  people  of  Pittsburg  became 
much  alarmed,  and  after  having  held  large  mass  meetings  in 
that  city  they  began  to  organize  for  its  defence,  while  the 
Governor  of  the  State  called  for  thirty  thousand  militia. 

SHERIDAN  IN  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS. 

On  the  day  before  the  battle  of  Moorefield  General  Sheri- 
dan had  been  put  in  command  of  all  the  forces  in  the  valley 
who  were  opposing  General  Early.  He  appointed  General 
Torbert  to  the  chief  command  of  the  Federal  cavalry, 
and  Merritt  took  command  of  Torbert’s  division.  Sheridan 
now  beo’an  to  concentrate  all  of  his  available  force  to  strike 

O 

the  Confederates,  who,  after  much  marching  in  and  from  va- 
rious directions,  had  taken  up  a position  at  Fisher’s  Hill, 
where  they  were  halted  to  await  the  reinforcements  being 
sent  them  by  General  Lee.  These,  which  there  arrived,  were 
the  troops  of  McCausland,  of  Chambersburg  notoriety,  Ker- 
shaw’s division  of  infantry,  Fitz  Lee’s  cavalry  division,  and 
Cutshaw’s  battalion  of  artillery,  all  under  the  command  of 
General  Anderson. 

These  troops  were  a part  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia, and  were  opposed  by  the  following  Federal  commands 


SHERIDAN  IN  COMMAND  OF  FEDERALS. 


675 


who  were  subsequently  known  as  the  Army  of  the  Shenan- 
doah, as  officially  designated  by  General  Sheridan : three 
divisions  of  the  Sixth  corps  not  sent  back  to  Petersburg,  two 
divisions  of  the  Nineteenth,  two  divisions  of  Crook’s  army  of 
West  Virginia,  Torbert’s  division  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac cavalry,  and  Lowell’s  brigade  of  cavalry. 

After  much  maneuvering  upon  the  part  of  both  armies, 
each  attempting  to  ascertain  with  some  degree  of  certainty 
the  strength  of  the  other ; and  having  more  than  once  encoun- 
tered each  other  in  comparatively  trivial  engagements,  the 
Army  of  the  Shenandoah  fell  back  to  Harper’s  Ferry,  while 
the  Confederates  threatened  another  invasion  of  Maryland  and 
Penns}Tl vania.  For  this  purpose  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  Au- 
gust, General  Early  sent  the  main  part  of  Fitz  Lee’s  cavalry 
to  Williamsport,  while  he  moved  in  person  to  Shepherdstown, 
accompanied  by  the  commands  of  Rodes,  Ramseur,  Gordon 
and  Wharton,  Cutshaw  remaining  with  General  Anderson  to 
watch  the  Federal  army  about  Halltown. 

Between  Leetown  and  Kearneysville,  the  Confederates, 
under  General  Early,  came  upon  the  divisions  of  Merrill  and 
Wilson,  under  Torbert,  and  badly  defeated  them.  Custer’s 
brigade  was  cut  off,  but  escaped  by  way  of  Shepherdstown. 
There  was  a considerable  loss  on  both  sides  during  this  en- 
gagement, among  the  killed  being  Colonel  Monaghan  of  the 
Sixth  Louisiana,  in  command  of  a brigade. 

General  Grant  had  instructed  General  Sheridan  ta  use  every 
effort  to  so  despoil  the  sections  through  which  he  passed,  as 
not  to  make  it  possible  for  the  Confederates  to  subsist,  and 
this  he  had  done  with  an  uncompromising  hand. 

Four  weeks  had  now  elapsed  since  Lee  sent  Anderson  to 
the  relief  of  Early  and  he  now  required  the  return  of  this 
force.  The  campaign  about  Petersburg  justified  this  demand 
as  the  Confederates  had  been  brought  to  a desperate  need  of 
troops.  The  Federal  right  had  been  extended  to  Deep  Bot- 
tom, north  of  the  James,  and  the  Confederate  line  had 
necessarily  to  be  extended  to  cover  the  Federal  front  and 
protect  Richmond. 


676 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Once  more  after  numerous  marches  and  countermarches 
the  two  armies  found  themselves  facing  each  other  near  Win- 
chester. On  the  eighteenth  of  September  the  Confederates 
occupied  a position  about  the  city  of  Winchester  in  the  fol- 
lowing order:  Ramseur,  with  Nelson’s  artillery,  was  a mile 
east  of  Winchester,  across  the  Berryville  pike ; Rodes,  Gor- 
don, Wharton,  with  Baxter’s  and  King’s  batteries,  at  Steph- 
enson ; one  divison  of  cavalry  picketing  the  Opequon,  while 
the  other  was  upon  the  Millwood  and  Front  Royal  roads  to 
the  Shenandoah. 

On  the  morning  of  September  the  nineteenth,  about  three 
o’clock,  Sheridan's  army  was  put  in  motion.  Wilson’s  cavalry 
moved  through  Berryville  Gorge  and  carried  the  earthworks 
at  its  mouth,  and  captured  some  of  the  garrison.  The  Sixth 
corps  crossed  the  country  to  the  Berryville  pike  about  two 
miles  from  the  Opequon.  The  position  now  taken  up  was 
two  miles  from  Winchester,  but  the  Confederates  were  more 
than  a mile  distant  in  front  of  the  city.  The  Sixth  corps 
went  into  line  under  a galling  fire,  to  which  the  Federal  bat- 
teries quickly  replied.  The  Federal  artillery  was  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Thompkins.  Rickett's  division  was  on 
the  right  of  the  turnpike,  Getty’s  on  the  left,  and  that  of 
Russell  was  kept  in  reserve.  It  was  the  design  of  General 
Sheridan  to  place  the  troops  in  two  lines,  although  the  Second 
division  occupied  but  one  line.  General  Wilson  took  position 
on  the  left  of  the  Sixth  corps. 

During  the  early  hours  of  the  morning  Ramseur’s  division 
of  infantry  had  been  the  only  Confederate  force  confronting 
Sheridan.  This  was  supported  by  Nelson’s  battery  alone. 
The  Confederate  General  Lomax  in  the  meantime,  with  two 
brigades  of  cavalry,  watched  the  line  along  Abraham's  Creek, 
and  the  Front  Royal  road,  on  Ramseur’s  right,  while  the 
space  between  the  left  and  the  Red  Bud  was  guarded  by  a 
detachment  of  Johnson’s  troops.  But  while  the  Federals 
were  getting  into  position  in  front  of  Ramseur,  Gordon  and 
Rodes  were  hurrying  from  Stephenson’s,  the  latter  taking 
position  next  to  Ramseur,  while  the  former  was  placed  in  the 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  RODES. 


677 


timber  to  the  left  of  Rodes,  near  the  Red  Bud  Run.  This 
disposition  of  the  Confederate  forces  unexpectedly  caused 
General  Sheridan  to  have  to  fight  the  whole  of  Early’s  army. 

BATTLE  OF  THE  OPEQUON. 

At  about  noon  the  Federal  line  moved  to  the  attack,  and 
no  sooner  had  the  infantry  gone  forward  than  the  battle 
opened  in  earnest,  and  continued  to  be  most  deadly  during 
the  whole  day.  No  artillery  was  at  that  time  used  by  the 
Federals.  On  the  left,  south  of  Abraham’s  Creek,  Wilson 
moved  along  Senseny  road,  which  runs  parallel  with  the  Ber- 
ryville  Pike,  holding  Lomax  in  check,  and  soon  driving  him 
back.  The  Sixth  corps  engaged,  and  drove  back  Ramseur 
and  Rodes,  while  the  Ninth  attacked  Gordon.  Grover  with 
his  brigades  now  assailed  the  Confederate  left  with  great  ef- 
fect, and  only  the  skill  and  bravery  of  the  Confederate  artil- 
lerists, who  were  working  the  guns  of  Braxton  battery,  saved 
the  line  from  utter  defeat  at  that  hour.  This  part  of  the 
Confederate  line  was  being  held  by  Evans’  brigade  of  Gor- 
don’s division. 

Just  at  this  critical  moment  Battle’s  brigade  of  Rodes’  di- 
vision, which  had  formed  in  the  rear  of  Evans,  charged 
through  the  woods  on  the  Federal  line.  They  struck  the 
right  of  the  Sixth  and  the  left  of  the  Nineteenth  corps,  and 
being  supported  on  either  flank  by  the  remainder  of  Rodes’ 
and  all  of  Gordon's  men,  they  drove  back  Rickett's  division 
of  the  Sixth  corps,  and  Grover's  of  the  Nineteenth,  while  the 
remainder  of  the  Federal  line  felt  the  effect  of  this  onset  to 
such  an  extent  that  it  fell  back  somewhat  over  the  ground 
from  which  it  had  advanced. 

DEATH  OF  GENERAL  RODES. 

During:  this  attack  the  Confederate  General  Rodes  was  mor- 
tally  wounded  while  gallantly  leading  his  troops ; and  this 
loss  was  greatly  felt  by  the  general  in  command. 

Now  Russell’s  division  of  the  Sixth  corps  was  ordered  to 
move  up  into  the  front  line  which  needed  reinforcements. 


678 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


This  brought  it  into  the  space  from  which  a part  of  the  Fed- 
erals  had  been  driven.  It  stiuck  the  Confederate  line  which 
was  sorely  pressing  the  Federal  right,  and  aided  by  the  Fifth 
Maine  battery,  it  at  once  turned  the  tide  of  battle.  The  Con- 
federates were  forced  to  retreat,  the  Federal  troops  who  had 
been  demoralized  were  again  formed,  and  the  line  was  once 
more  established,  the  division  taking  position  on  the  right  of 
the  corps. 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  RUSSELL. 

During  this  time  the  Federal  General  Russell  was  killed, 
which  cast  a shade  of  gloom  over  the  whole  army. 

The  broken  portion  of  Rickett’s  line  was  again  reformed 
behind  the  First  division,  and  once  more  moved  to  the  attack, 
while  the  division  of  General  Dwight,  having  taken  position 
on  the  right  of  General  Dover’s  line,  promptly  rallied  and 
brought  up.  It  was  now  past  midday,  and  during  the  tempo- 
rary lull  which  followed  the  first  advance  of  the  Confederates, 
Sheridan  prepared  to  culminate  an  effort  with  his  entire 
strength. 

The  Army  of  West  Virginia  was  moved  up,  while  Crook 
was  ordered  to  move  the  main  body  of  his  cavalry  rapidly  to 
the  front,  on  the  pike.  Thoburn  was  ordered  to  move  to  the 
front  with  the  First  and  Third  brigades,  also  Duval  with  the 
Second  division.  Thoburn  was  commanded  to  form  his  men 
in  two  lines,  the  First  under  Wells,  and  the  Second  under 
Harris,  on  the  right  of  the  pike,  and  to  move  forward  to  Em- 
ory’s right,  and  to  occupy  the  swampy  hollow  drained  by  the 
Red  Bud  Run.  Duval  held  the  north  side  of  this  run,  in 
support  of  Crook’s  right.  Sheridan  now  came  up  and  ordered 
Thoburn  to  charge  through  the  woods  in  his  front.  This  was 
so  successfully  done,  that  with  the  aid  of  the  troops  under 
Duval,  Gordon’s  division  holding  that  part  of  the  line  was 
broken. 

In  the  meanwhile  Torbert,  with  Merritt’s  cavalry  division, 
had  crossed  the  Opequon,  and  dispersed  the  Confederate  pick- 
ets, yet  soon  found  himself  checked  by  Wharton’s  infantry 


DEATH  OF  GENERAL  RUSSELL. 


679 


division,  and  King's  battery  of  artillery,  which  were  at  Ste- 
phens', and  had  advanced  to  oppose  him.  Averill  drove  the 
Confederates  in  his  front,  who  were  Imboden’s  cavalry,  up 
the  pike  from  Darksville  to  Stephens’,  thus  coming  into  the 
rear  of  the  infantry,  which  were  facing  General  Merritt. 
These  quickly  abandoned  their  position.  Here  Wharton's 
troops,  under  General  Breckenridge,  had  a narrow  escape 
from  capture,  and  only  arrived  at  Winchester  at  two  o’clock. 
Torbert  also  drove  both  Fitz  Lee  and  Patton,  their  cavalry 
retreating  in  much  confusion. 

The  entire  Confederate  line  now  began  to  waver;  Ramseur 
and  Rodes  had  been  driven  by  the  Sixth  and  Nineteenth 
corps  steadily  back  toward  Winchester,  and  the  Union  troops 
were  soon  within  a mile  of  that  place.  The  Confederates 
had  checked  their  retreat,  however,  and  took  up  a position 
behind  a line  of  earthworks,  which  had  been  thrown  up  early 
in  the  war.  From  behind  this  both  infantry  and  batteries  of 
artillery  commanded  the  Federal  advance.  There  were  also 
batteries,  well  supported,  planted  near  the  toll-gate  and  the 
cemetery. 

General  Wickham  took  position  on  Fort  Hill,  confronting 
Averill,  the  remainder  of  the  Confederate  force  occupying 
the  positions  above  named,  under  the  command  of  Generals 
Fitz  Lee,’  Wharton,  Gordon,  Ramseur  and  Lomax.  A simul- 
taneous attack  of  the  Federals,  however,  caused  this  line  to 
waver,  and  as  daylight  subsided  the  entire  Confederate  line 
broke  in  confusion  and  began  to  retreat  through  Winchester, 
badly  demoralized. 

Night  found  the  Federals  in  full  possession  of  the  field,  and 
before  the  dawn  they  occupied  Winchester.  The  hotel  at 
this  place  had  been  converted  into  a hospital,  and  was  found 
to  be  filled  with  dead  and  dying  Confederate  soldiers.  The 
forces  of  General  Early  fell  back  toward  Strasburg,  with 
General  Ramseur  covering  the  retreat,  the  jaded  Federals  only 
following  as  far  as  Kernstown. 

The  enthusiasm  of  the  Federal  troops  knew  no  bounds,  and 
the  following  dispatch  of  General  Sheridan  spoke  plainly  the 


680 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


result  of  the  day’s  work : “We  have  just  sent  them  whirling 
through  Winchester,  and  we  are  after  them  to-morrow.  This 
army  behaved  splendidly.”  In  response  to  this  dispatch, 
after  having  ordered  both  of  his  Richmomd  armies  to  fire  a 
salute  of  one  hundred  guns,  General  Grant  thus  replied : “ If 

practicable,  push  your  success,  and  make  all  you  can  of  it.” 

SHERIDAN  PROMOTED. 

President  Lincoln,  at  the  urgent  request  of  General  Grant, 
promoted  General  Sheridan  to  the  position  of  Brigadier-Gen- 
eral in  the  regular  army,  beside  giving  him  permanent  command 
of  the  Middle  division.  He  received  many  flattering  congrat- 
ulations, but  none  were  more  marked  or  deeply  appreciated 
than  this : “ Have  just  heard  of  your  great  victory.  God  bless 
you  all,  officers  and  men.  Strongly  inclined  to  come  up  and 
see  you.  A.  Lincoln.” 

This  glorious  victory  which  had  perched  upon  the  Federal 
banners  was  not  without  a tremendous  sacrifice,  and  had  been 
indeed  dearly  bought.  The  conflict  had  been  very  bloody. 
The  Federal  loss  had  been  five  thousand  men,  and  of  this 
number  forty -three  hundred  were  killed  and  wounded. 
Among  the  mortality  list  was  included  General  Russell ; and 
the  wounded,  Generals  Upton,  McIntosh  and  Chapman,  and 
also  Colonels  Duval,  commanding  a division,  and  Sharpe, 
commanding  a brigade.  The  loss  of  the  Confederates  had 
been  also  very  severe. 

Four  thousand  of  these  had  been  killed,  wounded  and  cap- 
tured, among  the  killed  being  Generals  Rodes  and  Godwin, 
and  Colonel  Patton,  a brigade  commander.  Generals  Fitz 
Lee  and  York  had  been  severely  wounded  also. 

Early  promptly  reorganized  his  troops,  and  was  thus  ena- 
bled to  save  his  trains  and  stores,  and  that  portion  of  his 
wounded  who  could  be  transported,  but  he  left  in  the  hands 
of  the  Federals  five  pieces  of  artillery,  and  many  battle-flags, 
captured  on  the  field. 

This  battle  restored  the  valley  to  the  undisturbed  control 
of  the  Federals,  nor  was  it  ever  again  wrested  from  them. 


BATTLE  OF  FISHER’S  HILL. 


681 


It  also  had  the  effect  of  relieving  Maryland  and  Pennsylva- 
nia from  farther  invasion,  while  it  had  a most  wholesome  ef- 
fect upon  the  despondent  people  of  the  North. 

On  the  morning  of  September  the  twentieth  Sheridan  put 
his  army  in  motion  in  pursuit  of  the  Confederates.  In  the 
meantime  Early  had  retreated  to  his  old  position  on  Fisher’s 
Hill,  two  miles  south  of  Strasburg.  The  Confederate  line 
had  been  formed,  with  Wharton  on  the  right,  Gordon  next, 
then  Pegram,  commanding  Ramseur’s  old  division,  then  Ram- 
seur,  commanding  Rodes’  old  division,  with  Lomax  cavalry 
on  the  left.  Meanwhile  Fitz  Lee’s  cavalry,  under  General 
Wickham,  was  sent  to  the  right,  to  prevent  the  flanking  of 
Fisher’s  Hill*  through  the  Luray  Valley,  his  position  being  at 
Milford,  about  twelve  miles  above  Front  Royal.  During  this 
time  General  Breckenridge  had,  by  order  of  General  Lee,  re- 
turned to  Southwest  Virginia. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  twentieth,  Wright  and  Emory  ar- 
rived at  Cedar  Creek  and  took  up  a position  on  the  heights 
fronting  Strasburg,  the  Sixth  corps  being  on  the  right  and 
the  Nineteenth  on  the  left ; the  Eighth  corps  also  coming  up 
was  halted  on  the  left  bank  of  the  creek.  By  evening  the 
Union  pickets  occupied  the  northern  part  of  Strasburg  and 
the  Confederates  the  southern  portion  of  the  town.  On  the 
twenty-first  the  Federal  skirmishers  drove  the  opposing  forces 
back  on  Fisher's  Hill,  as  they  advanced  through  the  town. 
A reconnaissance  by  General  Sheridan  developed  the  fact  that 
a high  ridge  of  ground  on  the  north  of  Tumbling  Run  would 
be  most  advantageous  to  his  success,  and  he  immediately 
ordered  General  Wright  to  occupy  it.  With  three  regiments 
this  he  attempted  to  do,  but  was  repulsed  by  the  Confederates, 
who  also  knew  of  its  importance.  Now  the  remainder  of 
Warner’s  brigade  was  brought  up  and  the  position  was  carried. 

BATTLE  OF  FISHER’S  HILL. 

General  Sheridan  now  resolved  to  repeat  his  tactics  of  the 
Opequon  Creek,  by  turning  the  Confederate  left  flank  with 
his  cavalry.  At  the  same  time  he  proposed  to  send  up  the 


682 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


valley  a force  under  Torbert,  that  he  might  get  in  the  Confed- 
erate rear,  by  crossing  Massanutte  Mouuntain.  General  Wil- 
son’s cavalry  charged  that  of  the  Confederates  on  the  morning 
of  the  twenty-first  at  Front  Royal,  and  drove  it  along  the  pike 
some  six  miles  up  the  Luray  Valley. 

Meanwhile  the  Sixth  corps  continued  to  hold  the  valuable 
position  which  it  occupied  on  Tumbling  Run,  while  the  Nine- 
teenth was  transferred  to  the  former  position  of  the  Sixth, 
with  which  its  right  connected.  The  troops  intrenched 
themselves,  and  the  artiller}r  was  put  into  position.  Rickett’s 
division  was  now  sent  further  to  the  front,  after  having  driven 
the  Confederate  skirmish  line  before  them.  In  this  move- 
ment they  were  assisted  by  three  batteries  of  the  Sixth  corps. 
Averill  came  up  on  the  right  of  Rickett’s  ; the  second  division 
making  a connection  with  him.  This  line  was  scarcely  half  a 
mile  from  Fisher’s  Hill. 

At  sunset  the  Federal  cavalry,  under  Crook,  who  had  been 
moving  along  Little  North  Mountain,  gained  the  Confederate 
flank  and  rear,  and  rushed  across  the  intervening  space,  and 
captured  their  line  of  works  before  they  recovered  from  their 
surprise. 

Now  Thoburn  and  Duval’s  divisions  swept  along  the  Con- 
federate flank,  and  drove  the  dismounted  men  of  Lomax  be- 
fore them.  In  a few  minutes  the  division  of  General  Rickett 
joined  the  troops  of  Crook,  and  the  remainder  of  the  Sixth 
and  the  Nineteenth  corps  descended  into  the  ravine,  and 
rushing  over  every  obstacle,  carried  the  works. 

First  Lomax's  dismounted  men  gave  way,  and  then  the 
troops  of  Ramseur  and  Pegram  followed,  and  so  on  until  the 
entire  line  was  abandoned.  So  sudden  was  this  assault  that 
the  Confederates  left  sixteen  guns  in  the  hands  of  the  victors, 
not  having  time  to  remove  them.  Early  fell  back  to  a point 
called  Narrow  Passage,  north  of  Edinburg.  Night  coming  on, 
the  troops  of  Sheridan  did  not  follow  up  their  advantage. 
General  Torbert  did  not  succeed  in  dislodging  the  cavalry 
under  Wickham,  and  therefore  the  Confederate  retreat  was 
not  cut  off. 


BATTLE  OF  FISHER’S  HILL.  685 

The  Federals  lost  in  this  battle  about  four  hundred  men. 
The  Confederates  lost  many  more. 

From  the  day  following  the  inglorious  repulse  of  the  Con- 
federates at  Fisher’s  Hill  until  the  morning  of  October 
nineteenth,  there  had  been  great  activity  on  the  part  of  the 
two  armies.  General  Early  had  maneuvered  his  troops  in 
many  and  various  ways ; now  marching  in  one  direction  and 
then  in  another,  in  the  vain  hope  of  evading  the  vigilant  and 
intrepid  advance  of  the  restless  Sheridan.  Many  times  had 
the  Confederates  been  struck  and  harassed,  giving  and  re- 
ceiving most  deadly  blows. 

On  the  morning  of  the  fifteenth  of  October  the  Federals 
took  from  the  Confederate  signal  flags  the  following  message : 

“ To  Lieutenant-General  Early  : 

“Be  ready  to  move  as  soon  as  my  forces  join  you,  and  we  will  crush 
Sheridan. 

Lon gstreet,  Lieutenant-General.  ” 

By  this  Sheridan  learned  that  his  foe  who  had  been  so  often 
defeated  had  been  reinforced,  and  would  soon  again  face  him 
with  a more  determined  resistance  than  he  had  been  wont  to 
display.  The  various  positions  around  both  Fisher’s  Hill  and 
Cedar  Creek  were  once  again  the  scene  of  busy  activity. 
The  Confederates  had  been  heavily  reinforced  and  were  mak- 
ing preparations  to  attack  Sheridan  with  a determined  pur- 
pose. Meanwhile  that  leader  was  not  idle,  and  everything 
was  being  arranged  to  ward  off  any  onset  which  might  be 
attempted. 

The  Confederate  movement  had  been  conducted  with 
marked  skill  and  secrecy,  and  General  Early’s  plans  were 
thoroughly  laid.  It  is  rather  remarkable  that  just  at  this 
particular  time  the  Federals  should  not  have  been  seriously 
apprehensive  of  a bold  attack  upon  the  part  of  Early’s  troops, 
and  yet  we  are  led  to  believe  that  his  onset  was  entirely  un- 
expected, and  that  Sheridan’s  forces  were  really  surprised. 

The  army  of  General  Sheridan  was  encamped  on  the  left 
bank  of  Cedar  Creek,  on  the  nineteenth  of  October,  just 
above  its  junction  with  the  Shenandoah  river.  The  Eighth 


686 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


corps  was  on  the  east  side  of  the  creek  near  the  river ; the 
Nineteenth  at  the  right  and  rear  of  the  Eighth,  and  the  Sixth 
at  the  right  of  the  Nineteenth.  Both  the  creek  and  river  was 
at  that  season  of  the  year  fordable.  Crook’s  corps  was  en- 
camped on  the  left  of  the  pike,  in  two  portions,  that  of  Tho- 
burn  in  front,  and,  with  its  guns,  commanded  the  junction  of 
the  creek  and  river.  The  Second  division,  now  under  Colonel 
R.  B.  Hayes,  and  Kitching’s  provisional  division  were  in  the 
rear  of  Thoburn,  commanding  another  hill.  The  Nineteenth 
corps  was  separated  from  the  Sixth  by  Meadow  Brook.  The 
corps  were  compactly  established  and  intrenched  in  a space 
of  three-fourths  of  a mile,  the  creek  in  front,  with  the  right 
of  the  First  division  resting  on  Meadow  Brook,  and  the  left 
of  the  Second  on  the  pike.  On  the  left  was  the  greater  part 
of  the  artillery.  Back  of  this  position  was  Belle  Grove 
House,  Sheridan’s  headquarters. 

BATTLE  OP  CEDAR  CREEK. 

Before  sunrise  a volley  of  musketry  startled  the  men  of 
Thoburn’s  command  from  their  sleep,  and  as  they  came  from 
their  tents  they  found  in  eveiy  direction  the  men  of  Ker- 
shaw’s command  rushing  over  their  parapets.  This  position 
the  Confederates  carried,  and  with  it  captured  seven  guns 
which  had  not  fired  a shot.  All  of  Thoburn’s  men  who 
escaped  capture  fled  to  the  rear,  while  the  captured  guns 
were  turned  upon  them.  General  Early  now  rode  back  to 
Hupp’s  Hill  to  urge  on  Wharton’s  division  and  Carter’s 
artillery. 

Being  aroused  by  the  roar  of  Kershaw’s  guns,  the  Federal 
generals,  Crook,  Wright  and  Emory,  were  soon  exerting  them- 
selves to  stay  the  advance  of  the  exultant  Confederates  by 
forming  a line  for  the  defence  of  the  road,  with  Crook’s  Sec- 
ond division,  and  Hayes’  command  of  Kitching's  provisional 
troops,  also  the  Nineteenth  corps  being  in  attendance,  while 
Wright  sent  for  two  divisions  of  the  Sixth  to  be  forwarded 
to  the  pike.  Grover’s  Second  brigade,  which  had  received 
orders  to  be  ready  to  move  at  daylight,  happily  was  in  line, 


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680 


and  was  promptly  brought  up,  under  General  Molineux,  and 
took  position  on  the  new  pike,  the  remainder  of  the  division 
being  thrown  in  the  trenches  in  front  of  the  Nineteenth  corps. 
This  position,  so  well  arranged  and  manned,  would,  under  or- 
dinal-}' circumstances,  have  been  sufficient  to  check  the  on- 
slaught of  the  attacking  force,  but  at  the  same  time  that  Ker- 
shaw's victorious  troops  were  sorely  pressing  Thoburn’s  men, 
Gordon’s  division,  which  had  been  sheltered  from  view  by 
the  dense  fog  hovering  over  the  field,  came  dashing  upon  the 
already  demoralized  forces  of  Crook,  and  the  Nineteenth 
corps,  being  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire,  were  ordered  to 
fall  back. 

-During  this  stampede  of  the  Federal  forces  the  Confeder- 
ates had  gathered  many  trophies ; twenty-four  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery, over  two  thousand  men  had  been  captured,  and  many 
hundred  killed  or  wounded. 

DEATH  OF  GENERAL  THOBT7RN. 

The  Federal  General  Thoburn  had  been  counted  amonsr 
the  slain,  as  also  many  other  precious  lives. 

The  Sixth  corps  was  now  brought  up  to  the  front,  and  soon 
became  engaged  in  the  most  deadly  contest.  General  Ricketts 
was  wounded,  and  his  command  devolved  on  General  Getty,, 
while  Grant  of  the  Vermont  brigade  assumed  his  place. 

The  Federals  now  fell  stubbornly  back  to  Middletown  and 
took  up  a position  with  their  batteries  on  the  cemetery ; the 
Confederates  being  forced  by  these  to  halt  and  strengthen 
their  lines.  An  assault  was  now  made  upon  this  position, 
but  was  bravely  repulsed,  when  in  turn  the  Federals  attacked 
and  drove  the  troops  of  Wharton  down  the  hill.  The  artil- 
lery of  the  Confederates  had  been  brought  up  close  to  the 
scene,  and  pouring  upon  the  charging  troops  a most  galling 
fire,  they  were  repulsed  and  driven  back  upon  their  lines.  In 
this  heroic  encounter  the  gallant  General  Bidwell  was  mor- 
tally wounded. 

At  the  same  hour  that  this  bloody  encounter  was  being  en- 
acted between  the  infantry  forces,  the  cavalry  had  been  engaged 
44 


690 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


at  several  points  with  results  adverse  to  the  Confederates;  and 
now  the  Federals  had  this  arm  of  their  forces  to  assist  them, 
while  the  cavalry  of  General  Early  rendered  him  none  what- 
ever. The  Federal  lines  being  intact,  preparations  were  made 
by  General  Earty  to  renew  the  fight,  but  it  was  soon  found 
that  the  exhausted  condition  of  his  troops,  together  with  the 
fact  that  many  of  them  were  scattered  in  the  various  camps 
from  which  the  Federals  had  retreated,  plundering  them,  the 
golden  opportunity  for  his  success  had  forever  vanished,  and 
soon  the  tide  of  victory,  which  had  hovered  over  his  troops, 
was  turned  into  a most  disastrous  defeat. 

sheridan’s  arrival. 

Now  occurred  the  most  dramatic  episode  of  the  war;  Gen- 
eral Sheridan  had  been  temporarily  absent  in  Washington, 
and  was  returning  to  his  command  when  this  battle  took 
place.  He  had  just  got  to  Winchester,  and  upon  learning  of 
what  had  taken  place,  started  with  an  escort  of  but  twenty 
men  to  the  scene  of  conflict.  Having  given  orders  that  a 
.cordon  be  formed  of  what  straggling  troops  could  be  got  to- 
gether to  stop  his  retreating  army,  he  dashed  to  the  front. 
When  he  arrived  the  Confederates  had  just  been  forced  to  re- 
linquish their  latest  attempt  to  seize  the  pike,  yet  had  not 
completed  their  arrangements  for  attacking  the  Federal  right. 
Having  found  that  his  right  could  not  be  got  in  a condition 
to  move,  Early  was  endeavoring  to  get  his  trains,  prisoners 
and  captured  munitions  of  war  back  to  Fisher’s  Hill,  when 
Sheridan,  about  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  ordered  an  ad- 
vance along  his  entire  line.  His  troops  were  so  arranged 
that  they  covered  the  entire  Confederate  front  and  also  both 
flanks,  and  the  latter,  seeing  this,  broke  in  great  confusion. 

Soon  the  victorious  army  of  the  morning  became  a mass  of 
flying  fugitives,  and  night  covered  one  of  the  most  glorious 
victories  for  the  Federal  arms  which  had  ever  been  wrung 
from  defeat,  and  crowned  the  dashing  Sheridan  with  ever- 
lasting honors. 

The  Union  loss  in  this  engagement  had  been  no  less  than 


* 


SHERIDAN’S  ARRIVAL.  691 

five  thousand,  seven  hundred  and  sixty-four,  killed,  wounded 
and  missing,  while  that  of  the  Confederates  had  been  three 
thousand,  one  hundred,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  The 
Federals  recaptured  the  artillery  which  they  had  lost,  as  also 
twenty-four  pieces  belonging  to  the  Confederates,  together 
with  many  ambulances.  The  only  thing  which  Early  retained 
of  his  morning’s  victory  was  fourteen  hundred  and  twenty- 
nine  prisoners,  whom  he  had  forwarded  to  the  rear.  The  Fed- 
erals had  been  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  many  of  their 
bravest  men.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  struggle  General 
Lowell  had  been  killed,  Generals  Wright,  Grover  and  Rick- 
etts wounded,  and  Colonel  hatching  fatally  so. 

The  North  was  very  justly  elated  over  this  victory.  Con- 
gress passed  a resolution  of  thanks  to  General  Sheridan  and 
his  command,  while  Mr.  Lincoln  expressed  himself,  upon  re- 
ceiving the  news,  in  the  following  message  : 

“ With  great  pleasure  I tender  to  you  and  your  brave  army 
the  thanks  of  the  nation,  and  my  own  personal  admiration 
and  gratitude  for  the  month’s  operations  in  the  Shenandoah 
Yalley,  and  especially  for  the  splendid  work  of  October  nine- 
teenth, 1864.” 

Soon  after  this  crushing  defeat  Early  again  reorganized  his 
forces,  but  never  with  any  success  did  he  come  in  contact 
with  the  Federals. 

Several  minor  engagements  were  fought,  but  always  with 
disastrous  results  to  the  Confederates. 

Sheridan  now  literally  controlled  the  Shenandoah  Yalley, 
and  rode  throughout  its  length  with  impunity.  When  the 
cold  weather  came  on  he  went  into  winter  quarters,  the  Con- 
federates having  been  detached  on  various  occasions  for  use 
elsewhere,  until  Early’s  army  was  only  nominally  in  exist- 
ence. What  little  force  General  Early  did  have  made  a 
stand  near  Waynesboro  on  the  morning  of  March  the  second, 
but  were  utterly  defeated,  and  nearly  all  of  them  captured, 
Early  himself  barely  escaping  a like  fate. 

This  completed  Sheridan’s  victory  in  the  valley,  and  he 
turned  his  attention  to  the  destruction  of  the  railroad  and 


692 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


the  canal.  The  iron  bridge  over  the  south  fork  of  the  Shenan- 
doah was  burned,  and  the  road  destroyed  from  Charlottesville 
in  the  direction  of  both  Gordonsville  and  Lynchburg.  Much 
other  damage  was  done  to  both  public  and  private  property. 

On  the  tenth  of  March  the  Federal  General  took  up  his  line 
of  march  to  join  Grant,  destroying  everything  as  he  went, 
and  on  the  nineteenth  of  the  month  he  arrived  at  White 
House,  the  base  of  his  supplies. 

When  Sheridan  entered  the  valley  it  was  under  complete 
control  of  the  Confederates,  and  when  he  left  it  these  had  all 
vanished.  Many  portions  which  had  been  a blooming  para- 
dise, he  left  a barren  waste,  which  years  of  toil  could  not 
reclaim  and  restore  to  its  former  condition  of  prosperity  and 
beauty. 


OPPOSING  FORCES  IN  THE  SHENANDOAH  VALLEY.  693 


ROSTER. 


OPPOSING  FORCES  IN  THE  SHENANDOAH  VALLEY. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  SHENANDOAH, 
IN  THE  MIDDLE  MILITARY  DIVISION, 

ON  AUGUST  31,  1864. 

Major-General  PHILIP  H.  SHERIDAN,  Commanding. 

General  Headquarters  Escort,  Sixth.  U.  S.  Cavalry. 

CAVALRY  FORCES. 

Brigadier-General  ALFRED  T.  A.  TORBERT,  Commanding. 

FIRST  DIVISION  (A.  F.  C.). 

Brigadier-General  WESLEY  MERRITT. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  GEORGE  A.  CusTER;  1st  Michigan;  5th  Michigan;  6th  Michi- 
gan; 7th  Michigan. 

Second  Brigade.— Colonel  Thomas  C.  Devin;  4th  New  York;  6th  New  York;  9th  New 
York;  17th  Pennsylvania;  1st  IT.  S.  Art.,  Batteries  K and  L. 

Third  Brigade.— Colonel  Charles  R.  Lowell,  Jr.;  1st  Maryland  (P.  H.  B.);  2d  Massa- 
chusetts; 25th  New  York. 

Beserre  Brigade.— Colonel  Alfred  Gibbs;  1st  New  York  Dragoons;  6th  Pennsylvania; 
1st  United  States;  2d  United  States;  5th  United  States;  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  D. 

THIRD  DIVISION  (A.  P.  C.). 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  H.  WILSON. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  J.  B.  McIntosh;  1st  Connecticut;  3d  New  Jersey;  2d  New 
York;  5th  New  Y'ork;  2d  Ohio;  lSth  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade. — Brig -Gen.  G.  H.  Chapman;  3d  Indiana  (det.);  1st  New  Hampshire; 
8th  New  York;  22dNew  York;  1st  Vermont. 

Reserve  Horse  Artillery  Brigade.— Captain  LaRhett  L.  Livingston;  IstU.  S.  Artillery, 
Battery  I-  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  A;  2d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Batteries  B and  C ; 2d  U.  S. 
Artillery,' Battery  M;  3d  U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  C;  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Batteries  C and  E. 

FIRST  DIVISION  (W.  Va.  C.). 

Brigadier-General  ALFRED  N.  DUFFIE. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  William  B.  Tibbets;  2d  Maryland,  P.  H.  B.  (Co.  F);  1st  New 
York  ( Lincoln;;  1st  New  York  (Veteran);  21st  New  York ; 14th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  John  E.  Wynkoop;  15th  New  York;  20th  Pennsylvania;  22d 
Pennsylvania. 

SECOND  DIVISION  (W.  Va.  C.). 

Brigadier-General  WILLIAM  W.  AVERELL. 

8th  Ohio;  1st  West  Virginia;  2d  West  Virginia;  . d West  Virginia,  5th  West  Virginia;  5th 
U.  S.  Artillery,  Battery  L. 


694 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


SIXTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Majok-General  HORATIO  G.  WRIGHT,  Commanding. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  DAVID  A.  RUSSELL. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  W.  H.  Penrose;  4th  New  Jersey;  10th  New  Jersey;  15th  New 
Jersey. 

Second  Brigade. — Brig. -Gen.  Emory  Upton;  2d  Connecticut  Heavy  Artillery;  65th  New 
York;  67tli  New  York  (det.);  121st  New  York;  95th  Fenusylvania ; 96th  Pennsylvania. 

Third  Brigade  —Colonel  Oliver  Edwards;  7th  Massachusetts  (det.);  10th  Massachu- 
setts (det.);  37th  Massachusetts;  23d  Pennsylvania  (det.);  40th  Pennsylvania;  82d  Pennsylva- 
nia; 119th  Pennsylvania;  2d  Rhode  Island  Battalion;  Wisconsin  Battalion. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  W.  GETTY. 

First  Brigade.— Brig. -Gen.  Frank  Wheaton;  62d  New  York;  93d  Pennsylvania;  98th 
Pennsylvania;  102d  Pennsylvania;  139th  Pennsylvania. 

Second  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  Lewis  A.  Grant;  2d  Vermont  (det.);  3d  Vermont  (det.); 
4th  Vermont;  5th  Vermont;  6th  Vermont;  11th  Vermont. 

Third  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  DanielD.  Bidwell;  7th  Maine;  43d  New  York;  49th  New 
York;  77th  New  York;  122d  New  York;  61st  Pennsylvania. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JAMES  B.  RICKETTS. 

First  Brigade. — Colonel  William  Emerson;  14th  Now  Jersey ; 106th  New  York;  151st 
New  York;'87th  Pennsylvania;  10th  Vermont. 

Second  Brigade. — Colonel  J.  Warren  Keifer;  6th  Maryland;  9th  New  York  Heavy 
Artillery;  110th  Ohio;  122d  Ohio;  126th  Ohio;  67th  Pennsylvania;  138th  Pennsylvania. 

ARTILLERY  BRIGADE. 

Colonel  CHARLES  H.  TOMPKINS. 

Maine  Light  Artillery,  5th  Battery;  1st  Massachusetts  Light  Artillery,  Battery  A;  New 
York  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery;  1st  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  C;  1st  Rhode 
Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  G;  5th  United  States,  Battery  M. 


NINETEENTH  ARMY  CORPS. 
Bbigadieb-General  WILLIAM  H.  EMORY. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  WILLIAM  DWIGHT. 

First  Brigade. — Col.  George  L.  Beal  ; 29tli  Maine;  30th  Massachusetts;  90th  New  York; 
114th  New  York;  116th  New  York;  153d  New  York. 

Second  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  J.  W.  McMillan;  12th  Connecticut;  13th  Maine;  15th 
Maine;  160th  J7ew  York;  47th  Pennsylvania;  8th  Vermont. 

Third  Brigade.— Col.  L.  D.  II.  Currie;  30th  Maine;  133d  New  York;  162d  New  York; 
165th  New  York;  173d  New  York. 

Artillery.—  New  York  Light  Artillery,  5th  Battery. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  CUVIER  GROVER. 

First  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Henry  W.  Birge;  9th  Connecticut;  12th  Maine;  14th Maine; 
26th  Massachusetts ; 14th  New  Hampshire;  75th  New  York. 

Second  Brigade. — Col.  Edward  L.  Molineux;  13th  Connecticut;  3d  Massachusetts  Cav- 
alry (dis.);  11th  Indiana;  22d  Iowa;  131st  New  York;  159tli  New  York. 

Third  Brigade.— Col.  Jacob  Sharpe;  38th  Massachusetts;  128th  New  York;  156th  New 
York;  175th  New  York;  176th  New  York. 

Fourth  Brigade.— Col.  David  Shunk;  8tli  Indiana;  18th  Indiana;  24th  Iowa;  28th  Iowa. 
Artillery.— Maine  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery. 

Reserve  Artillery  .—1st  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Battery  D;  Indiana  Light  Artillery, 
17th  Battery. 


OPPOSING  FORCES  IN'  THE  SHENANDOAH  VALLEY.  695 


ARMY  OF  WEST  VIRGINIA. 
Brigadier-General  GEORGE  CROOK,  Commanding. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Colonel  JOSEPH  THOBURN. 

First  Brigade. — Col.  George  D.  Wells;  34th  Massachusetts;  5th  New  York  Heavy  Ar- 
tillery (4  Companies);  lltithOhio;  123d  Ohio. 

Second  Brigade. — Col.  William  G.  Ely;  ISth  Connecticut;  2d  Eastern  Shore,  Md.;  1st 
West  Virginia;  4th  West  Virginia;  12th  West  Virginia. 

Third  Brigade. — Col.  Jacob  M.  Campbell  ; 23d  Illinois ; 54th  Pennsylvania;  10th  West 
Virginia;  llth  West  Virginia;  15th  West  Virginia. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Colonel  ISAAC  H.  DUVAL. 

First  Brigade.— Col  Rutherford  B.  Hayes;  23d  Ohio;  36th  Ohio;  5th  West  Virginia; 
13th  West  Virginia. 

Second  Brigade. — Col.  Daniel  D.  Johnson;  34th  Ohio;  91st  Ohio;  9th  West  Virginia; 
14th  West  Virginia. 


MILITARY  DISTRICT  OF  HARPER’S  FERRY. 
Brigadier-General  JOHN  D.  STEVENSON. 

Cavalry. — 12th Pennsylvania;  Virginia  Rangers ; Loudoun  Independent  Company. 
Artillery. — Indiana  Light  Artillery,  17th  Battery;  Kentucky  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery; 
Maryland  Light  Artillery,  Battery  A;  Maryland  Light  Artillery,  Baltimore  Battery;  5th 
New  York  Heavy  Artillery;  New  York  Light  Artillery,  30th  Battery;  New  York  Light  Ar- 
tillery, 32d  Battery;  Ohio  Light  Artillery,  1st  Battery;  1st  Ohio  Light  Artillery,  Battrry  L; 
1st  Pennsylvania  Light  Artillery,  Battery  G;  1st  West  Virginia  Light  Artillery,  Battery  A; 
1st  West  Virginia  Light  Artillery,  Battery  F. 

Infantry. — 1st  Maryland  P.  H.  B. ; 2d  Maryland  P.  H.  B.;  135th  Ohio;  160th  Ohio;  161st 
Ohio. 


FORCES  WEST  OF  SLEEPY  CREEK. 
Brigadier-General  BENJAMIN  F.  KELLEY. 

Cavalry. — Ohio  3d  Independent  Company;  6th  West  Virginia. 

Artillery. — 1st  Illinois,  Battery  L;  1st  West  Virginia,  Battery  H;  1st  Maryland,  Battery  B. 
Infantry. — 122d  Ohio;  6th  West  Virginia;  165th  Ohio. 


KANAWHA  VALLEY  FORCES. 

Brigadier-General  JEREMIAH  C.  SULLIVAN. 

7th  West  Virginia  Cavalry;  1st  Pennsylvania  Light  Artillery.  Battery  D;  Pennsylvania 
Acting  Engineers,  Independent  Company ; Virginia  Exempts,  Independent  Company  A; 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  132d  Company,  2’d  Battery;  1st  West  Virginia  Light  Artillery,  Bat- 
tery D;  1st  West  Virginia  Light  Artillery,  Battery  E;  5th  United  States  Artillery,  Battery  B. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  VALLEY 
DISTRICT,  ON  SEPTEMBER  30,  1864. 
Lieutenant-General  JUBAL  A.  EARLY,  Commanding. 

RODES’  DIVISION. 

Major-General  S.  D.  RAMSEUR,  Commanding. 

Grimes’  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  Bryan  Grimes;  32d  North  Carolina,  Col,  D.  G.  Cowand; 
43d  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  R.  Winston;  45th  North  Carolina,  Col.  J.  R.  Winston;  53d 
North  Carolina,  Col.  D.  G.  Cowand;  2d  North  Carolina  Battalion,  Col.  D.  G.  Co  wand. 

Cook's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Phil.  Cook;  4th  Georgia.  Lt.-Col.  W.  H.  Willis;  12th  Geor- 
gia, Capt.  Jaines  Everett;  21st  Georgia,  Capt.  H.  J.  Battle;  44th  Georgia,  Lt.-Col.  J.  W. 
Beck. 


G06 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Cox’s  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  W.  R.  Cox;  1st  N.  Carolina,  Capt.  W.  H.  Thompson;  2d  North 
Carolina,  Capt.  T.  15.  Beall;  3d  North  Carolina,  Qi£t.  \V.  H Thompson;  4tu  North  Caro- 
lina, Col.  lid.  A Osborn;  14th  North  Carolina,  Capt.  Jos.  Jones;  3oth  North  Carolina  Capt 
J.  C.  McVlillan. 

Battle’s  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen  C.  A.  Battle;  3d  Alabama.  Col.  Charles  Forsyth;  5th 
Alabama,  Lt.-Col.  E.  L.  Hobson;  6th  Alabama,  Capt.  J.  Green;  12th  Alabama.  Capt.  P.  D. 
Rose;  61st  Alabama,  Major  W.  E.  Pinckard. 


GORDON’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  JOHN  B.  GORDON,  Commanding. 

Hags’  Brigade—  Colonel  Wm.  Monaghan;  5th  Louisiana,  Major  A.  Hart;  6th  Louisi- 
ana, Lt.-Col.  J Hanlon;  7th  Louisiana.  Lt.-Col.  T.  M.  Terry;  8,h  Louisiana,  Capt.  L. 
l’rados;  9th  Louisiana,  Col.  Wm.  R Feck. 

Stafford's  Brigade. — Colonel  Eugene  Waggaman;  1st  Louisiana,  Capt.  Joseph  Taylor; 
2d  Louisiana,  Lt.-Col.  M.  A.  Grogan;  10th  Louisiana,  Lt.-Col.  H.  D.  Monier;  14th  Louisi- 
ana, Lt.-Col.  David  Zable;  15th  Louisiana,  Capt.  H.  J.  Egan. 

Evans’  Brigade. — Col.  E.  N.  ATKINSON  (Oct.  30tli;  Brig.-Gen.  C.  A.  Evans);  13th  Geor- 
gia, Col.  John  H.  Baker;  20th  Georgia,  Lt.-Col.  James  S.  Blain;  31st  Georgia,  Col.  John  H. 
Lowe;  38th  Georgia,  Major  Thomas  H.  Bomar;  60th  Georgia,  Capt.  Milton  Russell;  61st 
Georgia,  Capt.  E.  F.  Sharpe;  12th  Georgia  Battalion,  Capt.  J.  W.  Anderson. 

Terrg’s  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen  Wm.  Terry;  Stonewall  Brigade,  Col.  .T.  H.  S.  Funk,  Oct. 
30th.  Col.  A.  Spangler;  2d  Virginia,  4th  Virginia,  5th  Virginia,  27tli  Virginia,  33  I Virginia; 
J.  M.  Jones’ Brigade,  Col.  R.  H.  Dungan,  Oct.  30th,  Col.  W.  A Whitcher;  21  -t  Virginia, 
25th  Virginia.  42d  Virginia,  44th  Virginia,  4Srh  Virginia,  50th  Virginia;  G.  H.  Steuart's 
Brigade,  Lt.-Col.  S.  H.  Saunders,  Oct.  30th,  Lt -Col.  Martz;  loth  Virginia,  23d  Virginia, 
37th  Virginia. 


EARLY' S DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  TEGRAM,  Commanding. 

Pegram's  Brigade. — Colonel  John  S.  Hoffman;  13tli  Virginia,  Capt.  Felix  Heiskell; 
31st  Virginia.  Lt.-Col.  J.  S.  K.  McGutchen;  49th  Virginia,  Capi.  John  G.  Lobbau;  52d  Vir- 
ginia, Capt.  J.  M.  Humphreys;  58ch  Virginia,  Capt.  L.  C.  James. 

Johnston's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Robert  D.  Johnston;  Eth  North  Carolina,  Col.  John 
W.  Lea;  12th  North  Carolina,  Col.  Henry  E Coleman;  29th  North  Carolina,  Col.  T.  F. 
Toon;  23d  North  Carolina,  Col.  C.  C Blacknall. 

Godwin's  Brigade. — Lt.-Col.  W.  T.  Davis;  fith  North  Carolina,  Lt.-Col.  S.  McD‘.  Tate; 
21st  North  Carolina,  Major  W.  I Pfohl;  5.4th  North  Carolina,  Capt.  A.  H.  Martin;  57th 
North  Carolina,  Capt.  M.  H.  Hunter;  1st  North  Carolina  Battalion,  Capt.  R.  E.  Wilson. 


WHARTON’S  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  G.  C.  WHARTON,  Commanding. 

Echol's  Brigade.— Captain  Edmund  S.  Read;  22d  Virginia,  Capt.  Henry  S.  Dicker- 
son;  23d  Virginia,  Capt.  John  M.  Pratt;  26th  Virginia,  Capt.  Frank  S.  Burdett. 

Wharton's  Brigade. — Captain  R.  IT.  Logan;  45th  Virginia,  Major  Alex.  M.  Davis;  51st 
Virginia,  Col.  August  Fosberg;  30th  Virginia  Battalion,  Lt.-Col.  J.  Lyle  Clark. 

Smith’s  Brigade. — °ol.  Thomas  Smith;  36th  Virginia,  Lieut.  Jackson  Vin;  60tli  Virginia, 
Capt.  A.  G.  F.  George;  45th  Virginia  Battalion,  Capt.  W.  B.  Hensly;  Thomas  Legion,  Lt.- 
Col.  J.  R.  Love. 


KERSHAW’S  DIVI -ION. 

Major-General  J.  B.  KERSHAW,  Commanding. 

Wofford's  Brigade. — Col.  C.  C.  Sanders;  16th  Georgia,  Major  J.  S.  Gholston;  18th 
Georgia.  Col.  Joseph  Armstrong;  24th  Georgia,  Col.  C.  C.  Sanders;  3d  Georgia  Battalion. 
Lt.-Col.  N.  L.  Hutchins;  Cobb’s  Legion,  Lt.-Col.  L.  J.  Glenn;  Phillip's  Legion,  Lt.-Col.  J. 
Hamilton. 

Kershaw's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  Conner;  2d  South  Carolina.  Col.  J.  D.  Kennedy;  3d 
South  Carolina.  Col.  W.  D.  Rutherford;  7th  South  Carolina,  Capt.  E.  .J.  Goggans;  8th  South 
Carolina  Col.  J.  W.  Henagau;  15th  South  Carolina,  Col.  J.  B.  Davis;  20th  South  Carolina, 
Col.  S.  M.  Boykin;  3d  South  Carolina  Battalion,  Lieut.  [Col.  ] W.  G.  Rice. 

Humphreys'  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  B G Humphreys;  13th  Mississippi,  Lt.-Col.  A.  G. 
O'Brien;  ltih  Mississippi,  Capt.  J.  C.  Cochran;  18th  Mississippi,  Col.  T.  M.  Griffin;  21st 
Mississippi,  Col.  I).  N.  Moody. 

Bryan's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Goode  Bryan;  10th  Georgia,  Col.  W C.  Holt;  50th  Geor- 
gia, Col.  P.  McGloshan;  51st  Georgia,  Col.  E.  Ball;  53J  Georgia,  Col.  J.  F.  Simms. 


OPPOSING  FOECES  IN  THE  SHENANDOAH  VALLEY.  697 


ARTILLERY  DIVISION. 

COLONEL  T.  H.  CARTER,  COMMANDING. 

Braxton's  Battalion. — Lieut. -Col.  C.  M.  Br. ASTON ; Alleghany  Artillery,  Va.,  Capt.  J.  C. 
Carpenter;  Stafford  Artillery,  Va.,  Capt.  W.  1'.  Cooper;  Lee  Battery,  Va.,  Lieut.  W.  W. 
Hardwick. 

Cutshaio’s  Battalion. — Major  V.  E.  Cutshaw;  Orange  Artillery,  Va. , Capt.  C.  IV.  Fry; 

Staunton  Artillery,  Va.,  Capt.  A.  \Y.  Garber;  Courtney  Battery,  Va., L.  F.  Jones. 

McLaughlin's  Battalion. — Major  AVm  McLaughlin;  Bryan's  Virginia  Battery;  Chap- 
man’s Virginia  Battery;  Lowry’s  Virginia  Battery. 

Xelson's  Battalion. — Lient.-Col.  \Vm.  Nelson;  Amherst  Artillery,  Va.,  Capt.T.  J.  Kirk- 
pitrick;  Fluvanna  Artillery,  Va.,  Capt.  J.  L.  Massic;  Milledge’s  Artillery,  Ga.,  Capt.  John 
Miiledge. 


CAVALEY  FOECES. 

LOMAX’S  DIVISION. 

Major-General  J.  J.  LOMAX. 

iJcCausland's  Brigade.— B rig.-Gen.  J.  McCausland;  14th  Virginia,  16th  Virginia,  17th 
Virginia,  25th  Virginia,  37th  Virginia  Battalion. 

Johnson's  Brigade. — Brig  -Gen.  B.  T.  Johnson;  8th  Virginia,  21st  Virginia,  22d  Virginia, 
31th  Virginia  Battery,  33th  Virginia  Battery. 

Jackson's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  II.  B.  D avidson;  1st  Maryland,  19th  Virginia,  23th  Vir- 
ginia, 46th  Virginia  Battalion.  47th  Virginia  Battalion. 

Imboden's  Brigade.— Col.  George  H.  Smith;  lsth  Virginia,  23d  Virginia,  62d  Mounted 
Infantry. 


LEE  S DIVISION. 

Major-General  FITZHUGH  LEE. 

Wickham's  Brigade.— Brig.-Gen.  W.  C.  Wickham;  1st  Virginia,  Col.  Carter;  2d  Virgin- 
ia, Col.  Munford;  3d  Virginia,  Col.  Owen;  4th  Virginia,  Col.  Bayne. 

Lomax's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  L.  L.  Lomax;  5th  Virginia,  Col.  H.  Clay  Pate;  6th  Vir- 
ginia, Col.  Julien  Harrison;  15th  Virginia,  Col.  C.  R.  Collins. 

Kosser's  Brigade. — Brig.-Gen.  Thomas  L.  Rosser;  7th  Virginia,  Col.  R.  II.  Dulany;  11th 
Virginia,  Col.  O.  RFunsten ; 12th  Virginia,  Col.  A.  W.  Harman;  35th  Virginia  Battalion, 
Lt.-Col.  E.  V.  Whiflk 


698 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Winter  quarters.  Contrast  of  opposing  forces.  Situation  of 

CONFEDERATES.  SCANTY  RATIONS.  Lee’s  ARMY  REDUCED  To 
THIRTY-THREE  THOUSAND  MEN.  EAI.SE  HOPES.  THE  NORTH  SAN- 
GUINE. Grant’s  laconic  assertion.  Johnston’s  explanation. 
Conference  of  davis  and  lee.  The  plan  agreed  on.  The 
DISPOSITION  OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  ARMY.  FORT  STEADMAN.  SEIZURE 
OF  BY  CONFEDERATES.  BRAVERY  OF  ASSAILANTS.  FEDERALS  SUR- 
PRISED. Their  line  endangered.  Fort  steadman  bombarded 
BY  FEDERALS.  RECAPTURED.  Two  THOUSAND  CONFEDERATES 
THROW  DOWN  THEIR  ARMS.  THE  END  DRAWING  NEAR. 

After  the  battle  of  Hatcher’s  Run,  comparative  quiet 
reigned  within  the  encampments  of  both  armies,  but  there 
was  a striking  contrast  in  the  condition  of  the  hosts  which 
had  for  so  long  a time  contended  so  bitterly  for  the  mastery. 

The  ranks  of  the  Federals,  from  which  a hundred  thousand 

4. 

men  had  been  hurled  by  the  missiles  of  war  during  the  pre- 
ceding campaign,  were  rapidly  refilled  with  recruits.  These, 
as  a whole,  were  of  poorer  material  than  former  accessions,  yet 
they  were  speedily  drilled  and  disciplined,  and  thus  made  of 
service. 

A military  railroad  was  constructed  from  City  Point,  and 
over  this  an  immense  quantity  of  subsistence  was  conveyed, 
for  the  support  of  the  army.  Good  winter  quarters  were 
built.  The  men  were  in  good  health,  excellent  spirits,  and 
well  fed  and  clothed.  The  great  victories  of  Sheridan  in  the 
valley,  and  Thomas  and  Sherman  in  the  South,  led  all  the 
Federal  troops  to  confidently  believe  that  the  fortunes  of  the 
Confederacy  were  waning,  and  all  hoped  that  one  more  cam- 
paign would  end  the  war. 

On  passing  through  the  camp,  upon  listening  to  the  merry 
words  and  laughter,  and  witnessing  the  games  and  sports,  one 
would  hardly  realize  that  those  men  wefe  the  survivors  of 


WINTER  QUARTERS. 


699 


such  scenes  of  carnage  as  they  had  experienced.  Exposure, 
danger,  suffering,  and  scenes  of  death,  left  no  sad  impression 
upon  the  countenances  or  hearts  of  those  gallant  soldiers. 
All  understood  that  it  was  necessary  to  have  light  hearts,  in 
order  to  endure  all  that  was  required  of  them,  and  each  one 
strove  to  make  life  as  happy  and  cheerful  as  possible. 

A great  many  games  were  originated  and  played  with  the 
keenest  zest.  Foraging  expeditions  were  planned,  and  car- 
ried out  with  energy,  and  many  rich  returns  rewarded  the  la- 
bors thus  expended. 

Many  of  the  men  received  furloughs,  and  visited  their 
northern  homes,  and  thus  throughout  the  great  army  the 
months  passed  pleasantly  away.  Occasionally  a few  of  those 
who  were  older  in  the  service  would  gather  in  little  groups, 
and  fight  the  battles  over.  Many  sad  reminiscences  would 
thus  be  recalled  as  the  names  of  fallen  comrades  would  be 
mentioned.  Then  the  question  would  arise,  are  any  of  us  to 
survive  until  the  end  is  reached?  Thus  matters  passed  within 
the  Federal  lines  before  Petersburg  during  the  winter  of 
1864-5. 

Within  the  lines  of  their  gallant  foes  dark  clouds  were 
gathering,  and  a condition  of  affairs  had  been  reached  which 
would  have  sent  despair  to  the  hearts  of  men  less  courageous 
than  they.  Their  ranks  had  been  sadly  thinned  by  the  terri- 
ble campaign  through  which  they  had  passed,  and  but  few  re- 
cruits came  to  refill  them.  Their  thin  ranks  were  stretched 
along  that  vast  line,  which  they  had  so  heroically  defended, 
extending  from  the  Chickahominy  river  upon  their  left  to 
Hatcher's  Run  upon  their  right. 

The  cold  storms  of  winter  were  bursting  upon  them,  but 
no  new  uniforms  and  blankets  cams  to  protect  them  from  its 
severity.  Rations  were  scarce  and  poor. 

One  who  was  familiar  with  these  scenes  thus  graphically 
pictured  them : 

“ From  the  trials  of  the  winter  that  followed  history  would 
fain  avert  her  eyes ; they  were  such  as  can  never  be  forgotten 
by  those  who  watched  and  waited ; such  as  will  never  be 


700 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


credited  by  those  who  shall  read  the  story  hereafter  in  peace 
and  plenty. 

“To  guard  the  long  lines  of  intrenchments,  from  the 
Chickahominy  to  Hatcher’s  Run,  there  was  now  left  but  a 
gaunt  remnant  of  that  valiant  host  which  had  cheered  Lee 
in  the  Wilderness,  as  it  passed  to  victory ; which  had  hurled 
back  nearly  thrice  its  numbers  at  Cool  Arbor,  and  brought 
humiliation  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  on  a score  of  battle- 
fields in  this  vigorous  campaign.” 

SCANTY  RATIONS. 

Living  on  one-sixth  of  a ration  of  corn  meal  and  rancid 
pork,  remember,  men  and  women  of  Richmond,  that  they 
more  than  once  offered  to  share  that  little  with  the  starving 
poor  of  your  beautiful  city.  Thinly  clad,  their  bodies  indeed 
shivered  under  the  freezing  blasts  of  heaven,  but  their  daunt- 
less spirits  cowered  not  under  the  fiery  scourge  of  war.  There 
was  to  be  added  to  this  a pang  deeper  than  that  of  hunger, 
sharper  than  the  rigor  of  the  elements,  or  hurt  of  shot  and 
steel. 

For  now,  from  the  cotton  lands  of  Georgia  and  the  rice 
fields  of  Carolina,  came,  borne  on  every  blast,  the  despairing 
cry  which  wives  and  little  ones  raised  to  wintry  skies,  lit  by 
the  baleful  glare  of  burning  homes  ; and  the  men  of  the  old 
North  State  bethought  them  of  the  happy  homesteads  which 
lay  straight  in  the  path  of  the  conqueror  who  was  waging  Avar 
with  an  audacious  cruelty  capable  of  dishonoring  a whole 
nation;  a subtle  enemy  till  then  Avell-nigh  unknown. 

Attacked  in  the  rear,  this  army  still  haughtily  held  its 
front,  though  the  men  Avith  bated  breath  and  cheeks  flushing 
through  their  bronze,  whispered  the  dread  Avord,  desertion. 

The  historian,  far  removed  from  the  passions  of  the  time, 
may  coldly  measure  out  his  censure,  but  we  comrades,  bound 
to  those  men  by  countless  traditions,  can  only  cry  Avith  the 
old  Hebrew  prophet,  “Alas,  my  brother,”  and  remember  that 
these  Avere  “valiant  souls  too  sorely  tried.” 

Pollard,  in  his  “ Lost  Cause,”  speaks  as  follows : 


SCANTY  RATIONS. 


701 


“In  the  first  months  of  1365  General  Lee  held  both  Rich- 
mond and  Petersburg  with  not  more  than  thirty-three  thou- 
sand men.  At  this  time  Grant’s  strength,  as  rated  at  the  war 
department  in  Washington,  exceeded  one  hundred  and  sixty 
thousand  men.  Such  was  the  disparity  of  force  in  the  final 
array  of  the  contest  for  Richmond.  General  Lee’s  lines 
stretched  from  below  Richmond,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
James,  to  Hatcher's  Run,  away  beyond  Petersburg  on  the 
south  side.  He  had  forty  miles  of  defence,  and  it  may  well 
be  imagined  that  with  his  little  force  posted  over  such  a dis- 
tance, his  line  of  battle  was  almost  as  thin  as  a skirmish  line. 
Duty  was  incessant ; it  was  fatiguing  in  the  greatest  degree  ; 
the  Confederates  had  no  reserves,  and  when  a brigade  was 
taken  to  assist  at  some  threatened  point,  the  positiou  it  left 
was  endangered. 

“But  even  in  this  extreme  situation  General  Lee  had  not 
yet  despaired  of  the  cause  of  the  Confederacy.  He  was 
gravely  sensible  of  the  danger ; in  frequent  conference  with 
committees  of  the  Congress  at  Richmond,  he  stated  frankly 
his  anxiety,  but  urged  levies  of  negro  troops,  held  out  what 
hope  he  could,  and  expressly  and  firmly  discountenanced  any 
surrender  of  the  Confederate  cause  by  premature  negotiations 
with  Washington. 

“ On  one  of  these  occasions  he  made  the  personal  declara- 
tion for  himself  that  he  had  rather  die  on  the  battlefield  than 
surrender, — a sentiment  which  provoked  the  sneer  of  a well- 
known  ‘Union’  man  in  Richmond,  and  the  remark  that  “Lee 
talked  like  a schoolgirl.’  ” 

The  populace  of  Richmond  was  but  little  aware  of  the  ter- 
rible decrease  of  General  Lee's  army,  and,  indeed,  the  people 
of  the  Confederacy  were  studiously  kept  in  the  dark  as  to  all 
details  of  the  military  situation.  So  reticent  had  the  Govern- 
ment become  that  the  newspapers  were  forbidden  publishing 
anything  of  military  affairs  beyond  the  scanty  doles  of  infor- 
mation and  the  skeleton  telegrams  furnished  to  the  reporters 
by  an  official  authority,  and  copied  at  the  desks  of  the  W ar 
Department. 


702 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


It  thus  happened  that  while  there  was  a general  despond- 
ency of  the  public  mind,  there  were  few  outside  the  severe 
official  circles  of  Richmond  who  knew  the  real  extremities  to 
which  the  arms  and  affairs  of  the  Confederacy  had  fallen. 
There  was  a dull  expectation  of  what  was  next  to  happen ; 
there  was  a vague  condition  of  the  public  mind,  in  which,  al- 
though not  able  to  discover  any  substantial  and  well-defined 
ground  of  hope,  it  yet  plodded  on  under  the  shadow  of  old 
conviction,  and  with  a dim  anticipation  of  something  favora- 
ble in  the  future.  While  every  one  affirmed  that  the  affairs 
of  the  Confederacy  were  in  a bad  way,  and  while  every  one 
appeared  to  have  a certain  sense  of  approaching  misfortune, 
there  were  very  few  who  knew  the  real  condition  and  num- 
bers of  the  armies  of  the  Confederacy,  and  realized  how  far 
had  been  undermined  its  system  of  defence. 

It  was  difficult  to  believe  that  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia, that  army  whose  name  had  been  for  four  years  as  the 
blast  of  victory,  had  declined  to  a condition  in  which  it  was 
no  longer  capable  of  offensive  operations.  It  was  difficult, 
indeed,  to  abandon  altogether  the  idea  that  the  happy  acci- 
dent of  victory  somewhere  in  the  Confederacy  might  not, 
after  all,  put  a new  aspect  on  affairs.  Even  if  the  conclusion 
of  subjugation  had  become  probable,  its  day  was  at  least  un- 
certain, distant ; and  the  opinion  of  General  Lee  was  quoted 
in  the  streets  of  Richmond,  that  in  any  event  the  Southern 
Confederacy  was  likely  to  last  another  year’s  campaign. 

Many  lived  in  the  circle  of  each  day ; the  idea  of  independ- 
ence was  yet  in  the  loose  conversations  of  the  people ; and 
the  favorite  cantatrice  of  the  Richmond  Theater  sung  to 
nightly  plaudits,  “Farewell  forever  to  the  Star  Spangled 
Banner.” 

Then  there  were  those  rumors  of  extravagant  fortune,  al- 
ways indicative  of  a weak  and  despairing  condition  of  the 
public  mind,  among  them  endless  stories  of  peace  negotiations 
and  European  “recognition.” 

A few  weeks  before  Richmond  fell  the  report  was  credited 
for  the  space  of  three  or  four  days  by  the  most  intelligent 


SCANTY  RATIONS. 


, 703 

persons  in  tlie  city,  including  some  of  the  editors  of  the  news- 
papers and  President  Davis’  pastor,  that  a messenger  from 
France  had  arrived  on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina,  and  was 
making  his  way  overland  to  Richmond,  with  the  news  of  the 
recognition  of  the  Southern  Confederacy  by  the  Emperor 
Napoleon. 

In  the  North  there  had  been  no  time  since  the  war  began 
when  the  people  were  so  confident  of  victory  as  during  the 
winter  of  1864-5.  The  re-election  of  Mr.  Lincoln  had  raised 
the  hearts  of  all  the  loyal  people,  and  had  had  a decided 
tendency  to  silence  the  murmurs  and  threats  of  those  who 
svmpathized  with  the  South.  The  condition  of  affairs  in  the 
South  was  well  known  in  the  North,  while  the  victories  of 
Sherman,  Thomas,  and  Sheridan  had  inspired  hope  in  every 
quarter.  The  following  description,  from  the  facile  pen  of 
Swinton  in  his  history  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  truth- 
fully reproduces  the  scene : 

“That  the  campaign  about  to  be  opened  could  have  but  one 
result — to  wit,  the  destruction  of  the  Confederate  armies — 
was  not  now  doubtful;  and  discerning  men  at  the  South 
plainly  read  the  omens  of  doom.  It  was  not  alone  that  an 
overwhelming  weight  of  physical  power,  represented  by  a 
million  men  in  arms,  threatened  to  overwhelm  the  insurgent 
armies,  or  that  the  great  extent  of  territory  overrun  by  the 
Union  forces  had  torn  asunder  the  fabric  of  the  Confederacy; 
but  secret  causes  of  disturbances  in  the  moral  order  had  cor- 
rupted the  life-blood  of  the  revolt.  It  is  such  metaphysical 
influences  that  govern  the  issues  of  war — influences  little  un- 
derstood by  the  superficial  annalists  who  attempt  to  explain 
by  material  causes  the  secrets  of  an  art  so  vast,  subtle,  and 
complex  as  to  be  almost  beyond  the  reach  of  man’s  mind — in- 
fluences, whose  sovereign  power  was  marked  by  the  greatest 
of  commanders  in  the  aphorism,  that  in  war  the  moral  is  to 
the  physical  as  three  to  one. 

“ When  in  a revolution  the  time  arrives  that  the  people 
separate  themselves  from  the  cause  of  their  leaders,  that  cause 
speedily  falls  to  the  ground.  This  was  the  pass  to  which  the 


704 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Confederate  States  had  come.  It  was  not  precisely  that  the 
people  of  the  South  had  ceased  to  desire  the  triumph  of  seces- 
sion, but  they  had  ceased  any  longer  to  be  capable  of  those 
efforts  failing  which  success  is  out  of  the  question.  It  will  be 
for  the  philosophical  historian,  unravelling  the  intricate  web 
of  cause  and  effect,  to  trace  the  reasons  of  this  decline  in  the 
moral  energy  of  the  South;  it  is  enough  here  to  mark  the  re- 
sult as  it  influenced  the  fortunes  of  the  armies  in  the  field. 

“ General  Grant,  during  the  Avinter  of  1864,  expressed  in  a 
strong  figure  the  belief  that  the  fighting  population  of  the 
South  was  exhausted.  ‘ They  have,’  said  he,  ‘ robbed  the 
cradle  and  the  grave.’  But  this  statement  overshot  the  real- 
ity. The  South  did  not  so  much  lack  men  as  the  men  lacked 
interest  in  the  war.  The  conscription  then  became  odious, 
and  evasion  universal,  while  those  Ajdm  wished  to  escape  mili- 
tary service  readily  found  those  at  home  willing  to  open  their 
ranks,  let  them  slip  through,  and  close  up  behind  them.  It 
finally  came  about  that  men  enough  to  form  three  armies  of 
the  strength  of  Lee’s  lay  perdu,  beyond  the  power  of  recovery 
of  the  Richmond  authorities.  To  this  must  be  added  the 
fact  that  a prodigious  number  of  Confederate  troops,  proba- 
bly as  many  as  were  in  the  ranks  of  both  Lee  and  Johnson, 
were,  during  the  last  eighteen  months  of  the  war,  kept  out 
of  the  field  by  being  retained  as  prisoners  at  the  North,  un- 
der a fixed  determination  of  General  Grant  not  to  exchange 
them,  a' measure  that  was  certainly  an  effectual  agency  in  the 
Lieutenant-General’s  avowed  plan  of  ‘hammering  continuously 
against  the  armed  force  of  the  enemy  and  his  resources,  until 
by  mere  attrition,  if  by  no  other  way,  there  should  be  noth- 
ing left  to  him.’ 

“While  the  conscription  system  had  thus  hopelessly  broken 
down,  the  collapse  of  the  Confederate  commissariat  was 
equally  complete.  And  here,  again,  it  was  not  that  the 
South  lacked  resources,  for  the  granaries  of  that  vast  and  fer- 
tile territory  bulged  with  great  store  of  corn  ; but  maladmin- 
istration rendered  these  riches  as  vain  as  if  the  South  had 
been  a Sahara.  That  great  department  of  administrative  ser- 


SCANTY  RATIONS 


705 


vice,  charged  with  the  feeding  of  the  troops,  was  presided 
over  by  a man  of  such  notorious  ignorance  and  incompetence 
that  authentic  records  show  the  armies  in  the  field  to  have 
been  half  the  time  bordering  on  starvation. 

“ The  daily  ration  for  the  army  defending  Petersburg,  dur- 
ing all  the  last  winter  of  the  war,  was  a pound  of  flour  and 
a quarter  of  a pound  of  meat.  But  even  this  so  frequently 
failed  that  it  was  only  the  prodigious  vigor  of  Lee  that  en- 
abled the  troops  in  the  trenches  to  receive  even  that  meager 
dole  of  food. 

“ At  the  opening  of  the  spring  campaign,  General  Lee  had, 
on  paper,  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  men,  but  in  re- 
ality less  than  fifty  thousand,  from  which,  if  there  be  de- 
ducted the  troops  on  detached  duty,  it  will  appear  that  he 
had  forty  thousand  men  with  which  to  defend  forty  miles  of 
intrenchments. 

“ These  were  the  forlorn  hope  of  the  rebellion.  Corralled 
between  the  two  great  Union  armies,  in  the  restricted  space 
between  the  James  and  the  Neuse  and  the  Alleghanies  and 
the  Atlantic,  it  was  manifest  that  the  end  was  near.  It  only 
remains  to  show  how  in  the  last  wrestle  these  men  comported, 
themselves,  and  how,  when  they  at  last  broke  down  under  a 
burden  too  heavy  to  bear,  the  fabric  of  the  revolt  which  they 
had  for  four  years  upheld  on  their  bayonets,  fell  with  a crash, 
that  resounded  through  the  world.” 

General  Johnston  says:  “In  regard  to  the  raising  of 
troops,  that  it  was  done  in  the  worst  possible  manner — 
namely,  by  conscription  by  the  Confederate  Government. 
Instead  of  determining  the  number  of  troops  wanted,  and  ap- 
portioning to  each  State  its  proper  quota,  wholesale  impress- 
ments were  made  by  the  machinery  of  a central  government. 
Each  State  had  its  own  officers  with  which  it  could  have 
raised  the  troops;  and  being  of  the  localities,  they,  of  course,, 
knew  every  man  and  boy  in  the  place,  and  avoidance  or 
evasion  would  have  been  difficult.  By  the  system  adopted, 
this  perfect  agency  was  not  called  into  play  at  all.  Finally, 
it  resulted  that  it  required  as  many  men  to  enforce  the  con- 
scription as  it  was  expected  to  raise  by  its  operation. 

45 


706 


BLUE  AUD  GRAY. 


“Then  ensued  evasion;  those  who  wished  to  shrink  service, 
or  aid  others  to  do  so,  opened  their  ranks,  allowed  them  to 
slip  through  and  close  up  behind.  Supplies,  also,  instead  of 
being  honestly  raised,  were  impressed  by  a band  of  commis- 
saries and  quartermasters,  who  only  paid  one-half  the  market 
value.  As  might  have  been  expected,  this  was  enough  to 
prevent  their  getting  anything.  These  they  took  by  force, 
and  did  it  with  the  greatest  injustice.  You  can  imagine  what 
disorganization  of  labor  and  what  discontent  this  produced. 
The  mismanagement  of  the  Confederate  executive  in  these 
two  regards  was  enough  to  ruin  the  cause.” 

During  this  memorable  winter  the  Federal  commander  re- 
lieved the  monotony  of  camp-life  by  making  a number  of 
movements  upon  Lee’s  lines  of  communication,  in  all  of  which 
the  Weldon  railroad  was  destroyed.  In  these  movements, 
the  cavalry,  under  Gregg,  and  the  infantry,  under  Warren 
and  Humphreys,  figured  prominently. 

The  damage  thus  inflicted  was  soon  repaired  by  the  Con- 
federates, and  the  month  of  March  found  both  armies  within 
their  lines  much  as  they  were  at  the  beginning  of  the  winter. 
General  Grant  was  preparing  to  open  the  campaign  as  soon 
as  circumstances  would  warrant  the  movement.  The  Con- 
federates were  on  the  alert,  as  General  Sheridan’s  raid  from 
the  valley  in  February  came  as  a warning  to  them  that  they 
must  prepare  for  the  coming  storm. 

Early  in  March  a conference  was  held  by  Jefferson  Davis 
and  General  Lee,  in  which  it  was  decided  that  as  soon  as  the 
roads  Avould  permit  the  defences  around  Richmond  and 
Petersburg  should  be  abandoned,  and  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia  should  retreat  to  Danville  and  unite  witli  the  army 
of  General  Johnston  and  attack  General  Sherman  before  the 
latter  could  receive  assistance  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
Preparations  were  speedily  made  to  carry  out  this  plan. 

The  early  spring  had  already  begun  to  carpet  with  green 
the  field' around  the  city  of  Petersburg;  the  birds  were  mak- 
ing the  woods  musical  witli  their  happy  songs  of  praise,  but 
neither  of  these  indications  of  coming  summer  brought  any 


SCANTY  RATIONS. 


707 


signs  of  promise  to  the  famishing  army  of  General  Lee. 
They  well  knew  that  the  warm  sun  that  brought  them  com- 
fort in  their  ragged  uniforms,  would  also  make  the  roads 
passable  for  the  foe,  with  whom  they  were  no  longer  able  to 
cope,  to  move  upon  their  lines  of  communication.  General 
Lee  was  at  this  time  the  central  figure  of  the  entire  Con- 
federacy, beloved  by  the  entire  South,  admired  by  the  civ- 
ilized world. 

With  a calm,  calculating  deliberation,  he  moved  to  extricate 
himself  from  his  perilous  position.  As  military  head  of  the 
Confederacy,  he  must  prolong  the  struggle  as  long  as  possi- 
ble. His  only  hope,  of  course,  rested  in  the  thin  line  of  gray 
within  the  Confederate  intrenchments,  and  although  it  did 
not  number  more  than  fifty  thousand  men,  and  notwithstand- 
ing the  troops  were  so  illy  prepared  for  an  active  campaign 
against  their  all-powerful  foe,  yet  these  were  the  remnant  of 
a grand  army,  and  with  the  memories  of  the  past  to  inspire 
them,  were  yet  capable  of  performing  mighty  deeds.  If  one 
more  brilliant  victory  over  the  Federals  could  be  gained,  it 
would  perhaps  fan  the  slumbering  embers  of  enthusiasm  in 
the  South,  and  turn  the  whole  tide  of  war. 

General  Lee’s  plan  was  to  retreat  along  the  line  of  the 
South  Side  and  Danville  railroad,  but  this  could  not  be  safely 
undertaken  with  the  left  flank  of  the  Federals  at  Hatcher’s 
Run,  so  near  these  important  lines  of  railway.  To  remove 
this  pressure,  the  Confederate  chieftain  determined  to  make 
an  attack  upon  the  right  center  of  the  Federal  line  in  front 
of  Petersburg,  and,  if  successful  in  cutting  Grant’s  line  in 
twain,  he,  by  following  up  the  victory  thus  gained,  would  at 
least  oblige  the  Federal  General  to  withdraw  his  flank  from 
Hatcher’s  Run,  and  possibly,  by  seizing  the  military  railroad, 
oblige  the  whole  Federal  army  to  retire  to  the  James  river  at 
City  Point.  It  was  a bold,  hazardous  undertaking,  but,  un- 
der the  circumstances,  it  was  about  the  only  thing  that  af- 
forded any  hope  whatever. 

At  that  time  the  disposition  of  General  Lee’s  army  was  as 
follows : the  left  of  Longstreet’s  command  was  north  of  the 


708 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


James  river,  with  his  right  division  south  of  that  river,  and 
extending  to  within  a few  miles  of  Petersburg.  Gordon 
came  next,  with  his  three  divisions,  reduced  by  hard  service 
and  bloody  battles  to  the  dimensions  of  brigades ; his  com- 
mand was  in  front  of  Petersburg,  from  the  Appomattox  river 
to  a small  stream  on  the  right  of  the  city.  It  was  along  this 
line  that  for  months  such  terrible  fighting  had  been  kept  up, 
and  in  many  places  the  lines  were  very  near  each  other. 

A.  P.  Hill,  with  three  divisions,  held  the  right,  reaching  to 
Hatcher’s  Run.  The  cavalry  were  guarding  either  flank  of 
the  army.  The  attacking  column,  consisting  of  three  di- 
visions, was  to  be  commanded  by  the  gallant  General  Gor- 
don, and  the  attack  was  to  be  made  upon  Fort  Steadman,  one 
of  the  strongest  fortifications  in  the  whole  Federal  line. 
Sometimes  plans  are  successful  on  account  of  the  boldness  by 
which  they  are  inspired. 

Fort  Steadman  and  its  connecting  works  were  situated  only 
one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  Confederate  lines,  but 
in  passing  from  the  fort,  in  either  direction,  following  the  line 
of  works,  the  distance  was  greater. 

SEIZURE  OF  FORT  STEADMAN. 

In  the  gray  dawn  of  March  twenty-fifth  Gordon  formed 
his  line  for  assault.  It  was  a weird  scene  as  well  as  one  of 
solemn  grandeur ; those  dusky  men  forming  around  the  tat- 
tered old  battle-flags.  It  was  the  last  formation  of  the  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia  for  an  aggressive  movement.  The  dying 
struggle  of  a great  giant  who  had  never  been  overcome. 

The  Federals,  unconscious  of  danger,  were  not  prepared  for 
the  blow  that  was  soon  to  fall. 

Without  firing  a shot,  or  even  giving  one  cry  of  warning, 
the  gray  lines  dashed  through  the  mists  of  early  morning ; 
the  intervening  distance  was  quickly  measured,  the  sleepy 
sentinels  stricken  down,  the  Federal  parapets  were  scaled, 
the  garrison,  consisting  of  the  Fourteenth  New  York  artil- 
lery, were  all  taken  prisoners.  Fort  Steadman,  with  all  its 
guns,  was  captured,  and  the  whole  Federal  line  endangered. 


SEIZURE  OF  FORT  STEADMAN. 


709 


The  Third  brigade  of  the  First  division  of  the  Ninth  corps  was 
either  captured  or  driven  away.  The  Confederates  immedi- 
ately turned  the  guns  of  Fort  Steadman  upon  the  adjoining 
works,  and  consequently  batteries  Ninth,  Tenth,  Eleventh, 
and  Twelfth  were  speedily  abandoned  by  the  Federals,  and 
occupied  by  the  Confederates. 

Up  to  this  time  everything  had  worked  as  well  as  the  Con- 
federates could  have  desired,  but  other  work  of  importance 
remained  for  them  to  do.  Other  lines  of  defence  in  the  rear 
must  be  captured,  or  their  victory  would  be  of  brief  duration, 
and  barren  of  results.  It  was  necessary  that  a heavy  column 
should  press  home  the  victory  so  gallantly  gained,  but  fortu- 
nately for  the  Federals,  for  some  reason  the  supporting  col- 
umn of  Gordon  did  not  come  up,  and  the  men  in  the  captured 
fort  did  not  have  a disposition  to  press  forward  and  capture 
the  other  works.  They  did  make  an  attack  upon  Fort  Has- 
kell, but  it  was  so  weak  that  it  was  immediately  repulsed,  and 
the  Confederates  huddled  together  in  Fort  Steadman. 

In  the  meantime  the  Federals  were  recovering  their  surprise. 
Fort  Haskell  turned  its  guns  upon  Fort  Steadman,  and  soon 
it  became  the  target  for  one  hundred  pieces  of  Federal  artil- 
lery. Shot  and  shell  went  tearing  along  its  walls,  and  burst- 
ing among  the  Confederates.  It  now  became  as  impossible 
for  them  to  retreat  as  it  was  to  advance.  A portion  of  the 
Ninth  corps  were  brought  up,  and  for  a time  the  battle  raged 
with  great  fury,  and  when  all  hope  of  victory,  or  escape  from 
their  perilous  position  had  vanished,  the  Confederates,  to  the 
number  of  two  thousand,  threw  down  their  arms,  and  surren- 
dered. At  the  same  time  the  Second  corps  advanced,  and 
captured  the  intrenched  picket  line  of  the  Confederates  in 
its  front. 

The  total  loss  of  the  Federals  was  two  thousand  men, 
while  the  Confederates  lost  four  thousand.  This  was  a fear- 
ful loss  for  General  Lee,  who  at  once  saw  in  the  results  of 
this  sortie  that  the  end  was  drawing  near. 


710 


BLUE  AjSTD  GBAY. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Battle  of  five  forks.  Federal  flask  movement.  Numerical 

STRENGTH  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC.  IN  MOTION.  DISPOSI- 
TION of.  Battle  of  steam  mill.  Confederates  withdrawn. 
Heavy  loss  of  life.  General  chamberlain  wounded.  Lee 

DISCOVERS  GRANT'S  PLANS.  PREPARES  TO  OFFSET  THEM.  BATTLE 
OF  FIVE  FORKS.  PlCKETT  IN  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES.  SKIR- 
MISHING. Federals  reinforced.  Preparing  for  the  great  con- 
flict. Sheridan’s  skillful  plan  of  battle.  The  assault 
begun.  Confederates  flanked.  Surprised  and  demoralized. 
Gallantry  of  general  warren.  His  last  official  act.  Con- 
federates defeated.  Five  thousand  prisoners  in  hands  of 

FEDERALS.  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  PEGRAM.  SOUTH  SIDE  RAILROAD 

captured.  Union  troops  elated.  Warren’s  ill  treatment. 

The  blow  which  General  Lee  had  dealt  the  Federals  at 
Fort  Steadman  had  been  severely  felt,  and  General  Grant  de- 
termined to  return  it  with  equal,  if  not  greater,  force.  This 
was  to  be  delivered  from  his  left  flank,  by  crushing  the  Con- 
federate right,  cutting  the  South  Side  railroad,  and  thus  clos- 
ing the  only  avenue  of  escape  which  remained  open  for 
General  Lee. 

On  the  night  of  March  twenty-seventh,  General  Ord,  who 
then  commanded  the  Army  of  the  James,  taking  the  divisions 
of  Turner  and  Foster,  of  the  Twenty-fourth  corps,  under  the 
command  of  General  Gibbon,  Birney’s  division  of  the  Twen- 
ty-fifth corps,  and  McKenzie’s  cavalry,  made  a march  of  thir- 
ty-six miles  to  the  extreme  left  of  the  Federal  army,  and 
took  position  in  the  rear  of  the  Second  corps,  on  the  night  of 
the  twenty-eighth  of  March.  This  movement  was  conducted 
so  skillfully  that  the  Confederates  did  not  know  of  it  until 
the  second  of  April. 

©evens’  division  of  Gibbon’s  corps  remained  in  the  in- 
trenchments  on  the  north  side  of  the  James.  General  Weit- 
zel,  with  two  divisions  of  the  Twenty-fifth  corps,  remained  in 


FEDEEALS  IN'  MOTION. 


Til 


the  intrenchments  at  Bermuda  Hundred.  He  also  com- 
manded the  troops  on  the  north  side  of  the  James  river. 
When  this  movement  began,  the  strength  of  the  two  armies 
was  as  follows : the  troops  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  of 
that  of  the  James,  and  the  cavalry,  under  Sheridan,  all  of 
whom  were  under  the  command  of  General  Grant,  amounted 
to  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand,  seven  hundred  effective 
men.  The  total  effective  force  of  General  Lee  was  but  fifty- 
seven  thousand  men. 

FEDEEALS  IN  MOTION. 

On  the  twenty-ninth  of  March  the  army  was  put  in  motion. 
Sheridan,  with  his  cavalry,  crossed  Hatcher’s  Run  below 
Monk  Neck  bridge,  and  moved  out  toward  Dinwiddie  Court- 
house, passing  the  Confederate  right,  and  were  instructed  to 
get  in  their  rear  as  quickly  as  possible,  when  they  were  to  cut 
both  the  South  Side  and  the  Danville  railroad. 

General  Warren,  with  the  Fifth  corps,  was  to  cross  Hatch- 
er’s Run,  on  the  Monk  Neck  bridge,  early  on  the  twenty- 
ninth,  and  move  to  the  junction  of  the  Vaughn  and  Quaker 
roads. 

General  Humphreys,  with  the  Second  corps,  was  to  cross 
the  run  by  the  Vaughn  road  at  the  same  time,  and  rest  his 
right  upon  the  run,  at  the  same  time  connecting  his  left  with 
the  Fifth  corps,  and  thus  move  upon  the  Confederate  line. 

General  Ord’s  troops  were  to  remain  within  the  works  va- 
cated by  the  Second  corps. 

General  Sheridan,  with  his  accustomed  vigor,  dashed  on  to 
Dinwiddie  Court-house,  by  the  way  of  Ream’s  Station,  pass- 
ing over  Rowanty  Creek,  at  Malone’s  crossing.  He  encoun- 
tered some  of  the  Confederate  pickets,  and  Curtis’  division 
was  left  at  Malone’s  crossing  to  guard  the  trains.  The  Con- 
federate cavalry,  consisting  of  the  divisions  of  Rosser  and  W. 
H.  F.  Lee,  were  on  the  south  side  of  Stony  Creek. 

General  Warren  moved  as  directed,  and  his  advanced  di- 
vision, under  General  Griffin,  was  within  three  miles  of  Din- 
widdie Court-house,  marching  along  the  Boydton  plank  road, 


712 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


when  he  was  recalled,  and  ordered  to  march  up  the  Quaker 
road. 

General  Wright,  with  the  Sixth,  and  General  Parke  with 
the  Ninth  corps,  were  within  the  intrenchments  before  Pe- 
tersburg, but  ready  to  move  at  a moment’s  notice. 

BATTLE  OF  STEAM  MILL. 

Griffin’s  division,  of  Warren’s  corps,  in  moving  along  the 
Quaker  road  on  the  afternoon  of  the  twenty-ninth,  came  in 
contact  with  the  brigades  of  Wise  and  Wallace  of  Anderson’s 
command,  at  a point  known  as  Steam  Mill,  about  a mile  from 
the  junction  of  the  Quaker  and  Boydton  roads.  General 
Chamberlain’s  brigade  was  in  the  advance  and  gallantly  at- 
tacked the  Confederates. 

After  a sharp  engagement  the  latter  fell  back  within  the 
intrenchments  on  the  White  Oak  road,  after  having  lost  some 
two  hundred  prisoners,  beside  their  dead  and  wounded,  who 
were  left  upon  the  field.  Bartlett’s  brigade  of  Griffin’s  di- 
vision arrived  upon  the  field  in  time  to  assist  in  driving  the 
Confederates  from  the  field.  The  Federals  lost  nearly  four 
hundred  men  in  killed  and  wounded,  among  the  latter  being 
Brigadier-General  Chamberlain.  General  Humphreys  moved 
promptly  during  the  twenty-ninth  to  the  position  assigned 
him,  meeting  with  but  slight  opposition,  nor  did  he  halt  until 
darkness  compelled  him  to  do  so. 

General  Lee,  with  that  quick  perception  for  which  he  was 
distinguished,  immediately  discerned  the  plans  of  his  antag- 
onist, and,  with  a gallant  determination,  moved  forth,  with 
what  men  he  could  command,  to  defeat  them.  He  dispatched 
General  Anderson  with  Bushrod  Johnson’s  division  and 
Wise’s  brigade  to  the  extreme  right  of  his  line,  along  the 
White  Oak  road.  A portion  of  this  force,  as  we  have  already 
seen,  came  in  contact  with  the  troops  of  Griffin  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  twenty-ninth. 

Pickett's  division  was  also  sent  in  the  same  direction,  and 
reached  the  extreme  right  of  the  Confederate  line  at  daylight 
on  the  thirtieth.  The  cavalry  division  of  General  Fitz  Lee 


BATTLE  OF  STEAM  MILL. 


713 


was  also  sent  to  the  right,  and  reached  Sutherland  Station,  on 
the  South  Side  railroad,  on  the  night  of  the  twenty-ninth. 
Early  on  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth  General  Hill  extended 
his  right,  by  sending  the  brigades  of  McGowan  and  McRea 
to  join  Johnson's  left  upon  the  White  Oak  road.  The  bri- 
gades of  Scales  and  Cook  marched  to  the  intrenehments  at 
the  Burgess  Mill,  and  those  of  Lane,  Davis,  McComb,  and 
Thomas  held  the  line  north  of  Hatcher's  Run.  General  Heth 
commanded  the  brigades  which  were  on  the  south  side  of  the 
run,  and  General  Wilcox  those  upon  the  north  side. 

General  Sheridan  received  orders  on  the  twenty-ninth  from 
General  Grant,  not  to  strike  for  the  railroad,  but  rather  en- 
deavor to  turn  the  right  flank  of  the  Confederates,  and  get  in 
their  rear  on  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth,  if  it  was  possible 
for  him  to  do  so.  Dark  clouds  gathered  during  the  night  and 
the  rain  poured  down  in  torrents.  The  ground  being  low  and 
flat,  soon  became  so  soaked  with  water  that  it  was  impossible 
for  troops  to  march.  The  thirtieth  came,  but  the  storm  did 
not  cease,  and  during  the  entire  day  the  troops  of  both  armies 
crouched  for  shelter  in  the  tangled  underbrush  that  covered 
the  ground,  waiting  impatiently  for  the  death  struggle  which 
was  so  soon  to  follow. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  thirtieth,  General  Humphreys 
moved  the  Second  corps  forward,  and  pressed  the  Confederates 
back  from  their  intrenehments  at  the  Crow  House,  into  those 
on  the  Boydton  road,  but  made  no  assault  upon  the  latter. 
At  the  same  time  General  Warren  pushed  the  Fifth  corps  up 
the  Quaker  and  Boydton  roads,  as  far  as  the  Dabney  Mill 
road,  and  occupied  a line  covering  the  Boydton  road  as  far  as 
Gravelly  Run.  General  Ayers,  with  his  division,  took  a posi- 
tion near  where  the  White  Oak  road  intrenehments  turned 
north,  to  protect  the  Claiborne  road. 

General  Sheridan  ordered  General  Merritt  to  take  Devens’ 
division,  and  seize  Five  Forks.  In  this  movement  he  was  to 
be  supported  by  Davis’  brigade  of  Crook’s  division,  while 
with  the  balance  of  his  division  Crook  was  to  guard  the  cross- 
ing of  the  Boydton  road  at  Stony  Creek.  General  Merritt 


714 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


marched  to  the  forks  of  the  road,  near  the  residence  of  J. 
Boisseau,  and  sent  parties  along  the  road  to  reconnoiter  in 
the  direction  of  Five  Forks,  and  also  to  the  White  Oak  road. 
They  found  the  Confederates  in  considerable  force  upon  both 
roads,  and  after  heavy  skirmishing  the  Federals  halted  for  the 
night  at  the  forks  of  the  road. 


BATTLE  OF  FIVE  FORKS. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  thirtieth,  General  Fitz  Lee 
marched  with  his  troops  through  the  rain,  by  the  most  direct 
road  to  Five  Forks,  and  advancing  down  the  road  in  the  di- 
rection of  Dinwiddie  Court-house,  he  soon  encountered  the 
troops  of  Sheridan,  and  there  was  much  heavy  skirmishing. 
At  dark  the  Confederate  General  was  joined  by  W.  H.  F. 
Lee  and  Rosser,  with  their  divisions,  and  at  the  same  time 
General  Pickett  arrived  at  Five  Forks,  having  moved  along 
the  White  Oak  road  with  the  brigades  of  Corse,  Terry,  and 
Stuart  of  his  own  division,  and  the  brigades  of  Ransom  and 
Wallace  of  Johnson’s  division. 

PICKETT  IN  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES. 

General  Sheridan  soon  learned  of  the  arrival  of  General 
Pickett  and  sent  the  intelligence  post  haste  to  General  Grant. 
General  Pickett  was  placed  in  command  of  the  troops,  and 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  thirty-first,  was  to  move  against 
General  Sheridan.  His  force  consisted  of  some  six  thousand 
cavalry  and  seven  thousand  infantry,  with  several  batteries  of 
artillery.  General  Lee’s  idea  was  for  Pickett  to  attack  Sheri- 
dan, and  at  the  same  time  to  move  a portion  of  the  troops  of 
Anderson  and  Hill  and  attack  with  them  the  left  flank  of  the 
Fifth  corps,  hoping  to  roll  it  up  in  defeat,  and  by  making  an 
attack  on  its  front,  hurl  it  back,  and  thus  bring  disaster  to  all 
of  the  Federal  troops  south  of  Hatcher’s  Run. 

On  the  thirty-first  General  Ayers’  division  occupied  the 
position  he  had  taken  the  day  before,  which  was  in  the  open 
ground  on  the  south  side  of  the  White  Oak  road,  near  Dab- 
ney’s, and  not  over  six  hundred  yards  from  the  road. 


PICKETT  IN  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES.  715 

Early  that  morning  General  Crawford  moved  his  division 
within  five  hundred  yards  of  General  Ayers',  to  support  him. 

Griffin  was  a thousand  yards  in  the  rear  of  Crawford,  and 
on  the  southeast  side  of  a branch  of  Gravelly  Run,  which, 
owing  to  the  heavy  rain  storm,  was  very  difficult  to  cross. 

At  eight  o'clock  General  Ayers  was  notified  of  the  presence 
ef  General  Pickett  four  miles  away  from  his  left,  and  warned 
to  guard  well  both  his  left  flank  and  his  front.  Ayers 
formed  his  division  with  Winthrop’s  brigade  facing  north  and 
fronting  the  White  Oak  road.  Dennison’s  Maryland  brigade 
was  formed  in  a ravine  on  Winthrop’s  left,  fronting  west,  and 
his  Third  brigade  was  a little  to  Winthrop’s  right,  while  a 
brigade  of  Crawford’s  division  was  in  the  rear  of  his  center. 

General  Lee,  in  developing  his  plan  to  attack  the  left  of 
the  Fifth  corps,  on  the  morning  of  the  last  day  of  March, 
ordered  General  McGowan,  with  his  own  brigade  and  that  of 
Gracie,  to  move  along  the  White  Oak  road,  and  to  get  upon 
the  flank  of  the  Fifth  and  attack  it. 

Hunton's  brigade  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  White  Oak 
road  with  the  brigade  of  General  Wise  upon  his  left.  General 
R.  E.  Lee  was  on  the  field  in  person  superintending  the  ar- 
rangement of  his  troops. 

A few  moments  before  McGowan  got  in  position  to  attack, 
and  just  as  General  Hunton  was  forming  his  lines,  Ayers 
moved  Winthrop’s  brigade  forward  to  drive  the  Confederate 
skirmishers  from  the  White  Oak  road.  In  this  movement 
Winthrop  was  supported  by  the  brigade  of  General  Gwyn. 
When  they  had  advanced  to  within  fifty  yards  of  the  White 
Oak  road,  they  encountered  the  Confederates,  also  moving 
forward,  and  Winthrop  fell  back  across  the  field  to  the  woods, 
from  which  he  had  just  advanced.  The  Confederates  con- 
tinued their  attack  in  front,  and  at  the  same  time  McGowan 
came  in  on  the  flank,  and  Ayers’  division  was  forced  back 
across  a branch  of  Gravelly  Run,  and  took  a line  parallel 
with  that  held  by  Griffin. 

The  fury  of  the  Confederates  was  now  poured  upon  Craw- 
ford’s division  in  great  disaster,  and  it  fell  back  through  the 


716 


BLUE  AXD  GRAY. 


lines  of  Griffin’s  division.  When  the  roar  of  battle  went 
crashing  through  the  forest,  and  the  firing  showed  that  two 
divisions  of  General  Warren’s  corps  were  falling  back,  Gen- 
eral Humphreys  ordered  General  Miles  to  advance  with  two 
brigades  to  assist  the  Fifth  corps.  In  moving  forward  he 
came  in  contact  with  the  brigades  of  Wise  and  H unton,  and 
drove  them  back  to  the  White  Oak  road,  capturing  three 
hundred  prisoners  and  one  flag.  In  the  meantime  Griffin’s 
division  marched  forward  and  drove  McGowan  back  upon  the 
road,  so  that  the  disaster  had  been  retrieved. 

The  Confederate  position  upon  the  road  was  a very  strong 
one  naturally,  and  had  been  made  much  more  formidable  by 
slashing  in  front  of  the  heavy  earthworks  that  crowned  the 
crest.  Late  in  the  afternoon,  Griffin’s  division,  with  the  bri- 
gades of  Chamberlain  and  Gregory  in  front,  charged  upon  the 
outer  line  of  works,  which  they  carried,  capturing  a number 
of  prisoners  also.  The  Confederates  fell  back  to  their  main 
line  of  defence  on  the  White  Oak  road.  During  this  day’s 
fighting  General  Warren  had  lost  in  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing,  fourteen  hundred  men.  General  Humphreys  had 
also  lost  three  hundred  and  seventy-five  men.  General  Ord 
had  pressed  close  up  to  the  Confederate  line  and  had  taken 
some  prisoners. 

General  Fitz  Lee  moved  along  the  direct  road  from  Five 
Forks  to  Dinwiddie  Court-house  with  his  cavalry,  and  came 
in  contact  with  Devens’  Federal  division,  moving  along  the 
same  road  from  Dinwiddie  Court-house  to  Five  Forks.  Gen- 
eral Lee  left  his  old  division  of  cavalry,  commanded  bv  Gen- 
eral Munford,  to  engage  Devens  near  the  forks  of  the  Grav- 
elly Run  Church  road,  while  he,  with  the  divisions  of  W.  H. 
F.  Lee  and  Rosser,  together  with  Pickett  and  his  infantry, 
moved  by  the  way  of  Little  Five  Forks,  west  of  Chamber- 
lain’s Creek,  intending  to  cross  that  stream  and  attack  Sheri- 
dan’s left  flank,  while  Munford  should  engage  him  in  front. 
The  Confederates  intended  to  cross  the  creek  at  Fitzgerald’s 
Landing,  and  that  of  Douse,  a mile  apart.  Fitzgerald’s  cross- 
ing was  two  and  one-half  miles  from  Dinwiddie  Court-house. 


PICKETT  IN'  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES.  717 

General  Crook,  with  Smith's  brigade,  was  guarding  this  cross- 
ing, and  Douse's  with  the  brigade  of  General  Davies,  while 
he  was  holding  Gregg  in  reserve. 

General  W.  H.  F.  Lee,  with  his  division,  succeeded  in  forc- 
ing the  passage  of  the  creek  at  Fitzgerald’s,  but  was  soon 
driven  back  with  considerable  loss.  The  Confederate  at- 
tempt to  cross  at  Douse’s  at  first  met  with  no  better  success, 
but  a brigade  of  infantry,  under  General  Corse,  after  a most 
gallant  fight,  succeeded  in  crossing.  Gregg  now  arrived 
upon  the  scene,  and  succeeded  for  a time  in  holding  Corse  in 
check.  In  the  meantime  Munford  had  compelled  Devens  to 
fall  back,  and  the  Confederate  infantry,  by  a rapid  advance, 
separated  Devens  from  Crook.  This  movement  compelled 
Davies  and  Devens  to  retreat,  by  way  of  Boydton  plank 
road,  to  Dinwiddie  Court-house. 

W.  H.  F.  Lee  now  found  a passage  of  the  creek,  and 
formed  the  right  of  Pickett’s  command,  while  Munford 
formed  the  left. 

The  balance  of  Crook’s  command,  which  consisted  of  the 
brigades  of  Smith  and  Gregg,  fell  rapidly  back  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Court-house.  Sheridan  now  hurled  the  brigades 
of  Gibbs  and  Gregg  upon  Pickett.  He  also  ordered  Custer 
to  bring  up  the  brigades  of  Pennington  and  Capehart  to  join 
in  the  attack.  Pickett  reformed  his  line,  and  the  battle  raged 
until  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  strife.  The  two  hostile 
armies  lay  near  each  other  during  the  night,  Pickett's  line 
being  formed  squarely  across  the  road  leading  from  the  Court- 
house to  Five  Forks.  Flis  cavalry  was  upon  his  flanks,  one 
of  which  rested  upon  the  Boydton  plank  road,  and  the  other 
upon  the  creek  at  Fitzgerald's  Crossing. 

During  the  afternoon  the  roar  of  the  battle  just  described 
had  reached  the  quick  ear  of  General  Warren  on  the  White 
Oak  road,  and  as  the  moments  pass'ed,  the  sounds  becoming 
more  indistinct,  revealed  to  him  the  unpleasant  truth  that 
Sheridan  was  being  driven  from  the  field.  Time  was  of 
great  value ; Sheridan  was  sorely  pressed  and  the  sun  was 
sinking  from  view. 


718 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


Warren  was  anxious  to  assist  Sheridan,  but  there  were  no 
orders  for  him  to  do  so.  His  fine  features  paled  under  the 
excitement  of  the  hour,  and  his  keen  black  eyes  flashed  forth 
the  intensity  of  his  thought.  He  decided  to  wait  no  longer 
for  authority,  when  a brother  officer  needed  his  aid,  and,  acting 
upon  his  own  responsibility,  he  ordered  Bartlett's  veteran 
brigade,  of  Griffin's  division,  to  move  across  the  country,  and, 
if  possible,  strike  the  flank  of  the  Confederates,  and  thus  re- 
lieve the  pressure  that  Avas  being  brought  to  bear  upon  Sheri- 
dan Avith  such  disastrous  effect. 

Bartlett's  men,  understanding  the  responsibility  and  gravity 
of  the  situation  in  which  they  Avere  thus  placed,  moved  for- 
Avard  rapidly,  but  before  they  had  measured  the  distance 
between  them  and  the  Confederates,  the  sound  of  battle 
ceased;  darkness  had  come  on,  and  Bartlett’s  men  threw 
themselves  upon  the  ground,  in  the  dense,  dark  forest,  to 
wait  for  the  coming  day. 

It  Avas  a night  of  Avork  within  the  lines  of  both  armies. 
Officers  Avere  studying  maps,  and  thus  endeavoring  to  make 
themselves  familiar  with  the  country  where  their  troops  Avere 
to  operate orderlies  and  staff  officers  were  slowly  treading 
their  Avay  along  the  rough  and  narrow  roads,  delivering  or- 
ders and  dispatches.  Thus  the  night  passed,  and  April  first, 
a lovely  spring  morning,  was  ushered  in.  The  rising  sun 
shone  upon  the  two  armies  preparing  for  the  battle,  Avhich 
was  to  decide  interests  so  vital  to  the  civilized  world. 

Bartlett’s  brigade  had  halted  at  Dr.  Boisseau’s,  on  the  most 
direct  road  leading  from  the  White  Oak  road  to  Dinwiddie 
Court-house.  This  position  of  General  Bartlett  became 
known  to  General  Pickett  about  ten  o’clock  at  night,  and  he, 
supposing  it  Avas  the  advance  of  the  Fifth  corps,  decided  to 
retreat  to  Five  Forks.  At  midnight  his  trains  and  artillery, 
followed  by  his  infantry,  marched  along  the  road  leading  di- 
rectly to  that  point.  Corse’s  brigade  Avas  the  last  to  go,  leav- 
ing about  daylight. 

Munford’s  brigade  of  cavalry  immediately  followed,  Avhile 
W.  H.  F.  Lee  and  Rosser  crossed  Chamberlain’s  Creek,  and 


FICKETT  IX  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES. 


719 


passed  bjr  the  way  of  Little  Five  Forks,  and  joined  the  re- 
mainder of  the  Confederates  at  Five  Forks.  General  Pickett 
immediately  informed  General  Lee  of  this  movement,  and  the 
latter  ordered  him  to  maintain  his  position  at  the  Forks,  and 
thus  protect  the  South  Side  railroad,  along  which  General 
Lee  proposed  to  retreat,  from  Richmond  and  Petersburg. 

Upon  receiving  these  orders  General  Pickett  began  to  in- 
trench his  position,  and  to  make  it  as  strong  as  possible.  At 
five  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  April  first,  General  Griffin,  with 
his  division,  moved  from  the  White  Oak  road  across  the 
country  to  the  forks  of  the  road  at  J.  Boisseau’s,  where,  at 
seven  o’clock,  he  met  the  cavalry  division  of  General  Devens, 
and  reported  to  General  Sheridan.  General  Crawford  closely 
followed  General  Griffin. 

Sheridan  ordered  Warren  to  remain  at  that  point  and  re- 
fresh his  men  and  be  prepared  to  move  to  the  front  when 
ordered.  General  McKenzie,  with  his  cavalry,  had  also 
arrived,  and  was  ordered  to  halt  at  Dinwiddie  Court-house. 

At  daylight  General  Merritt,  with  his  two  divisions  of 
cavalry,  had  moved  along  the  road  from  the  Court-house 
toward  Five  Forks,  pressing  the  Confederate  rear.  Custer, 
whose  division  formed  the  right,  dismounted  his  men,  that 
they  might,  in  that  rough  country,  render  more  effective 
service. 

General  Pickett’s  veterans  had  intrenched  a line  nearly 
two  miles  in  length,  at  Five  Forks,  running  along  the  White 
Oak  road,  the  forks  being  nearly  in  the  center  of  the  line. 
On  the  Confederate  left  was  a return  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  yards  in  length.  General  W.  LI.  F.  Lee’s  cavalry 
formed  the  Confederate  right  along  the  west  line  of  the  Gil- 
lam  field.  Then  in  succession  came  the  brigades  of  Corse, 
Terry,  Stuart,  Ransom  and  Wallace.  Pegram’s  battalion  of 
artillery  was  placed  with  three  guns  on  the  right  of  Corse, 
three  at  the  Five  Forks,  and  McGregor’s  battery  of  four 
guns  on  the  left.  Munford’s  cavalry  division  was  dismounted 
and  posted  on  the  left,  connecting  with  the  left  of  Wallace, 
and  extending  to  Hatcher's  Run.  General  Rosser  guarded 
the  trains  on  the  north  bank  of  Hatcher’s  Run,  near  the  road. 


720 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


General  Merritt  continued  his  advance  until  he  pressed  up 
closely  to  Pickett’s  intrenchments. 

General  Sheridan  planned  his  battle  with  rare  skill.  It 
was  for  Merritt’s  cavalry  to  operate  as  if  they  would  turn 
Pickett's  right  flank,  and  while  the  attention  of  the  Con- 
federates was  thus  drawn  in  that  direction,  to  attack  their 
right  flank  and  rear  with  the  Fifth  corps.  As  soon  as 
Merritt’s  cavalry  should  hear  the  firing  of  the  Fifth  corps 
they  were  to  make  an  attack  in  front.  If  this  movement 
should  succeed,  Pickett  would  not  only  be  defeated,  but  sepa- 
rated from  the  remainder  of  the  Confederate  army,  and  would 
be  driven  westward. 

At  one  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  General  Warren  received 
orders  from  General  Sheridan  to  bring  up  the  Fifth  corps, 
and  form  it  on  the  right  of  General  Devens,  some  seven  hun- 
dred yards  south  of  the  White  Oak  road,  near  the  Gravelly 
Run  church.  The  Fifth  corps  arrived  in  the  following  order: 
Crawford,  Griffin  and  Ayers.  General  Crawford’s  division 
was  placed  on  the  right  of  Gravelly  Run  church,  in  a posi- 
tion where  it  was  supposed,  that  in  moving  forward,  his  cen- 
ter would  strike  the  return  upon  the  Confederate  left  flank. 
Griffin’s  division  was  placed  in  the  rear  of  Crawford’s.  Gen- 
eral Ayers  was  on  Crawford’s  left,  and  was  to  engage  the 
Confederates  in  front,  while  the  other  divisions  should  press 
in  upon  their  rear  and  flank.  General  Warren  had  received 
his  information  of  the  Confederate  position  from  General 
Sheridan  in  person,  and  the  formation  of  General  Warren’s 
corps  was  made  upon  the  information  thus  obtained,  and  the 
errors  of  that  formation,  as  they  subsequently  developed,  can- 
not be  attributed  to  General  Warren. 

The  line  was  to  move  forward  until  it  reached  the  White 
Oak  road,  when  it  was  to  swing  to  the  left  until  it  should 
cross  that  road  at  right  angles.  General  McKenzie  had  in 
the  meantime  moved  with  his  cavalry  from  the  Court-house, 
and  after  a sharp  skirmish  had  seized  the  White  Oak  road  at 
a point  three  miles  east  of  Five  Forks.  He  was  then  ordered 
to  move  forward  with  the  Fifth  corps  beyond  the  Confeder- 


PICKETT  IK  COMMAND  OF  CONFEDERATES.  721 

ate  rear,  and  prevent  any  retreat  by  the  way  of  the  Ford 
road  across  Hatcher’s  Run. 

At  four  o’clock  General  Ayers’  division  was  in  position,  and 
the  order  was  given  to  make  the  attack.  The  Fifth  corps 
swept  across  the  White  Oak  road,  only  receiving  a slight  fire. 
General  Warren,  supposing  that  the  Confederate  line  was  in 
the  edge  of  a thick  wood,  a few  hundred  yards  beyond  the 
road,  continued  to  advance  directly  toward  that  point.  Gen- 
eral Ayers’  division,  moving  through  a thick  wood,  and  not 
having  reached  the  road  as  quickly  as  the  other  divisions, 
suddenly  received  a severe  fire  from  the  return  of  the  Con- 
federate line,  so  that  instead  of  General  Warren  finding  the 
flank  of  the  Confederates  where  he  had  been  informed  it  was 
by  General  Sheridan,  he  found  it  eight  hundred  yards  further 
to  the  west,  and  instead  of  striking  the  return  with  the  cen- 
ter of  Crawford’s  division  on  his  right,  his  extreme  left  had 
come  in  contact  with  it,  and  consequently  the  whole  plan  of 
attack  must  be  changed. 

General  Ayers  quickly  saw  the  situation  in  which  he  was 
placed,  and  changing  front,  proposed  to  charge  upon  the  Con- 
federate return,  and  by  a brilliant  charge  carried  the  works 
after  a desperate  encounter.  Many  prisoners  and  a number 
of  battle-flags  were  captured.  In  the  meantime  General 
Warren  had  changed  the  direction  in  which  his  other  divisions 
were  marching.  Griffin’s  division  came  in  on  Ayers’  right, 
while  Crawford's  was  swung  in  on  the  enemy's  rear.  Every- 
thing was  confusion  and  excitement.  Sheridan,  with  his 
staff,  was  dashing  to  and  fro  along  the  Confederate  front  and 
left  flank.  Warren  and  his  staff  were  plunging  at  a fearful 
rate  through  the  dense  woods,  endeavoring  to  get  the  whole 
of  the  Fifth  corps  in  upon  the  Confederates.  Ayers  was 
leading  his  men  in  the  thickest  of  the  battle  at  the  angle  of 
the  return. 

The  brigades  of  Griffin's  division  became  separated  in  the 
thick  underbrush,  but  under  their  gallant  commanders  soon 
found  the  enemy.  Chamberlain  joined  in  with  Ayres,  and 
did  noble  work  near  the  return.  Bartlett’s  division  came  up 
46 


722 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


squarely  behind  the  Confederates  at  a point  some  two  hun- 
dred yards  east  of  the  Five  Forks.  They  swept  over  the 
works  like  a tidal  wave,  capturing  over  five  hundred  pris- 
oners and  a number  of  colors.  Crawford's  division  came  in 
on  the  Ford  road.  The  cavalry  were  fighting  like  demons, 
and  came  up  a moment  after  the  works  were  captured  by  the 
infantry.  The  guns  at  the  Forks  were  captured  by  both  in- 
fantry and  cavalry  seizing  them  at  the  same  moment. 

The  Confederates  were  surprised,  demoralized,  and  almost 
dumbfounded,  but  they  did  not  forget  how  to  fight.  Bravely 
they  stood  up  against  the  adverse  tides  that  were  sweeping  in 
upon  them,  and  when  defeated  at  every  other  point  they  made 
a last  stand  behind  the  right  of  their  intrenchments. 

Sheridan  dashed  down  the  White  Oak  road  cheering  on  his 
men,  waving  his  hat  and  shouting,  “Smash  them!  Smash 
them!”  But  General  Warren  was  in  his  advance,  and  with 
his  corps’  flag  in  his  hand,  rallied  and  led  on  his  men  across 
a broad  field  in  the  final  charge  upon  the  last  position  held 
by  the  brave  Confederates. 

GALLANTRY  OP  GENERAL  WARREN. 

It  was  indeed  a glorious  sight,  one  such  as  is  rarely  seen,  a 
major-general  in  full  uniform,  that  glistened  in  the  rays  of 
the  setting  sun,  carrying  his  banner,  and  riding  in  advance  of 
a body  of  troops,  with  broken  columns,  to  charge  a line  of  in- 
trenchments manned  by  a desperate  foe.  It  was  the  last  of- 
ficial act  of  the  gallant  Warren  on  the  field  of  strife.  On- 
ward he  rode  while  hundreds  of  bullets  whistled  around  his 
person,  and  chanted  their  death  song  in  his  ear,  but  he  heeded 
them  not.  The  line  is  almost  reached ; his  noble  steed  is 
shot,  reels,  staggers,  falls,  but  Warren  is  upon  his  feet,  and 
with  his  brave  men  dashes  over  the  breastworks. 

It  was  a disastrous  day  for  the  Confederate  arms  ; five 
thousand  prisoners,  three  pieces  of  artillery,  and  many  killed 
and  wounded,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors.  The  gallant 
Pegram  was  slain ; the  South  Side  railroad  lost.  The  sun  of 
the  Confederacy  had  sunk  in  an  endless  night.  It  had  been 


GALLANTRY  OF  GENERAL  WARREN. 


723 


a great  victory  for  the  Union,  but  many  of  its  brave  men  had 
gone  down  in  death,  while  many  others  had  been  wounded, 
and  yet  neither  those  who  wore  the  blue  or  gray  were  so  ill- 
fated  as  General  Warren  who,  after  a glorious  service  of  four 
years  in  his  country's  defence,  was  denied  an  honorable  death 
with  his  ‘comrades  upon  the  red  field  of  carnage,  but  doomed 
to  endure  a living  torture  at  the  hand  of  a cruel  and  unjust 
officer,  who  only  in  rank  could  be  called  his  superior. 


724 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

THRILLING  INCIDENTS,  ANECDOTES,  POEM. 

“GO  ’way  dar,  won’t  ye?” 

Shortly  after  the  arrival  of  a certain  Union  regiment  in 
the  suburbs  of  Martinsburg,  Virginia,  the  squad  messing  in 
one  of  the  tents  near  a dwelling  were  listeners  to  some  most 
beautiful  music.  The  unknown  vocalist  sang  in  tones  so  soft, 
so  pathetic,  and  so  melodious,  that  the  volunteers  strained 
their  ears  to  drink  in  every  note  of  the  air. 

One  night  the  voice  again  struck  up  a song,  and  a deter- 
mined effort  was  made  to  get  a look  at  the  singer.  Softly 
one  fellow  crawled  near  the  house,  and  as  the  voice  emanated 
from  the  basement,  entered  the  door,  when  lo,  prone  upon 
the  kitchen  hearth,  sat  the  mysterious  songstress,  an  ebony- 
hued  negress,  scouring  the  tin  kettles  ! 

The  soldier’s  limbs  sank  beneath  him,  and  the  discovered, 
looking  up,  said,  “ Go  ’way,  dar,  won’t  ye,  or  I’ll  shy  de  fry- 
ing-pan out  o’  de  winder?”  The  soldier  left,  but  not  to 
dream,  perchance. 

“JEB”  STUART  PLAYING  ORDERLY  TO  GENERAL  BAYARD. 

During  the  week  of  battles  in  front  of  Washington,  General 
Bayard  went  forward,  under  a flag  of  truce,  to  meet  and  con- 
fer with  his  old  comrade  in  arms,  the  famous  J.  E.  B.  Stuart, 
of  the  Confederate  cavalry.  Less  than  two  years  previously, 
Jeb  was  First  Lieutenant  and  Bayard  Second  Lieutenant  in 
the  same  company;  but  Jeb  was  now  a Major-General,  and 
Bayard  a Brigadier. 

During  the  interview  a wounded  soldier  lying  near  was 
groaning  and  asking  for  water. 


NASBY’S  REASONS  WHY  HE  SHOULD  NOT  BE  DRAFTED.  725 

“Here  Jeb,”  said  Bayard — old  time  recollections  making 
him  familiar,  as  he  tossed  his  bridle  to  the  Confederate 
officer — “hold  my  horse  a minute,  -will  you,  till  I fetch  that 
poor  fellow  some  water?”  Jeb  held  the  bridle.  Bayard 
went  to  a stream  and  brought  the  wounded  man  some  water. 
As  Bayard  mounted  his  horse,  Jeb  remarked  that  he  had  not 
for  some  time  “played  orderly  to  a Union  general.” 

A STRAIGHTFORWARD  HOOSIER. 

An  Indiana  chaplain,  at  one  of  the  camps  near  Corinth, 
selected  for  singing  the  hymn  commencing, 

“Show  pity,  Lord,  O Lord,  forgive; 

Let  a repentant  rebel  live.” 

He  had  scarcely  uttered  the  last  word  of  this  line  when  a 
private  soldier  in  his  congregation,  an  old  man  and  a zealous 
Christian,  earnestly  cried  out,  “No,  Lord,  unless  they  lay 
down  their  arms.”  While  the  clergyman  was  offering  prayer, 
a rifle  shot  was  heard  as  if  from  the  picket  a mile  away. 

The  report  of  the  gun  was  immediately  followed  by  an  ex- 
clamation from  the  same  venerable  Hoosier — “Lord,  if  that’s 
a Union  shot,  send  the  bullet  straight,  an’  if  it  aint,  hit  a tree 
with  it,  Lord.” 

nasby’s  reasons  why  he  should  not  be  drafted. 

Petroleum  V.  Nasby,  in  order  to  place  himself  in  his  proper 
position  before  the  public,  felt  called  upon  to  give  his  rea- 
sons— weighty  and  cogent  ones,  too, — why  he  should  not  be 
drafted.  Says  he : I see  in  the  papers  last  nite  that  the  gov- 
ernment haz  institooted  a draft,  that  in  a few  weeks  hundreds 
uv  thousands  uv  peaceable  citizens  will  be  dragged  to  the 
tented  field.  I know  not  wat  uthers  may  do,  but  ez  fur  me, 
I can’t  go.  Upon  a rigid  eggsaminashun  uv  my  fizzikle 
man,  I find  it  wooed  be  wus  ner  madnes  fer  me  to  undertake 
a campane,  to  wit : 

1 I'm  baldheaded,  and  hev  been  obliged  to  ware  a wig 
these  twenty-two  yeres. 


726 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


2 I hey  dandruff  in  wat  scanty  hair  still  hangs  around 
my  venerable  temples. 

3 I hey  a kronic  katarr. 

4 I hey  lost,  since  Stanton’s  order  to  draft,  the  use  uv 
one  eye  entirely,  and  hev  kronic  inflammashun  in  the  other. 

5 My  teeth  is  all  unsound,  my  palit  ain't  eggsactly  rite, 
and  I hev  hed  bronkeetis  thirty-one  yeres  last  Joon.  At 
present  I hev  a koff,  the  paroxisms  uv  which  is  frightful  2 
behold. 

6 I’m  holler  chisted,  and  short-winded;  hev  alius  hed 
panes  in  my  back  and  side. 

7 I’m  afflicted  with  kronic  diarrear  and  kostivniss.  The 
money  I hev  paid  fer  Jayness  Karminnytive  Balsam  and  Pills 
would  astonish  almost  everybody. 

8 I am  rupchured  in  9 places,  and  am  entirely  enveloped 
with  trusses. 

9 I hev  varrykose  vanes,  hev  a white  swellin  on  wun 
leg  and  a fever  sore  on  the  uther ; also  wun  leg  is  shorter 
than  tother,  though  I handle  it  so  expert  that  nobody  never 
notices  it. 

10  I hev  korns  and  bunyuns  on  both  feet,  which  woold 
prevent  me  from  marchin. 

I don’t  suppose  that  my  political  opinions,  which  are  fer- 
ninst  the  prosekooshun  uv  this  unconstitooshnel  war,  woold 
hev  enny  wate  with  a draftin  osifer,  but  the  above  reasons 
why  I can’t  go,  will,  I think,  no  doubt  be  suffishent. 

HOW  THEY  LOST  THEIR  BREAKFAST. 

During  the  seven  days’  fight  before  Richmond,  Jackson’s 
corps  was  halted,  on  the  evening  of  June  thirtieth,  at  White 
Oak  Swamp.  Pickets  were  posted,  as  is  usual,  to  guard  the 
front.  On  the  next  morning  they  were  withdrawn,  and  the 
pursuit  of  McClellan  resumed.  Two  of  them,  who  were  on 
the  extreme  right  of  the  line,  were  overlooked.  These  re- 
mained upon  their  posts  until  near  nine  o’clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, when  the  sound  of  firing  in  the  front  convinced  them 
that  the  command  had  gone  forward. 


HOW  THEY  LOST  THEIR  BREAKFAST. 


727 


Not  having  orders  to  leave  their  posts,  they  were  at  a loss 
as  to  what  to  do.  At  length  they  concluded  to  move  in  the 
direction  of  the  firing,  and  reinforce  “old  Jack,”  in  case  he 
was  in  a tight  place.  Their  rations  had  been  consumed  the 
night  before,  and  now  they  began  to  feel  hungry.  After  wan- 
dering through  the  swamps  nearly  all  day,  they  reluctantly 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  they  were  either  demoralized,  or 
verjr  badly  scattered.  As  night  set  in  they  struck  an  aban- 
doned camp,  however,  and  soon  began  an  eager  search  for 
something  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  the  inner  man.  Cooking 
implements  were  in  abundance,  but  if  the  Yankees  had  left 
anything  to  eat,  some  hungry  rebel  had  been  there  before 
them,  and  made  a pretty  clean  sweep.  One  of  the  two  found 
a piece  of  salt  beef,  weighing  nearly  three  pounds,  while  the 
other  picked  up  a small  square  of  desiccated  vegetables,  that 
had  been  trampled  in  the  ground. 

It  was  not  a very  inviting  bill  of  fare,  but  they  were  too 
hungry  to  be  fastidious.  The  vegetables  being  washed 
tolerably  clean,  a large  camp-kettle  was  next  tilled  with 
water,  and  then  a roaring  fire  was  built,  and  they  proceeded 
to  make  a soup. 

Not  knowing  what  might  befall  them  on  the  morrow  they 
resolved  to  make  their  supper  on  soup  and  save  the  beef  for 
the  next  day.  Having  eaten  as  much  of  the  salty  soup  as 
they  could  contain,  they  lit  their  pipes  and  took  an  evening 
smoke,  unrolled  their  blankets,  and  lay  down  to  rest,  after 
first  placing  the  precious  piece  of  meat  on  a board  to  cool  off. 

About  midnight  one  of  them  was  awakened  by  the  noise  of 
a scuffle,  accompanied  by  a sound  like  the  fall  of  a heavy  piece 
of  timber,  and  an  angry  voice  exclaiming:  “Get  out  of  this, 
you  infernal  rascal.”  He  sat  up  and  rubbed  his  eyes  in  utter 
bewilderment,  his  first  thought  being,  “The  Yankees  have 
got  us  for  certain,”  but  in  the  flickering  light  of  the  almost 
dying  fire,  he  saw  his  comrade  brandishing  a stick,  and  in  full 
pursuit  of  a half  starved  cur  that  was  making  for  the  swamp 
with  the  meat  in  his  mouth.  The  sight  was  so  ludicrous  that 
he  broke  out  in  a fit  of  laughter. 


728 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Presently  the  other  came  back  growling  and  swearing. 
“Laugh,  confound  you,”  he  said.  “You  will  laugh  on  the 
other  side  of  your  mouth  in  the  morning.  Perdition  seize  the 
hungry  whelp,”  and  so  he  continued  to  grumble  till  he  fell 
asleep.  If  maledictions  can  kill  a dog,  the  bones  of  that 
poor  cur  are  now  bleaching  in  the  dark  swamps  of  the 
Chickahominy. 

FLIGHT  FROM  THE  SHENANDOAH. 

The  order  for  the  desolating  of  the  Shenandoah  Yalley,  is- 
sued by  General  Grant,  that  it  might  not  afford  sustenance  to 
the  Confederate  raiders,  was  the  source  of  wide-spread  ruin 
to  the  inhabitants  of  that  region.  Property  of  all  descrip- 
tions was  swept  away  as  with  a besom  in  an  iron  hand,  and 
families  without  number  were  scattered  houseless  to  poverty, 
exposure  and  hunger. 

An  illustration  of  the  scenes  attending  such  a hegira  is  af- 
forded in  the  case  of  a woman,  a very  Niobe  in  her  distress, 
who  was  discovered  sitting  by  the  wayside,  on  an  old  chest, 
and  with  whom  the  following  conversation  transpired  : 

“ You  look  very  sad,  ma’am.” 

“Yes,  and  I feel  so,  too,  sir,”  replied  she;  “but  I've  got 
through  crying  long  ago,  sir  ; I’ve  no  more  tears  to  shed.” 

“ Do  you  come  from  the  valle}r  ? ” 

“Yes,  Ave  are  all  from  the  valley.” 

“ How  far  ? ” 

“ Nigh  fifty  miles  I reckon  we  came.  Why,  we  were  rich,” 
continued  she ; “we  had  a nice  farm,  a good  house  and  barns, 
and  let  me  tell  you  what  we  had  beside.  We  had  nine  head 
of  young  cattle,  we  had  four  cows,  and  four  old  horses,  and 
six  colts.  Then  there  were  thirty  sheep,  and  six  fatted  hogs, 
and  six  pigs.  Then  I had  in  the  house  two  barrels  of  apple 
butter,  three  hundred  pounds  of  honey,  three  crocks  of  but- 
ter, and  I had  silk  in  the  house  for  two  new  dresses,  to  say 
nothing  of  my  drawers  being  full  of  sheets  and  pillow  cases, 
and  all  kinds  of  house  linen,  and  a feather  bed  on  every  bed- 
stead. Well,  sir,  I was  a Union  woman,  I was;  I gave  my 


THE  ADVENTURES  OF  A PRIVATE  SOLDIER.  729 

honey  and  my  apple  butter,  and  all  my  things  to  your  men, 
when,  they  came  up  there  scouting,  and  I never  begrudged  it. 

“When  the  order  came  for  your  men  to  clear  the  valley, 
some  of  them  came  while  I was  over  to  a neighbor’s.  I saw 
the  light  in  my  direction,  and,  oh  dear,  I knew  what  was 
going  on — I knew  my  barn  was  going.  I ran  all  the  way, 
and  I came  on  one  man  with  a pot  of  butter,  and  another 
with  a pot  of  honey,  and  all  my  things ; I knew  whose  they 
were,  and  when  I got  there  they  had  gutted  my  house. 
I just  had  time  to  get  a few  things  together — there’s  all  that’s 
left,  sir,”  pointing  with  an  air  of  unutterable  despondency  to 
a little  pile  of  effects  at  her  feet. 

“Have  you  nothing  left  but  those  ! ” 

“Only  thirty  dollars  in  money  beside,”  said  she.  “We 
sold  a colt  to  one  of  your  men,  and  he  was  a kind  man,  too, 
for  thirty  dollars.  We  had  considerable  of  Confederate 
money,  but  that  was  no  good.” 

“ Well,  where  do  you  intend  to  go  ? ” 

“Me  and  the  children  hope  to  go  to  Ohio,  but  we  don’t 
know  as  we  shall.  We  don’t  know  what  to  do.” 

In  this  same  condition,  each  with  its  kindred  tale  of  woe, 
were  hundreds  of  families  on  their  way  from  the  depopulated 
valley  of  the  Shenandoah.  In  the  darkness  of  the  night  the 
scene  was  one  that  mingled  the  wretched  and  the  picturesque 
in  a manner  that  never  yet  engaged  the  artist’s  pencil.  An 
angry  sky  over  their  heads,  and  bleak,  cold  winds  whistling 
around  them ; women  with  children  of  tender  years,  often 
with  babes  at  their  breasts ; young  girls  and  boys  and  feeble 
old  men — for  there  were  no  young  or  able  men  among  them ; 
such  were  the  scenes  and  groups  which  met  the  eye  and 
wrung  the  heart. 

THE  ADVENTURES  OF  A PRIVATE  SOLDIER. 

On  the  twenty-first  of  March,  1865,  a raiding  party  of  the 
Ninth  New  York  cavalry  dashed  into  the  town  of  Edinburg, 
Shenandoah  county,  Virginia,  and  surprised  and  captured 
several  Confederate  soldiers  who  were  at  their  homes,  totally 


730 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


unconscious  of  the  proximity  of  the  Federals.  Among  the 
number  thus  taken  was  Captain  H.  H.  Riddleberger,  who, 
after  the  close  of  the  war,  was  elected  to  the  senate  of  the 
United  States  from  Virginia.  The  experience  of  one  of  the 
soldiers  likewise  captured,  is  given  in  the  following  sketch. 

“ After  an  imprisonment  of  eight  months  at  Point  Lookout 
and  Elmira,  I had  returned  to  my  home  on  parole,  having 
been  sent  from  Elmira  as  an  attendant  on  the  sick  and  dis- 
abled soldiers  who  at  that  time  were  being  exchanged.  I 
had  been  at  home  but  a few  days,  when  one  morning  a squad 
of  men,  dressed  in  gray  uniforms,  rode  through  the  streets  of 
the  village. 

“ They  passed  several  soldiers  who  were  about  the  streets, 
nodding  familiarly  as  they  rode  along.  Suddenly  they  reined 
up  their  horses,  drew  their  revolvers,  and  commanded  the 
men  to  surrender.  At  first  they  took  it  as  a joke,  that  the 
gray  horsemen  were  some  of  Harry  Gilmore’s  battalion,  but 
when  they  began  to  fire,  and  the  boys  looked  down  the  street 
and  saw  a column  of  blue  coming  at  a trot,  they  began  to 
take  in  the  situation.  Then  there  was  hurrying  to  and  fro ; 
Captain  Riddleberger  dashed  down  a side  street,  and  ran 
through  the  creek,  but  before  he  could  climb  the  steep  bank 
on  the  opposite  side,  several  of  the  cavalry  were  upon  him. 

“ As  he  and  all  the  rest  of  us  were  unarmed,  he  deemed  dis- 
cretion the  better  part  of  valor,  and  so  surrendered.  The 
narrator,  in  company  with  a tall  comrade,  familiarly  known 
as  the  ‘Seven  Foot  Reb,’  had  started  to  the  house  of  a rela- 
tive where  we  had  an  invitation  to  dine.  As  we  neared  the 
mill  we  heard  the  sound  of  the  firing,  and  on  looking  across 
the  narrow  stream,  saw  that  the  street  was  blue  with  Yankees. 

‘“Seven  Foot’  made  a dash  for  the  mill,  and,  crawling 
down  into  the  cog-pit,  secreted  himself.  I had  often  said  I 
would  not  be  caught  hiding,  so  I made  bold  to  push  for  a 
skirt  of  wood,  distant  about  a quarter  of  a mile.  As  I ran 
the  balls  from  the  carbines  of  the  men  in  the  streets  cut  the 
ground  all  around  me,  but,  heedless  of  the  danger,  I pressed 
on,  and  had  nearly  reached  the  cover  for  which  I was  strik- 


THE  ADVENTURES  OF  A PRIVATE  SOLDIER.  731 

ing,  when  right  in  my  path,  I found  a sergeant  and  four  or 
five  men  who  had  crossed  the  creek  at  a point  below  and 
come  around  over  fields,  and  cut  off  my  retreat.  I gave  my- 
self up  with  a good  grace,  and  claimed  exemption  from  arrest 
by  virtue  of  my  parole. 

“The  sergeant  told  me  he  had  no  authority  to  release  me, 
•but  that  he  was  confident  that  the  major  in  command  of  the 
expedition  would  set  me  free  as  soon  as  he  saw  my  papers. 

“ It  was  a little  mortifying  to  be  marched  past  my  uncle’s 
house,  where  a good  dinner  was  awaiting  me,  and  to  be  hur- 
ried off  to  the  major  to  be  cross-examined,  and  my  hope  of 
release  to  be  dissipated,  for,  after  a critical  examination  of  my 
parole,  he  said:  ‘I  guess  I'll  take  you  to  Winchester  and  let 
General  Torbert  settle  this  question.  I’ve  no  doubt  he  will 
send  you  to  Fort  Delaware.’  I swallowed  my  rage  as  best  I 
could,  and  tried  to  appear  indifferent. 

“ The  five  prisoners  were  mounted  on  horses  that  had  been 
stolen  from  citizens  of  the  vicinity.  My  steed,  however,  was 
not  a horse,  but  a vicious,  fox-eared  mule,  which  had  been 
taken  from  Mr.  Carver,  a citizen  of  the  town.  I had  no 
saddle;  the  mule’s  back  was  sharp,  and  as  you  may  imagine 
my  situation  was  not  the  most  pleasant  imaginable. 

“One  good  hearted  Yankee,  seeing  my  predicament,  gen- 
erously gave  me  a heavy  overcoat  to  fold  into  a cushion,  upon 
which  I rode  with  some  degree  of  comfort. 

“ It  began  to  rain  in  the  afternoon,  and  my  kind  friend 
gave  me  a sack,  in  which  there  were  oats,  and  told  me  to  put 
the  overcoat  on,  and  to  use  the  sack  as  a saddle.  I donned 
the  coat,  and  with  my  black  slouched  hat  I flattered  myself 
that  I looked  very  much  like  my  captors,  and  the  idea  of 
making  my  escape  took  definite  shape  in  my  brain. 

“We  found  General  Torbert’s  picket  line  stretched  across 
the  valley,  between  Middletown  and  Newtown.  After  pass- 
ing this,  the  vigilance  which  had  been  exercised  all  day  was 
relaxed.  Many  of  the  men  dismounted,  that  they  might 
stretch  their  weary  limbs,  which  had  become  cramped  from 
having  been  in  the  saddle  for  over  twenty-four  hours.  I also 


732 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


dismounted,  and  mingling  with  the  men  on  foot  prepared  to 
seize  the  first  opportunity  for  escape  which  presented  itself. 

“About  half-way  through  the  village  of  Newtown  I slipped 
behind  a large  tree,  hoping  to  conceal  myself  until  the  com- 
mand had  passed,  but  one  fellow  spied  me,  and  with  a good- 
natured  grin,  he  said,  ‘ Come  out  of  that,  Johnnie.  That  is 
an  old  game  which  you  can’t  play  on  us.’  I laughed,  and 
slipped  back  into  the  road.  No  other  opportunity  presented 
itself  until  we  reached  Kernstown.  Here  a small  stream 
crosses  the  turnpike.  On  the  right  hand  side  of  the  road  as 
we  marched,  is  a stone  fence,  with  a water  gap,  over  which 
was  a log  for  foot  passengers.  The  dismounted  men  walked 
across  this  log.  I modestly  waited  until  they  had  all  crossed, 
and  then  followed,  but  instead  of  getting  down  in  the  road, 
as  the  rest  had  done,  I dropped  upon  the  inside  of  the  wall 
and  lay  still  until  the  whole  troop  had  passed. 

“ When  the  sound  of  the  horses’  feet  had  died  away,  I took 
the  back  track.  The  night  was  intensely  dark,  and  as  I 
evaded  the  main  road  I had  no  fears  of  being  overtaken,  even 
should  my  escape  be  discovered.  My  chief  concern  was  how 
to  pass  the  cordon  of  pickets  stretched  across  the  valley. 
Fortunately  the  fires,  which  the  men  at  the  reserve  posts  had 
kindled,  pointed  out  their  locality.  I crept  softly  by  in  the 
darkness,  as  I could  hear  the  voices  of  the  men  in  conversa- 
tion, and  discovered  that  a sergeant  was  about  to  start  with 
his  men  to  relieve  the  guard  on  the  outpost. 

“Keeping  within  hearing  of  these  until  they  were  chal- 
lenged, and  the  picket  relieved,  I ascertained  the  exact  local- 
ity of  the  guard,  and  very  quietly  passed  between  two  of 
their  posts.  Increasing  my  speed,  my  intention  was  to  pro- 
ceed in  the  direction  of  Front  Royal,  and  strike  the  base  of 
the  Massanutten  Mountain,  and  to  keep  under  its  friendly 
shade  until  I should  reach  home,  but  without  even  a star  to 
guide  me,  I turned  out  of  my  way. 

“ Somewhere,  in  that  gloomy  night,  I struck  a neglected 
nursery ; the  little  apple  trees  were  growing  very  thickly,  and 
I thought  I should  never  find  my  way  out.  The  limbs  of  the 


THE  ADVENTURES  OF  A PRIVATE  SOLDIER.  733 

trees  scratched  my  face  and  hands  and  tore  my  clothing ; I 
lost  mjr  hat,  and  had  considerable  difficulty  in  recovering  it. 
I really  began  to  wish  that  I had  gone  on  to  Winchester  with 
the  rest  of  my  party. 

“At  last  I emerged  from  the  thickets,  but  so  bewildered 
that  I could  not  form  the  least  idea  of  the  proper  direction 
for  me  to  take.  I proceeded  slowly  for  a while,  and  on  com- 
ing up  to  a farmhouse,  witli  some  out-buildings  near  it,  I 
crawled  into  a corncrib  and  determined  to  lie  down  to  sleep, 
but  in  a short  time,  two  or  three  dogs  from  the  house  having 
discovered  my  whereabouts,  raised  such  a terrible  din  by  their 
barking  and  growling  around  my  temporary  resting  place, 
that  I concluded  I could  do  better  on  the  road  than  remain- 
ing in  the  corncrib. 

“ By  this  time  the  rain  had  ceased,  and  the  morning  dawn 
began  to  streak  the  east.  I walked  slowly  on  until  it  became 
light  enough  for  me  to  take  my  bearings,  when  I found,  that 
at  some  time  during  the  night,  I had  crossed  the  Yalley  turn- 
pike, and  was  now  on  the  road  to  Cedar  Creek  Yalley.  Just 
as  the  sun  arose  I came  to  a nice  looking  country  residence. 
An  old  gentleman,  evidently  the  owner  of  the  place,  came  out 
to  the  stile  as  I approached.  After  saluting  him,  I asked,  in 
a respectful  manner,  whether  he  would  furnish  me  with  some- 
thing with  which  to  break  my  fast. 

“He  answered  by  saying:  ‘We  have  been  eaten  out ; the 
soldiers,  of  one  side  or  the  other,  have  been  here  constantly 
for  the  last  two  years,  and  we  have  nothing  left.’  All  this 
time  he  was  eyeing  my  blue  overcoat.  At  length  he  asked 
abruptly:  ‘ When  did  you  leave  the  Northern  Army?’ 

“‘Last  night  about  nine  o’clock,’  I replied. 

“‘Where  were  they  at  that  time?’  again  he  inquired. 

‘“Near  Kernstown,  and  going  in  the  direction  of  Win- 
chester.’ ‘Where  are  you  going?’  was  the  next  question. 

‘“I  am  trying  to  make  my  way  home,’  was  my  reply. 

‘“I  reckon  you  are  tired  of  fighting,’  said  he.  I responded 
by  saying,  ‘ I never  was  very  fond  of  it,’  and  then  thinking  I 
had  carried  the  joke  far  enough,  I said,  ‘ I suppose  you  take 


734 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


me  for  a deserter  from  the  Federal  army,  do  you  not?’  ‘Yes, 
I do,’  was  the  answer.  I hastened  to  inform  him  that  he  was 
mistaken,  and  told  him  who  I was,  and  how  I came  to  be 
there ; meanwhile  I had  unbuttoned  my  bine  coat,  and 
showed  him  my  gray  jacket. 

“ At  once  his  manner  changed,  and  with  the  utmost  cordial- 
ity he  invited  me  into  the  house,  brought  me  some  dry  cloth- 
ing, and  in  a little  while  called  me  to  sit  down  to  such  a 
breakfast  as  no  Confederate  soldier  who  had  any  regard  for 
the  reputation  of  his  country  would  ever  turn  his  back  upon. 
After  breakfast  he  sent  a servant  with  a horse  to  carry  me 
across  Cedar  Creek,  which  had  been  swollen  by  the  recent 
rain.  I continued  my  journey,  and  at  sunset  I arrived  at  the 
home  of  my  boyhood,  having  traveled  about  sixty  miles  since 
my  capture.  A few  weeks  after  Lee’s  surrender  I had  the 
privilege  of  seeing  the  boys  from  whom  I had  slipped  away, 
and  we  had  a hearty  laugh  over  my  adventure.  Captain  Rid- 
dleberger  was  carried  to  Fort  McHenry,  and  not  released  un- 
til some  time  in  July.” 

THE  BULL  AND  THE  DUTCH  REGIMENT. 

The  following  extract  from  one  of  the  officers  of  Blenker’s 
command  is  too  good  to  be  lost. 

“ We  were  all  sitting  together,  watching  the  operations  of 
the  troops,  and  telling  stories,  and  laughing  heartily  with 
mirth.  . . . All  was  bustle  around  us.  Some  of  the  soldiers 
were  carrying  boxes  of  bread,  others  were  cleaning  out  rifles, 
and  others  arranging  their  knapsacks. 

“Directly  in  front  of  us  a Dutch  sutler  wagon  had  halted, 
and  its  proprietor  was  dealing  out  the  lager  beer  in  foaming 
glasses,  and  the  precious  Limburg  cheese,  whose  stifling  and 
offensive  odor  would  have  put  a skunk  to  flight.  While  we 
were  watching  the  amusing  antics  of  the  queer-looking  Dutch- 
men, as  they  skipped  about,  or  clambered  up  the  sides  of  the 
wagon,  vociferating  for  their  beverage,  a herd  of  cattle  was 
driven  up,  and  halted  near  by,  while  the  regimental  commis- 
sary sergeants  selected  the  animals  by  turn.  Among  them 


THE  BULL  AND  THE  DUTCH  REGIMENT. 


735 


was  an  enormous  black  bull,  who  had  evidently  seen  many 
summers  pass  over  his  broad  and  massive  head.  He  had 
probably  been  captured  by  our  foragers  in  the  surrounding 
country,  and  had  been  turned  in  among  the  common  stock  of 
the  commissar}r.  He  was  evidently  a patriarch  in  years,  and 
certainly  as  tough  as  a 4 biled  owl.’ 

“We  were  a little  curious  to  see  how  the  lots  were  drawn, 
and  what  regiment  would  have  to  munch  the  bull,  when,  to 
our  utter  surprise,  a Dutch  sergeant,  who  had  drawn  the  first 
choice,  stepped  up  and  claimed  the  bull,  and  led  him  off  to 
his  regiment,  encamped  within  a few  paces  of  us,  on  the  left. 

“After  the  others  were  selected,  arrangements  were  made  to 
kill  them  on  the  spot,  and  a famous  scout,  from  the  Eighth 
Virginia  (Union)  regiment,  was  called  upon  to  shoot  them  as 
they  stood.  This  soldier  was  a mountaineer  from  Western 
Virginia,  and  was  one  of  the  best  shots  in  the  army.  His 
form  was  tall  and  sinewy;  his  features  were  regular  and  calm, 
and  indicated  the  most  resolute  courage ; but  his  eye  was  the 
most  remarkable  point  about  him,  and  its  steady,  penetrating, 
and  overpowering  look  had  the  glance  of  the  eye  of  the  eagle. 
Quietly  he  took  the  loaded  rifles  from  his  two  comrades  who 
stood  behind  him,  and  raising  the  deadly  weapon  to  his 
shoulder,  he  stood  as  firmly  as  a statue  of  marble,  waiting  for 
the  selected  animal  to  look  up  and  expose  its  eye.  At  the 
flash  of  the  rifle  the  ox  fell  instantly  upon  the  earth,  and  al- 
most without  a shudder,  so  quickly  had  the  spark  of  life  been 
extinguished. 

“The  surviving  animals  stood  quietly,  looking  in  mute 
astonishment  at  the  motionless  soldier,  and  at  their  prostrate 
comrades,  as  they  sank  to  the  ground  as  though  reclining  to 
sleep. 

“ In  a few  moments  the  last  of  the  herd  had  fallen — all  shot 
in  the  eye  by  this  splendid  marksman.  So  sure  was  his  aim 
that  he  never  missed,  and  his  comrades  were  so  confident  of 
his  skill  that  they  passed  in  the  rear  of  the  living  animals 
with  a feeling  of  perfect  security. 

“‘Look  there,  General,’  said  one  of  the  aids,  ‘those  Dutch- 
men are  going  to  kill  the  bull  with  an  ax.’ 


736 


BLUE  AKD  GRAY. 


“ Yes,  about  a dozen  of  them  had  got  a rope  fastened  to  his 
stout  horns,  and  were  trying  to  hold  him  still  for  a moment, 
while  a stalwart  German,  with  puffy  face,  and  a fat  red  nose, 
was  swinging  an  ax  to  strike  him  between  the  eyes.  Now  he 
lets  the  ax  drive ; but  the  bull  suddenly  drew  back,  and  the 
descending  iron  struck  the  monster  fairly  on  the  nose. 
Quicker  than  chain  lightning  the  scene  changed. 

“The  bull  was  no  longer  a bull,  but  a demon;  his  eyes 
flashed  like  living  coals  of  fire,  and  leaping  into  the  air  like  a 
panther,  he  broke  away  from  the  soldiers  as  though  they  were 
men  of  straw,  and  catching  on  his  horns  the  big  Dutchman 
in  the  rear,  as  he  turned  to  run,  he  tossed  him  slam-bang  into 
the  sutler’s  wagon.  The  lager  beer  drinkers  took  to  their 
heels,  right  and  left,  while  the  infuriated  bull  made  a mag- 
nificent charge,  struck  the  wagon  amidships,  and  overturned 
the  whole  concern  in  one  grand  crash  — beer  keg,  Limburg 
cheese,  squash  pies,  cases  of  sauer  kraut,  proprietor  and  all, 

‘ In  one  red  burial  blent.’ 

“Leaping  back  for  a few  feet,  he  again  plunged  his  massive 
front  into  the  fragment  heap  of  debris ; but  this  time  he 
struck  and  broke  the  spile  of  the  lager  beer  barrel,  which 
squirted  a foaming  and  creamy  torrent  into  the  bull’s  eyes, 
ears  and  nostrils. 

“ Here  was  a new  and  unknown  foe  to  our  bovine  hero, 
and  he  gathered  his  limbs  for  a decisive  rush.  Lowering  his 
horns  again,  on  one  of  which  was  impaled  a decayed  cheese, 
and  on  the  other  a Westphalia  ham,  he  rammed  again  and 
again  the  wagon  and  its  contents,  which  had  now  become 
somewhat  mixed  and  pulpy.  Just  then  a great,  fat  fellow, 
with  a paunch  as  big  as  a camel's, -and  more  drunk  than  dis- 
creet, broke  through  the  crowd  of  surrounding  soldiers,  and 
actually  seized  the  bull  by  the  tail.  The  enraged  animal  no 
sooner  felt  the  grasp  of  the  hand  than  he  turned,  as  nimbly 
as  a cat,  and  whirled  the  unlucky  Teuton  as  easily  as  a boy 
whips  a top. 

“ ‘ Dunder  and  blitzen,  vat  a bull,’  yelled  the  crowd. 


IN  CAMP  AND  ON  THE  MARCH. 


737 


“ Still  Dutchv  held  on  with  the  energy  of  despair ; but  at 
last  he  lost  his  hold,  for  the  hair  gave  way,  and  away  he  went 
off  in  a tangent  into  the  crowd,  and  was  not  seen  again. 

“ The  sharp  click  of  rifles  caused  us  to  look  up  again,  and  to 
our  horror  we  beheld  a dozen  men  pointing  their  guns 
directly  at  the  bull,  who  was  in  front  of  us.  The  General 
sprang  to  his  feet,  and  yelled,  with  a voice  of  thunder : 

“‘Stop,  you  infernal  rascals!  If  you  fire  this  way  I’ll 
have ’ — 

“ The  bull  hearing  the  sound  of  the  General’s  voice  turned 
and  charged  for  us,  only  a few  paces  distant.  . . . 

“Just  then  the  brave  Virginia  scout  stepped  forward,  with 
his  fatal  rifle  in  hand,  and  held  himself  in  readiness  to  fire. 

“‘Stop!’  called  out  the  General,  hurrying  up.  ‘You  will 
kill  some  of  the  men  if  you  fire.’ 

‘“Never  fear,’  calmly  responded  the  soldier;  and  lifting  his 
rifle  to  his  shoulder,  he  quietly  awaited  his  opportunity  to 
shoot. 

“In  a few  moments  the  panting  and  maddened  animal 
turned  his  blood-shot  eye  upon  the  hunter  standing  calmly 
before  him.  But  that  look  was  his  last,  for  the  rifle-ball  en- 
tered the  eye,  traversed  the  brain,  and  buried  itself  in  the 
strong  and  massive  bones  at  the  base  of  the  skull. 

“This  German  regiment,  which  was  from  Pennsylvania, 
never  again  selected  a bull,  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge  and 
belief.” 

IN  CAMP  AND  ON  THE  MARCH. 

Numberless  anecdotes  and  incidents  of  soldier  life  have  been 
published,  and  yet  the  half  has  not  been  told.  Get  a group 
of  old  soldiers  together  on  some  winter  evening,  around  a 
blazing  fire,  and  as  one  after  another  relates  his  experience  of 
army  life,  you  will  be  surprised  to  discover  how  swiftly  the 
hours  have  sped  away,  and  to  find  what  a rich  mine  of  amuse- 
ment and  instruction  remains  to  be  developed  in  the  unwritten 
history  of  the  war. 

As  we  look  into  the  faces  of  our  old  comrades,  we  note  the 

47 


738 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


fact  that  time  has  left  his  traces  there.  Wrinkles  have  taken 
the  place  of  youthful  bloom  ; silver  threads  streak  the  raven 
locks,  or  a vacant  spot  on  the  summit  of  the  cranium  tells 
that  the  owner  of  the  aforesaid  caput  is  in  the  condition  of 
“ Old  Uncle  Ned,”  whom  the  plantation  song  describes  as  not 
having  any 

“Hair  on  the  top  of  his  head, 

In  the  place  where  the  wool  ought  to  grow.” 

By  these  tokens  we  are  reminded  that  unless  some  of 
us  who  participated  in  these  scenes  commit  to  paper  our 
recollections  of  the  incidents  which  have  occurred,  we  shall 
pass  off  the  stage,  and  many  things  of  interest  will  be  lost  to 
posterity. 

But  who  will  tell  of  our  fun  and  frolic?  Who  will  relate 
to  our  children  and  our  children’s  children,  that  inner  history 
which  made  camp  life  endurable,  and  helped  to  soften  the 
asperities  of  cruel  war  ? 

When  they  read  of  battles,  of  long  marches,  of  the  weari- 
some miles  traversed  by  footsore  men,  when  they  are  told  of 
short  rations  and  scanty  pay,  they  will  be  apt  to  form  the 
opinion  that  the  men  who  constituted  the  armies  were  a stern 
and  solemn  band,  whose  breasts  continually  burned  for  con- 
flict, and  whose  eyes  constantly  gleamed  with  hatred  for  their 
foes,  men  whose  sufferings  and  hardships  had  made  them 
gloomy  and  morose,  when,  in  point  of  fact,  a jollier  set  of 
dogs  never  lived  than  the  soldiers  of  1861-5. 

These  same  men  who  faced  death  on  the  plains  of  Manas- 
sas and  the  hills  of  Gettysburg  with  unflinching  eye  and  un- 
blanched cheek,  who  passed  unmurmuringly  through  untold 
hardships,  were  as  blithe  and  merry  as  a set  of  schoolboys. 
To-day,  at  the  call  of  duty,  they  would  storm  the  “ imminent 
deadly  breach  ” ; to-morrow,  the  danger  passed,  they  might 
be  found  in  sportive  mood,  planning  a practical  joke  on  the 
comrades  who  had  fought  by  their  side. 

Once  in  camp,  the  harness  off,  and  the  sternness  of  the 
veteran  relaxed  into  the  playfulness  of  the  boy,  and  the 
merry  jest  and  ringing  laugh,  told  of  anything  but  gloom. 


IX  CAMP  AXD  OX  THE  MARCH.  739 

There  must  have  been  a considerable  difference  between  the 
camp  life  of  the  soldiers  in  the  two  armies. 

On  the  Southern  side  the  discipline  was  not  so  strict  as  in 
the  Federal  army.  Greater  license  was  allowed  the  men,  and 
one  is  constrained  to  believe  that  there  was  more  familiarity 
between  the  officers  and  privates.  All  of  the  Confederates 
fared  alike,  the  only  difference  being  that  when  on  duty,  the 
officers  commanded,  and  the  men  obeyed.  The  methods  of 
cooking  were  also  dissimilar.  Hard-tack  was  seldom  seen  ex- 
cept when  “ Old  Jack  ” made  a requisition  on  “ Commissary 
Banks,”  or  some  fortunate  raid  of  Jeb  Stuart  brought  in  a 
train  of  United  States  wagons. 

Flour  and  corn-meal  were  issued  to  the  boys,  and  they 
baked  their  own  bread  or  biscuit  or  “ hoecake,”  using  three- 
legged  iron  skillets,  which  the  North  Carolina  troops  called 
spiders.  A vision  rises  of  a long  lank  specimen  of  the  genus 
tar-heel,  clad  in  a ragged  suit  of  butternut  brown,  his  unkempt 
hair  peeping  out  of  the  holes  in  his  greasy,  old  slouched  hat, 
a hungry  look  in  his  small  bullet  eyes,  a cadaverous  expres- 
sion on  his  sallow  face,  with  his  empty  haversack  hanging 
idly  by  his  side,  as  with  a long  drawl  and  a peculiar  intona- 
tion, he  puts  the  query : “ Mister,  kin  you  uns  tell  me  whar 
the  Forty-seventh  North  Carolina  pot  and  spider  wagon  is  ? 
I haint  had  nothing  to  eat  for  nigh  onto  four  days,  and  I ’low 
if  I ever  ketch  up  with  the  wagon,  I’ll  git  a squar  meal.” 

See  the  men  as  they  go  into  camp  after  a hard  day’s  march. 
The  place  is  selected  with  a view  to  convenience,  as  to  wood 
and  water;  the  arms  are  stacked ; the  ranks  are  broken,  and 
as  the  wagons  are  drawn  into  position  in  the  rear  a rush  is 
made  for  axes,  “spiders,”  and  camp-kettles.  Soon  the  axes 
are  being  used,  and  quickly  thereafter  long  rows  of  fire  are 
blazing,  and  each  mess  in  the  company  is  busy  preparing  sup- 
per. Some  gather  wood,  others  bring  water ; one  from  each 
mess  goes  to  draw  rations,  while  others  do  the  cooking. 

If  the  mess  were  fortunate  enough  to  own  a tin  pan,  the 
biscuit  dough  was  kneaded  in  that,  but  if  the  pan  was  miss- 
ing, a hole  was  scraped  in  the  ground,  a rubber  cloth  was  laid 


740 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


over  it,  and  in  the  tray,  thus  improvised,  biscuit  were  mixed 
and  worked  out.  The  scanty  ration  of  bacon  was  fried  to 
cracknels,  the  lard  used  for  “shortening,”  and  the  crisp,  dry, 
pieces  of  meat,  were  crushed  with  as  much  zest  as  any  dainty 
morsel  that  ever  graced  the  tables  at  home. 

In  winter  quarters,  or  permanent  camp,  the  style  of  cook- 
ing was  more  pretentious.  “Soup,”  “floating  battery,” 
“pies,”  dumplings,  and  even  light  rolls  were  made,  together 
with  many  other  dishes  of  the  soldiers’  concoction. 

Sometimes  a successful  forager  would  bring  in  a ham  or  a 
turkey,  or  perhaps  an  antique  rooster  who  had  strayed  too 
far  from  home.  Once  some  of  the  men  captured  a ground 
hog.  That  was  a red  letter  day  in  the  history  of  the  war. 
His  hogship  was  hung  out  overnight  and  frosted.  Next  day 
lie  was  parboiled,  and  then  put  in  an  oven  and  roasted.  Com- 
pany was  invited  to  dinner  who  considered  it  a feast  fit  for 
a king. 

Vegetables  could  be  had  in  their  season;  berries  were  to 
be  had  for  the  picking,  and  in  such  seasons  of  plenty  the 
men  “waxed  fat.”  Sugar  and  coffee  were  articles  of  great 
luxury,  which  were  seldom  seen,  except  after  a capture.  Cof- 
fee was  especially  scarce,  and  many  ivere  the  substitutes  for 
this  delicious  berry,  which  were  tried,  proved,  and  found 
wanting.  Roasted  wheat,  rye  and  corn  were  experimented 
with ; chestnuts,  acorns,  and  even  persimmon  seeds  were 
pressed  into  service,  roasted,  ground,  boiled,  and  drank  out 
of  dingy  tin  cups,  under  the  names  of  Rio,  Mocha,  Java,  etc. 

The  men  tried  to  think  the  decoctions  thus  made  tasted 
like  coffee,  but  it  was  a terrible  strain  on  the  imagination. 
But  if  rations  were  light,  hearts  were  not  heavy,  and  when 
the  task  of  cooking  was  performed  the  men  rolled  themselves 
in  their  blankets,  and  lay  down  on  the  hard  ground,  and  slept 
as  sweetly  as  though  they  were  resting  on  beds  of  down. 

One  bane  of  a soldier’s  life  was  camp-guard ; they  never 
minded  doing  sentinel  duty  on  the  out-posts.  The  picket 
line  was  a place  of  horror,  of  danger,  and  responsibility,  yet 
there  was  something  inspiring  and  soldier-like  in  guarding  the 


IX  CAMP  AND  ON  THE  MARCH. 


741 


front ; but  camp-guard,  O,  to  be  compelled  to  stand  and 
watch  over  a pile  of  corn,  or  a lot  of  half-starved  army  mules, 
or  some  other  equally  uninteresting  object,  it  was  then  that 
the  iron  entered  one’s  soul,  and  many  were  the  devices  prac- 
ticed by  the  “ old  soldiers  ” to  be  relieved  of  this  duty.  It 
was  a custom  to  inspect  the  arms  every  morning  at  guard 
mounting,  and  the  soldier  having  the  cleanest  gun  was  selected 
as  supernumerary  for  that  day.  That  is,  he  was  not  placed 
on  post,  but  was  kept  around  headquarters,  within  easy  call, 
should  his  services  be  demanded. 

Johnny  Walters,  a member  of  the  Tenth  Virginia,  had  a 
beautiful  rifle,  which  was  the  pride  of  his  heart.  He  always 
kept  it  as  bright  as  a new  penny;  not  a speck  of  dirt  or  dust 
was  allowed  to  rest  upon  it.  When  any  of  his  company  mess 
were  detailed  for  camp  duty  his  rifle  was  borrowed,  and  it 
“always  took  the  cake.”  This  game  was  played  successfully 
for  a long  time. 

The  army  rules  required  that  the  sentry  should  walk  his 
post,  but  often  in  the  absence  of  the  officer  of  the  day,  would 
the  boys  sit  down  and  lean  against  a tree,  with  their  muskets 
resting  on  the  ground  and  take  it  easy. 

In  the  month  of  August,  1861,  the  Tenth  Virginia  was 
camped  at  Fairfax  Station.  One  night  one  of  the  men  was 
placed  on  the  side  of  the  camp  near  the  railroad  on  sentry 
duty.  He  knew  that  between  him  and  the  enemy  there  were 
watchful  lines,  and  lie  could  not  see  the  necessity  of  his  being 
so  very  careful.  A convenient  stump  invited  repose,  the 
hours  were  long,  his  lids  grew  heavy  with  slumber,  his  chin 
dropped  on  his  breast,  his  fingers  relaxed  their  hold  on  his 
rifle,  it  slipped  to  the  ground,  and  he  slept  the  sleep  of  the 
just.  He  heeded  not  the  approach  of  the  officer  of  the  guard, 
who  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty  was  making  his  rounds.  A 
heavy  hand  fell  upon  the  shoulder  of  the  peaceful  sleeper,  and 
a harsh  voice  asked,  “ What  are  you  doing  here  perched  on 
this  stump  ? ” Without  a moment’s  hesitation  the  answer 
came  : “ I am  viewing  the  landscape.”  As  it  was  nearly  pitch 
dark,  the  lieutenant  was  struck  with  the  ludicrous  reply,  and 


742 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


controlling  his  laughter  as  best  he  could,  he  administered  a 
mild  rebuke  and  passed  on. 

General  Edward  Johnson  once  came  suddenly  upon  one  of 
his  men  seated  on  the  ground,  cleaning  his  musket,  which  he 
had  taken  to  pieces  for  that  purpose. 

“ Who  are  you  ? ” growled  the  General.  “ What  are  you 
doing  here?”  “I  am  a kinder  sorter  sentinel,”  answered 
the  soldier.  “ Who  are  you  ? ” “I  am  a kinder  sorter  gen- 
eral,” mimicked  old  Ed.  “ Wal,”  said  the  man,  not  the  least 
disconcerted,  “if  you  will  wait  until  I can  put  my  gun  to- 
gether, I’ll  get  up  and  give  you  a kinder  sorter  salute.”  The 
General’s  mouth  twitched,  his  eyes  snapped,  and  he  rode  rap- 
idly away. 

While  at  Fairfax  Station  two  of  the  boys  from  Company  C 

went  out  on  a foraging  expedition,  near  Burke’s  Station; 

they  encountered  a good-looking  cow,  and  at  once  resolved  to 

have  some  milk.  After  no  little  trouble  the  cow  Avas  brought 

to  a standstill  on  a little  bridge,  over  a small  stream  of  water, 

and  the  milking  operation  began.  The  only  vessel  they  had 

with  them  was  a canteen,  the  neck  of  which  was  narrow,  and 

it  required  pretty  straight  shooting  to  send  the  lacteal  fluid 

into  it.  The  cow  was  restless,  while  neither  of  the  boys 

were  expert  milkers ; they  were  also  in  constant  dread  lest 

the  owner  of  the  cow  should  come  and  interfere.  More  of 

« 

the  milk  found  its  way  into  the  faces  and  over  the  clothing 
of  the  enterprising  foragers  than  into  the  canteen.  After 
having  worried  for  nearly  an  hour,  and  getting  about  half  a 
pint  of  milk,  they  concluded  to  abandon  the  enterprise,  as 
the  cow  lost  her  temper,  and  planting  her  big  foot  in  the 
stomach  of  her  tormentor,  she  sprawled  him,  almost  breath- 
less, on  the  ground. 

The  boys  made  a solemn  covenant  never  to  speak  of  the 
transaction,  but  the  fallen  hero  had  cause  to  suspect  the  faith- 
fulness of  his  comrade  when  applications  for  milk  began  to 
pour  in  upon  him,  something  after  this  order:  “Say,  can’t 
you  let  us  have  a little  milk  ? ” “ Say,  old  fellow,  have  you 

any  milk  to  spare?”  “How  is  the  cow?”  “Does  your 


IN  CAMP  AND  ON  THE  MARCH. 


743 


stomach  ache?”  Such  were  the  questions  he  was  obliged  to 
hear  and  bear,  for  be  it  known  that  he  who  betrayed  the 
smallest  sign  of  impatience,  caught  it  without  mercy. 

One  thing  gave  the  officers  a good  deal  of  trouble  at  this 
camp,  and  that  was  the  sale  of  liquor  to  the  soldiers  bjr  the 
citizens  living  in  the  neighborhood.  There  were  many  men 
in  the  regiment  who  would  go  any  length  to  get  their  fill  of 
“apple  jack”  or  old  rye.  A strong  guard  was  placed  around 
the  camp,  and  strict  orders  were  given  to  examine  every  can- 
teen or  other  vessel  brought  into  it. 

One  day  a man  came  in  bearing  in  his  hand  a very  inno- 
cent looking  coffee  pot.  He  was  halted  by  the  sentry  and 
asked  what  he  had  in  the  coffee  pot.  “Nothing  but  butter- 
milk,” was  the  reply,  and  gently  tilting  the  coffee  pot  a 
stream  of  milk  poured  from  the  spout.  “Pass  on,”  said  the 
guard,  fully  satisfied.  In  a little  while  it  was  plain  to  be 
seen  that  something  stronger  than  buttermilk  had  found  its 
way  down  the  throats  of  some  of  the  men.  It  was  found  out 
afterward  that  the  artful  fellow  had  stopped  the  lower  part  of 
the  spout  with  wax,  and  then  filled  the  spout  with  the  butter- 
milk, while  the  body  of  the  vessel  was  used  to  carry  the  con- 
traband spiritus  frumenti. 

On  another  occasion  a soldier  had  succeeded  in  “ flanking 
the  guard,”  and  returning  after  night,  attempted  to  steal  into 
camp.  The  argus-eyed  sentry  espied  him,  and  cried  “Halt! 
Who  comes  there  ? ” Recognizing  the  voice  of  a chum,  the 
forager  whispered,  “A  friend  with  a canteen  full  of  apple 
jack.”  “ Advance  friend,  and  let’s  take  something,”  said  the 
stern  guardian  of  the  camp. 

General  Joseph  E.  Johnston  came  down  to  review  the 
brigade  on  one  occasion.  The  regiments  composing  it  all 
acquitted  themselves  creditably  in  the  various  maneuvers, 
except  the  Third  Tennessee.  These  gallant  mountaineers 
had  a most  profound  ignorance  of,  and  a supreme  contempt 
for,  Hardee’s  Tactics.  The  colonel  looked  like  a cattle 
drover,  and  the  other  regimental  officers  presented  an  appear- 
ance entirely  in  harmony  with  their  chief.  In  attempting  to 


744 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


execute  a movement,  this  regiment  became  hopelessly  entan- 
gled, and  the  colonel,  after  a few  futile  efforts  to  bring  order 
out  of  confusion,  cried  out  despairingly:  “ Tennesseans,  for 
God’s  sake,  sort  yourselves.”  General  Johnston  kept  his 
countenance,  but  some  of  the  younger  members  of  his  staff 
laughed  aloud.  The  regiment  was  ordered  off  the  field,  and 
as  they  marched  away,  some  rather  uncomplimentary  re- 
mark was  made,  when  the  major,  whose  face  was  red  with 
mortification  and  anger,  rode  up  to  General  Johnston,  and 
stammeringly  said  : “ G-g-g-general,  w-we  d-d-didn’t  c-c-come 
h-here  to  d-d-drill ; w-we  c-c-came  h-h-here  t-to  f-f-fight.”  It 
was  no  idle  boast ; no  braver  body  of  troops  ever  faced  a foe, 
and  on  many  a hard-fought  field  did  these  gallant  men  make 
good  the  words  of  their  irate  major. 

One  endless  source  of  amusement  with  the  soldiers  was 
that  of  chaffing.  Woe  betide  the  luckless  civilian,  who  in 
his  appearance  or  manner  presented  anything  odd  or  striking. 
His  dress,  his  deportment,  his  good  looks,  all  came  in  for  a 
share  of  merciless  and  mirth-provoking  criticism. 

One  day  an  elderly  looking  gentleman  came  into  camp,  wear- 
ing a high  silk  hat.  At  once  he  became  the  target  for  every 
one  in  the  command.  Assuming  the  most  innocent  look,  and 
affecting  an  ignorance  of  the  king’s  English,  one  after  another 
began  to  fire  remarks.  “ Mister,  I am  sorry  to  learn  you 
have  lost  your  cow.”  “ Cow,  sir  ! cow,  I've  not  lost  a cow ! ” 
“ Oh,  beg  pardon,  thought  you  had,  as  you  have  got  your 
churn  on  your  head.”  “ Sir,  you  are  impertinent,”  said  the 
gallant,  as  he  quickened  his  pace. 

Presently  another  called  out,  “ O Bill,  come  here  and  help 
me  make  an  arrest ; here’s  the  fellow  what  stole  our  camp- 
kettle,  lie’s  got  it  on  his  head.”  The  gentleman  scowled,  and 
walked  rapidly  away.  Then  another  yelled,  “ Come  out  of 
that  hat ; I know  you  are  in  there  ; I see  your  legs  working.” 
By  this  time  the  face  of  the  victim  was  scarlet,  and  turning, 
he  shook  his  clenched  fist  at  them  as  he  cried,  “ You  are  a 
set  of  low  blackguards,  and  ought  to  be  whipped.”  A loud, 
derisive  laugh  from  the  crowd  showed  him  the  impotency  of 
his  wrath,  and  he  beat  a hasty  retreat. 


IN  CAMP  AND  ON  THE  MARCH.  745 

A good  story  is  told  of  a quartermaster  who  rode  through 
the  camp  of  a North  Carolina  regiment.  His  new  and  splen- 
did uniform,  fine  horse,  and  his  equipments,  struck  the  atten- 
tion of  the  valiant  tar-heels,  and  at  once  they  spotted  him  as 
a representative  of  the  bomb-proof  department,  and  began 
their  unmerciful  sport.  “ Look  there,  boys ; see  that  big  gen- 
eral?” “Whoop,  sir;  hold  your  hoss  down  to  the  airth.” 
“ Lord,  boys,  see  how  he  spreads  his  tail ; see  how  he  is  going 
to  fly ! ” “ Mister,  what  hi  you  uns  take  for  that  hoss  ? ” 

The  high  mettled  animal,  excited  by  the  yells  and  jeers  of 
the  men,  began  to  rear  and  plunge.  At  this  the  shouts  of  the 
unfeeling  tar-heels  grew  louder,  while,  nearly  bursting  with 
rage,  the  luckless  rider  tugged  at  his  reins,  vainly  endeavor- 
ing to  quiet  his  steed.  Finally  he  succeeded  in  passing 
nearly  out  of  the  camp,  and  had  got  control  of  his  horse, 
when  some  distance  away  he  saw  a solemn  visaged  old  reb 
beckoning  with  his  hand.  He  at  once  turned  his  horse,  and 
in  a very  condescending  manner,  said:  “Well,  my  man, 
what  will  you  have?”  “I  just  wanted  to  say,  Mister,  you 
must  not  mind  them  thar  boys,  they’re  always  a holleren  at 
some  fool  or  other.” 

On  one  occasion  while  a regiment  was  passing  through  the 
streets  of  a town,  a man  was  seen  standing  on  the  sidewalk, 
who,  in  girt  of  waist,  would  have  rivalled  old  Jack  Falstaff. 
“I  say,  Bob,”  cried  a soldier  to  his  comrade,  “I  have  found 
out  what  has  become  of  our  big  bass  drum.  That  fellow  has 
swallowed  it.”  At  this  sally,  that  part  of  the  fat  man’s 
anatomy,  supposed  to  contain  the  drum,  shook  with  laughter, 
which  proved  him  to  be  a jolly  soul,  and  secured  him  from 
any  further  quizzing. 

General  Itnboden  commanded  an  independent  brigade. 
For  some  reason  the  soldiers  in  the  regular  organizations 
seemed  to  have  a spite  against  this  command.  It  might  have 
been  that  they  were  envious  of  the  good  fortune  of  Imboden’s 
men,  who  being  in  a small  command,  and  often  separated 
from  the  larger  body  of  the  army  by  long  distance,  had 
greener  pastures  and  better  opportunities  for  foraging.  Be 


746 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


that  as  it  may,  they  were  never  passed  without  some  sharp 
speech  on  the  part  of  the  boys,  who  felt  that  they  bore  the 
heat  and  burden  of  the  day.  “ O,  mamma,”  cried  one,  mim- 
icking the  tone  of  a lackadaisical  young  lady,  “ do  come  and 
look  at  the  soldiers ; they  are  too  nice  for  anything.”  “ Hush, 
child,”  would  be  the  answer,  “ these  are  not  soldiers,  they  are 
nobody  but  Imboden’s  men.”  Then  if  you  had  been  there, 
you  would  have  heard  something  that  sounded  ver}r  much 
like  swearing.  Once,  while  the  Tenth  Virginia  regiment 
was  passing  Imboden’s  camp,  the  following  dialogue  ensued: 
“Say,  boys,  have  you  heard  the  news?”  “No,  what  is  it?” 
“ Why,  they  say  General  Lee  has  determined  to  put  Imboden’s 
brigade  in  the  army.” 

The  infantry  soldiers  would  also  take  a fling  at  the  cavalry, 
whenever  they  met  the  latter.  Often  you  would  hear  some- 
thing like  this:  “ We  are  going  to  have  a fight  soon,  the  cav- 
alry are  going  to  the  rear.”  It  was  no  use  to  get  mad,  there 
was  no  redress.  The  boys  did  not  mean  to  be  cruel,  they 
were  only  bent  on  having  their  fun,  and  did  not  stop  to  think 
how  their  rudeness  might  wound  the  feelings  of  others ; and 
in  view  of  their  cheerful  endurance  of  hardships  and  priva- 
tions, and  their  well-known  gallantry  in  the  field,  these  minor 
offences  were  condoned. 

When  no  outside  victim  presented  himself,  they  did  not 
scruple  to  play  their  pranks  on  one  another.  Many  a poor 
fellow,  who  has  lain  in  bed  until  the  last  moment,  and  only 
turned  out  at  the  tap  of  the  drum  for  roll-call  in  the  morn- 
ing, has  found  the  legs  of  his  pants  tied  in  hard  knots,  or  his 
rough  army  shoes  filled  with  sand,  by  some  joke-loving 
comrade. 

A fleshy,  good-natured  fellow  was  a great  sleeper.  One 
warm  summer  morning  he  turned  up  the  ends  of  his  tent  to 
let  the  cooling  breeze  pass  through,  shook  up  his  pallet,  and 
lay  down  to  pleasant  dreams.  Soon  his  deep,  regular  breath- 
ing caught  the  attention  of  the  boys.  Softly  and  silently 
blanket  after  blanket  was  spread  upon  the  form  of  the 
sleeper;  the  ends  of  the  tent  were  lowered,  and  securely 


SOWING  BESIDE  ALL  WATERS. 


747 


fastened;  a roaring  fire  was  built  in  a sheet  iron  stove  just 
outside  the  -tent  door,  and  the  boys  sat  down  to  await  devel- 
opments. After  awhile  a movement  was  heard  inside,  and 
then  a growl  of  impatience,  and  presently  “fatty”  emerged 
from  the  tent,  puffing  like  a porpoise,  while  streaming  with 
perspiration.  A roar  of  laughter  greeted  his  appearance,  in 
which  he  soon  joined,  but  the  twinkle  of  his  eye  boded  no 
good  to  the  perpetrators  of  the  joke. 

Thus  many  an  hour  was  passed,  free  as  children  entering  on 
any  enterprise  which  promised  a little  diversion,  and  yet  ready 
to  undertake  the  work  of  heroes,  and  dare  the  dangers  of  the 
high  places  of  the  field. 

“SOWING  BESIDE  ALL  WATERS.” 

It  was  a beautiful  Sabbath  morning  at  the  Camp  of  Distri- 
bution, near  Alexandria,  Va.,  in  the  early  autumn  of  1863. 
Twenty-five  hundred  soldiers  from  the  army  hospitals  were 
there  assembled,  waiting  for  orders  to  be  forwarded  to  their 
regiments,  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  There  was  no  em- 
ployment to  consume  the  time,  and  no  Christian  influences  to 
restrain  the  evil  passions  of  men  thus  thrown  together.  The 
church  spires  in  Washington,  Georgetown  and  Alexandria 
were  visible  from  this  rendezvous,  but  no  Christian  workers 
came  to  scatter  the  seeds  of  gospel  truth  upon  the  barren  soil 
of  so  hopeless  a field.  In  the  camp  there  was  much  profanity, 
drinking,  gambling,  and  desecration  of  the  Sabbath.  On  a 
Sabbath  morning,  five  hundred  men  were  out  in  one  street ; 
some  were  pitching  quoits,  others  playing  cards,  and  all  were 
talking,  laughing,  and  shouting.  A gentleman  and  lady  both 
plainly  attired,  drew  near  the  crowd,  and,  without  heeding  the 
many  loud  and  coarse  exclamations  that  greeted  them,  began 
to  sing  a sweet  Christian  melody.  The  noise  of  the  rough 
voices  died  away  as  hymn  after  hymn  was  sung.  The  cards 
and  other  amusements  were  thrown  aside,  and  with  eager, 
hungry  looks  the  soldiers  crowded  around  the  singers.  An 
hour  passed  quickly  away.  “ We  will  come  again  next  Sab- 
bath if  you  would  like  to  have  us,”  pleasantly  remarked  the 


748 


BLUE  AYD  GRAY. 


gentleman  as  they  were  preparing  to  depart.  “Yes,  yes; 
come,  come  ; please  do  so cried  fifty  voices  from  the  crowd 
of  fifteen  hundred  men  who  were  now  standing  around  them. 
When  those  Christian  laborers  came  the  following  Sabbath 
they  beheld  a different  scene.  A large  pile  of  boards  designed 
for  tent  floors  to  be  used  the  coming  winter,  had  been  borrowed 
from  the  quartermaster  of  the  camp,  and  had  been  arranged 
in  rows  of  seats  capable  of  seating  one  thousand  men  ; a rude 
platform  and  stand  had  been  constructed  beneath  a clump  of 
oak  trees.  A sergeant,  selected  for  that  purpose,  escorted  the 
singers  to  the  platform,  from  which  they  looked  down  upon  a 
thousand  upturned  faces.  There  was  singing,  prayers,  exhor- 
tations, invitations,  tears,  repentance,  and  conversions.  The 
meetings  were  continued  at  stated  intervals  for  weeks,  and  a 
great  change  was  wrought.  Scores  of  brave  soldiers  there 
found  the  Saviour,  under  the  faithful  labors  performed  by 
these  humble  servants  of  God.  When  many  of  these  vete- 
rans died  upon  the  bloody  battlefields  of  1864,  heaven  gath- 
ered a rich  harvest  from  the  seed  planted  upon  an  unpromising 
field. 


rick’s  ride. 

Captain  A.  J.  Ricks,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  gives  the  following 
spirited  account  of  his  carrying  the  news  of  Lee’s  surrender  to 
Sherman’s  army : 

An  incident  of  peculiar  interest  to  me  happened  near  the 
close  of  the  war,  which  is  relevant  to  the  subject  assigned  to 
me,  and  may  prove  of  interest  to  you.  On  a bright  day  in 
April,  1865,  Major-General  J.  D.  Cox,  commanding  the 
Twenty-third  Army  Corps,  with  his  staff  and  escort,  was  rid- 
ing leisurely  at  the  head  of  the  marching  column  on  the  road 
to  Raleigh.  The  latest  news  we  had  from  Grant  was  of  the 
fierce  struggle  about  Richmond,  its  evacuation,  and  Lee’s 
flight  toward  Central  Virginia.  We  were  passing  on  toward 
Raleigh  to  prevent  a consolidation  of  Johnston’s  and  Lee’s 
armies,  and  though  hourly  expecting  news  of  important  move- 
ments, we  had  no  expectation  of  any  decided  victory.  As  I 


RICK'S  RIDE. 


749 


was  riding  by  the  General’s  side  speculating  as  to  Johnston’s 
probable  movements,  an  orderly  from  General  Sherman’s 
headquarters  rode  slowly  toward  us,  bearing  a message.  Gen- 
eral Cox  opened  it  in  the  usual  manner  and  read  it  over  as  he 
would  have  done  an  ordinary  official  communication.1  There 
was  nothing  in  the  manner  of  the  messenger  to  indicate  that 
he  was  the  bearer  of  any  unusual  or  important  news,  and  he 
sat  listlessly  on  his  horse  while  a receipt  was  being  written 
for  the  message.  Happening  then  to  cast  my  eyes  toward  the 
General,  I noticed  his  face  to  suddenly  brighten,  and  in  great 
excitement  he  turned  and  directed  that  the  escort  and  staff  be 
drawn  up  in  line  that  he  might  read  to  them  a message  from 
General  Sherman.  It  was  done  in  a hurry,  and  with  his  head 
uncovered  he  read  a brief  dispatch  that  said  that  General  Lee, 
with  his  entire  army,  had  surrendered  to  Grant  at  Appomattox. 

It  was  a message  long  looked  for,  long  fought  for,  and 
though  it  came  to  us  on  the  roadside  so  unexpectedly,  its  full 
significance  was  at  once  appreciated.  It  meant  home  and 
wife  and  children  and  happy  meetings  throughout  the  land. 
Such  cheers  as  rang  through  that  North  Carolina  pine 
thicket  from  the  headquarters’  staff  and  escort  of  a battalion 
of  cavalry,  were  never  heard  before  nor  since.  Before  the 
message  was  read,  General  Cox  ordered  all  hats  off,  and 
throats  cleared  for  three  rousing  cheers.  Our  horses’  reins 
were  loosened  and  thrown  on  their  necks,  and  hats  were  off 
as  quickly  as  ready  hands  could  catch  them.  As  the  cheers 
rang  out  quick  and  sharp,  my  horse  became  frightened,  and 
quick  as  a flash  he  whirled  around,  and  before  I could  gather 
up  my  reins  to  check  him,  he  was  at  full  speed,  headed  toward 
the  approaching  column.  I had  hardly  checked  his  rapid 
strides  when  the  thought  flashed  upon  me  that  it  would  be  a 
glorious  thing  to  carry  the  news  to  the  twenty  thousand  men 
of  the  Twenty-fifth  Army  corps  who  were  marching  on  the 
broad  road  before  me,  all  unconscious  of  the  glad  tidings  that 
awaited  them.  It  needed  no  second  thought.  Spurring  up, 
and  giving  free  rein  to  the  excited  horse,  he  flew  over 
the  ground  like  a bird,  seeming  to  know  that  a ride  of  unus- 


750 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


ual  significance  was  before  him.  Soon  I came  in  sight  of  the 
first  column,  Major-General  Couch  and  staff  heading  the  Sec- 
ond division.  They  heard  our  cheers,  and  as  they  saw  me 
coming  down  the  road  at  full  speed,  with  hat  off,  waving  for 
a clear  road  by  which  to  pass  to  the  rear,  they  opened  ranks  to 
the  right  and  left,  and  opened  a clear  passage  in  the  center  of 
the  road.  As  soon  as  I was  within  shouting  distance  I cried 
out,  “ Lee,  with  his  whole  army,  has  surrendered  to  Grant ; 
make  way  for  the  bearer  of  the  glorious  news.”  Then  their 
wild  cheers  rang  out  to  swell  those  of  the  headquarters,  which 
could  still  be  heard  at  my  rear. 

But  a few  rods  back  of  General  Couch  and  his  staff  was 
the  head  of  the  infantry  column,  the  One  Hundred  and  Elev- 
enth Ohio  regiment.  The  men  saw  how  the  right  of  way 
had  been  quickly  given  to  the  horse  and  rider  by  the  General 
and  his  escort  in  front  of  them,  and  as  I waved  to  them  to 
open  ranks  and  give  me  the  roadway,  they  responded  with  a 
will,  and  spreading  to  the  right  and  left  gave  me  a straight, 
open  road  to  the  rear.  At  the  head  of  the  column,  and  as 
often  and  as  fast  as  I could  repeat  it  to  the  anxious  listeners, 
with  horse  at  full  speed,  I cried  out,  with  the  waving  of  my 
hat,  “ Lee  has  surrendered  with  his  whole  army  to  Grant.” 

Onward  I pressed  my  way  through  the  surging  ranks,  — 
before  me  an  open  road,  lined  on  each  side  with  anxious  men, 
leaning  forward  to  catch  the  first  sound  of  the  good  news 
they  were  all  so  impatient  to  hear ; behind  me  a wild,  exult- 
ant, indescribable  set  of  men  suddenly  transformed  into  luna- 
tics, if  they  were  to  be  judged  by  their  actions,  pounding 
each  other  with  knapsacks,  waving  blankets  on  the  points  of 
their  bayonets,  pounding  canteens  with  belt  buckles,  and 
making  a pandemonium  of  sounds  and  a circus  of  tumbling 
and  vaulting.  It  was  news  that  needed  no  explanation.  It 
carried  a world  of  joy  and  relief  to  those  brave  men  upon 
whom  the  long  suspense  of  weary  marches  and  indecisive  bat- 
tles was  wearing.  It  meant  a speedy  end  of  marching  under 
a hot  southern  sun,  with  heavy  knapsacks,  and  a happy  re- 
union at  home.  It  meant  but  few  more,  if  any,  bloody  bat- 


RICK’S  RIDE.  751 

ties,  with  the  chances  of  war  leaving  them  crippled  or  dead 
upon  the  field,  and  the  wild  plaudits  of  a grateful  people  re- 
leased from  the  throes  of  war.  It  meant  good  b}r  to  tent 
and  camp,  and  the  wild  exultation  of  the  homeward  march, 
with  streets  filled  with  joyous  friends,  and  banners  flaunting 
from  every  house-top  and  window  in  the  dear  old  home  town 
where  messages  of  love,  and  prayers  for  safe  return,  had  fol- 
lowed them  from  the  first  day  of  enlistment.  It  meant  no 
more  nights  on  picket  duty,  but  a final  happy  reunion  around 
the  old  hearthstone,  where  home  and  all  its  blessings  awaited 
them. 

Such  was  the  meaning  of  those  brief  words  that  I cried  out 
with  such  wild  excitement  to  twenty  thousand  men,  and  for 
eight  miles,  through  ranks  of  infantry  regiments,  through  bat- 
teries of  artillery,  by  the  ambulance  and  hospital  trains,  rode 
the  one  man  to  whom  every  ear  was  turned,  the  one  bearer  of 
tidings,  whose  voice  filled  every  heart  with  joy  and  gratitude. 

And  do  you  wonder,  comrades,  when  I say  to  you  that  I 
look  back  upon  that  experience  as  the  happiest  and  most 
eventful  one  of  my  army  life?'  I wish  I had  the  gift  to  tell 
you  of  all  its  striking  points ; of  how  differently  strong  men 
gave  expression  to  their  joy.  Some  were  too  much  overcome 
to  speak  ; some  shouted  themselves  hoarse,  while  others  cried ; 
some  were  wild  with  their  demonstration,  while  some  were 
calm  and  thoughtful,  and  secretly  breathing  a prayer  for  their 
safe  deliverance  from  the  long  series  of  dangers  to  which  they 
had  been  exposed.  I must  further  trespass  upon  your  time 
to  tell  a few  incidents  that  occurred  which  are  worthy  of 
preservation. 

All  Northern  Ohio  soldiers  know  General  Jack  Casement 
of  Painesville.  At  the  top  of  a hill,  as  I neared  the  end  of 
niy  long  ride,  I saw  the  little  General  anxiously  looking  for 
the  bearer  of  the  good  news,  for  long  before  I could  be  seen, 
the  men  could  hear  the  wild  cheering  from  the  head  of  the 
column  gradually  growing  louder  and  nearer,  so  that  they 
knew  some  news  of  unusual  importance  was  coming  by  the 
hands  of  some  bearer.  As  I came  within  hailing  distance  he 


752 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


recognized  me,  and  cried  out : “ Ricks,  what  is  it?  For  God’s 
sake,  what  is  it  ? ” I had  grown  so  hoarse  from  constant  rep- 
etition of  the  message  in  the  midst  of  such  great  noise  and 
confusion  that  I could  scarcely  speak  aloud,  but  when  I got 
near  enough,  I again  repeated  : “ Lee  has  surrendered  with 

his  whole  army  to  Grant.”  Quick  as  a flash  he  clapped  his 
heels  together,  and  with  a wild  yell  turned  a complete  somer- 
sault in  the  road  and  ran  back  to  his  command,  a part  of  the 
Third  division,  which  had  just  drawn  off  from  the  road  for 
dinner.  The  assembly  was  immediately  sounded,  and  begin- 
ning with  the  officers  and  band  of  the  First  regiment,  and  fol- 
lowed by  the  field  officers  and  color  bearers,  we  marched  down 
the  regiment  front,  and  so  along  each  succeeding  regiment, 
the  men  cheering  and  the  colors  waving. 

The  quick  wit  of  the  soldier  is  proverbial,  but  I never  heard 
a more  striking  proof  of  it,  than  on  the  occasion  which  I am 
describing.  In  one  of  the  regiments,  as  I was  sweeping 
through  the  ranks,  I caught  the  bright  face  of  a soldier  lean- 
ing out  from  the  lines  as  far  as  possible  into  the  road,  to 
catch  the  message  that  fell  from  my  lips.  “What  is  it? 
What  is  it  ? ” he  anxiously  shouted.  “ Lee  has  surrendered 
with  his  whole  army  to  Grant,”  was  the  reply.  Clear  and 
loud,  above  all  the  voices,  and  quick  as  the  message  fell  upon 
his  ears,  was  his  answer : “ Great  God ! you’re  the  man  I’ve 
been  looking  for  for  the  last  four  years.”  What  a world  of 
meaning  there  was  in  that  prompt  answer ! True  enough, 
that  was  the  news  a whole  nation  of  wearied  people  were 
waiting  for,  that  was  the  message,  the  whole  army  had  been 
looking  for  through  long  campaigns  of  hard  marches  and  des- 
perate battles ; but  it  took  the  quick  wit  of  a bright  soldier 
to  express  it  tersely  and  aptly. 

Near  the  rear  of  the  corps  I found  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  Ohio  regiment  on  the  roadside.  The  wild  cheering 
of  the  soldiers  had  attracted  the  attention  of  some  ladies  who 
lived  near  by.  Some  children  had  run  out  among  the  men, 
and  their  mothers,  in  great  excitement,  came  out  to  hear  the 
news,  and  to  rescue  their  children  from  the  Yankee  soldiers. 


WHERE  MAH  SHOULD  DIE. 


753 


When  they  heard  it  they  were  as  much  overcome  as  the 
“Yankees  1 themselves,  and  one  of  them,  with  her  long  hair 
streaming  in  the  wind,  knelt  down  in  the  road,  and  clasping 
her  children,  thanked  God  again  and  again  that  the  dreadful 
war  was  over,  and  their  father  would  soon  be  home.  I asked 
her  where  her  husband  was,  and  she  said,  “ Oh,  with  Lee, 
with  Lee.”  The  touching  incident  so  impressed  me  that  I 
took  the  trouble  to  inquire  afterward  about  the  father,  only 
to  learn  that  he  had  been  killed  in  one  of  the  last  battles 
about  Richmond.  Her  expressions  of  gratitude  at  the  news 
of  the  close  of  the  war  hardly  died  on  the  ear  until  it  gave 
way  to  the  grief  and  despair  of  a home  desolated  by  the  rav- 
ages of  war,  and  robbed  of  a husband’s  and  father’s  care  and 
love. 

WHERE  MAH  SHOULD  DIE. 

ANOXYMOTTS. 

How  little  recks  it  where  men  die,  when  once  the  moment’s  past 
In  which  the  dim  and  glazing  eye  has  looked  on  earth  its  last; 
Whether  beneath  the  sculptured  urn  the  coffined  form  shall  rest, 

Or,  in  its  nakedness,  return  back  to  its  mother’s  breast  ! 

Death  is  a common  friend  or  foe,  as  different  men  may  hold, 

And  at  its  summons  each  must  go  — the  timid  and  the  bold ; 

But  when  the  spirit,  free  and  warm,  deserts  it,  as  it  must, 

What  matter  where  the  lifeless  form  dissolves  again  to  dust  ? 

’Twere  sweet,  indeed,  to  close  our  eyes  with  those  we  cherish  near, 
And,  wafted  upward  by  their  sighs,  soar  to  some  calmer  sphere; 
But  whether  on  the  scaffold  high,  or  in  the  battle’s  van, 

The  fittest  place  where  man  can’ die  is  where  he  dies  for  man! 


48 


754 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


The  last  campaign.  Bombardment  of  Petersburg.  The  infantry 

ASSAULT.  FEDERALS  IN  REAR  OF  CONFEDERATE  INTRENCIIMENTS. 

Capture  of  forts  gregg  and  Alexander.  Confederate  force 

REDUCED  TO  THIRTY-THREE  THOUSAND  MEN.  DEATH  OF  GENER.IL  A. 

p.  hill.  Lee’s  message  to  president  davis.  Painful  excite- 
ment OF  RICHMOND  CITIZENS.  FLIGHT  OF  PRESIDENT  DAVIS.  The 
VIRGINIA  LEGISLATURE.  DESTRUCTION  OF  PUBLIC  PROPERTY.  MoB- 
OCRACY.  RICHMOND  IN  FLAMES.  EVACUATED.  DREADFUL  EXPLO- 
SIONS. Burning  of  mayo’s  bridge.  Lee’s  hope  of  escape. 

FEDERALS  OCCUPY  RICHMOND  WITH  NEGRO  TROOPS.  FEDERALS  WEL- 
COMED BY  MANY  OF  THE  INHABITANTS.  EVACUATION  OF  PETERS- 
BURG. Lee’s  point  of  concentration  of  his  troops.  His  disap- 
pointment. Plans  abandoned.  Activity"  of  Federals.  Pe- 
tersburg IN  HANDS  OF  FEDERAL  TROOPS.  SHERIDAN  IN  PURSUIT  OF 
CONFEDERATES.  INTERCEPTED  BY  FEDERALS.  Lee’S  EMBARRASS- 
MENT. His  only  hope.  Battle  of  farmville.  Federals  re- 
pulsed. Death  of  general  read.  Battle  of  sailor’s  creek. 
Capture  of  confederate  wagon  train,  sixteen  guns  and  six 
thousand  prisoners,  Ewell  captured.  Confederate  heroism. 
Council  of  confederate  generals.  Lee  declines  to  heed 
THEIR  SUGGESTIONS.  RETREAT  CONTINUED.  FEDERALS  IN  PURSUIT. 
Battle  of  high  bridge.  Battle  on  the  road.  Federals  re- 
pulsed. Death  OF  GENERAL  SMYTHE,  GENERALS  MOTT,  MADILL,  AND 
mcdougall  wounded.  Grant’s  note  to  lee.  His  reply.  Sur- 
render OF  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA  SUGGESTED  BY  GRANT. 
Sheridan’s  last  stroke.  Confederates  desperate.  Battle  of 

APPOMATTOX  STATION.  DETERMINED  VALOR  OF  CONFEDERATE  ARTIL- 
LERIST. Sergeant  underwood.  Capture  of  artillery.  Lee’s 

ORDERS  TO  GENERAL  GORDON.  THE  LAST  EFFORT.  THE  YVHITE  FLAG. 

Conference  of  lee  and  grant.  Army  of  northern  Virginia 

SURRENDERED.  MAGNANIMITY  OF  FEDERAL  CHIEFTAIN.  CONDITIONS 
OF  SURRENDER.  THEIR  ACCEPTANCE.  SOLDIERS  REJOICED.  ANIMOSITY 
FORGOTTEN.  IMPOSING  FORMULA  OF  SURRENDER.  CONFEDERATES 
SALUTED  BY  THEIR  CAPTORS.  RECEIVING  PAROLES.  Lee’S  FARE- 
WELL address.  Circulated  among  his  soldiers.  The  number 
©f  men  surrendered.  Of  arms.  Going  home.  Commendable 

CONDUCT  OF  CONFEDERATES.  WITHDRAWAL  OF  FEDERAL  ARMY'  TO 
WASHINGTON.  The  JBLUE  AND  THE  GRAY.  ROSTER.  VALEDICTORY. 


DlNW/DO/CCjyV 


THE  LAST  CAMPAIGN. 


757 


With  the  battle  of  Five  Forks,  nearly  four  years  had  elapsed 
since  the  memorable  signal  gun  of  war  boomed  from  the  ram- 
parts on  James  Island  in  Charleston  Harbor,  filling  the  peo- 
ple of  that  fair  city  with  the  wildest  excitement,  and 
announcing  the  impending  national  calamity  which  Avas  so 
soon  to  follow. 

Four  campaigns  had  been  inaugurated  and  fought  by  as 
valiant  men  as  ever  wore  the  Avarrior’s  uniform,  and  thou- 
sands of  the  choicest  sons  of  the  republic  had  chanted  the 
song  of  death  on  a hundred  fields  of  battle. 

Untold  millions  of  treasure  had  been  expended  in  the  un- 
successful effort  to  hammer  to  death  the  terribly  hideous  and 
destructUe  monster-pestilence  SAveeping  0Arer  the  land,  Avhile 
boundless  anguish  had  racked  the  bosoms,  and  tortured  the 
hearts  of  mourning  widows  and  orphan  children,  made  deso- 
late by  the  relentless  hand  of  fratricidal  strife. 

The  garden  spot  of  the  proud  and  happy  land  had  been 
laid  bare  and  Avaste,  AArhile  the  people  within  its  borders  had 
been  humiliated  and  humbled  by  the  long  duration  of  the 
common  scourge.  The  resting  places  of  the  great  lights  of 
the  past,  who  had  rocked  the  cradle  of  the  American  Union, 
had  been  ruthlessly  disturbed  by  the  hand  of  the  despoiler  and 
the  sacred  tabernacles  of  the  Most  High  had  been  desecrated 
by  the  uncompromising  tread  of  hostile  bands. 

Throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  Avretchedly 
divided  country,  living  evidences  of  the  curse  of  Avar  be- 
wailed the  cruel  fate  that  decreed  their  despoliation. 

The  brooks  and  larger  streams  ran  blood,  Avhile  the  once 
blooming  fields  lay  barren  and  deserted.  The  crying  moan 
of  the  innocent,  mingling  with  the  dying  throes  of  the 
mangled,  filled  the  realm  Avith  pity,  and  scalding  tears  traced 
their  course  over  the  fair  faces  of  the  Avomen  of  the  unhappy 
country,  and  yet  the  Avoful  tide  of  hostilities  rolled  on.  On 
like  a never  ending  sea  of  horrors.  Hoav  long,  O,  hoAV  long, 
must  this  curse  remain  upon  the  heads  of  those  who  have  al- 
ready been  so  severely  chastised?  Hoav  long  before  the  sign 
of  returning  peace  shall  stay  the  strides  of  this  mournful 
tragedy  ? 


758 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Still,  amid  the  flaming  smoke  of  battle,  the  serried  ranks  of 
the  Confederate  army  bravely  faced  the  overwhelming 
legions  of  the  Federal  host.  Ragged  and  torn,  hungry  and 
footsore,  their  decimated  columns  defiantly  trod  the  line  of 
battle  and  heroically  stood  before  the  splendidly  equipped 
battalions  in  blue,  although  harassed  and  tortured  by  the  de- 
crees of  a stern  and  bitter  fate. 

BOMBARDMENT  OE  PETERSBURG. 

Early  on  the  morning  following  the  battle  of  Five  Forks 
General  Grant  ordered  all  of  the  Federal  batteries  before 
Petersburg,  from  Hatcher’s  Run  to  the  Appomattox  river,  to 
be  opened  on  the  works  surrounding  the  doomed  city. 

General  Sheridan  ordered  General  Griffin,  then  in  com- 
mand of  the  Fifth  corps,  to  move  two  divisions  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Petersburg,  and  to  send  his  old  division,  now  under 
the  command  of  General  Bartlett,  up  the  Ford  road  to 
Hatcher’s  Run  to  support  McKenzie’s  cavalry. 

The  bombardment  which  had  been  ordered  by  General 
Grant  was  to  be  followed  by  an  assault  by  the  troops  of 
Generals  Wright,  Parke,  and  Ord,  then  holding  the  intrench- 
ments  in  front  of  the  city.  Meanwhile,  for  fear  that  Sheridan 
might  be  surprised  by  the  Confederates,  General  Miles’ 
division  of  the  Second  corps  was  ordered  to  support  his 
isolated  position. 

THE  INFANTRY  ASSAULT. 

From  the  fulfillment  of  the  order  of  the  Federal  com- 
mander-in-chief until  four  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  April 
second  the  fearful  bombardment  incessantly  continued,  and 
at  the  break  of  day  the  various  commands  of  infantry,  moved 
out  to  the  assault.  The  works  which  had  so  often  before 
been  the  impregnable  barrier  between  the  hostile  forces  and 
their  coveted  prize  were  soon  to  be  once  more  the  theater  of 
bloody  conflict ; and  the  men  who  had  so  defiantly  faced  each 
other  for  so  many  months  were  once  more  to  grapple  in  the 
fiercest  combat. 


THE  INFANTRY  ASSAULT. 


759 


The  impetuous  assault  of  the  Ninth  corps,  under  General 
Parke,  carried  the  Confederate  outer  line  of  works,  but  could 
go  no  further ; but  the  Sixth  corps,  supported  by  two 
divisions  of  General  Ord's  troops,  assaulted  the  Confederates 
in  their  front  at  the  same  hour,  and  drove  them  back  upon 
the  Boydton  plank  road,  when  they  moved  toward  Hatcher’s 
Run  in  rear  of  the  Confederate  intrenchments,  capturing 
many  guns  and  several  thousand  prisoners.  Other  portions 
of  Ord's  troops  having  broken  the  Confederate  line  near  them, 
the  entire  force  moved  in  a southwesterly  direction  toward 
Petersburg.  Several  minor  movements  were  successfully 
made  by  the  troops  of  Generals  Mott  and  Hays,  who  then 
took  position  on  the  left  of  the  Sixth  corps.  Meanwhile  a 
remnant  of  the  Confederate  force  had  made  a stand  at  Clai- 
borne's road,  west  of  Hatcher’s  Run,  and  this  was  attacked 
by  General  Miles,  who  had  come  up  the  White  Oak  road. 

In  this  movement  his  troops  were  supported  by  the  divisions 
of  Bartlett  and  Crawford,  under  the  immediate  command  of 
General  Sheridan.  The  attack  was  vigorously  executed,  and 
the  demoralized  Confederates  were  driven  across  Hatcher’s 
Run  to  Sutherland’s  Station,  well  up  toward  Petersburg.  On 
the  second  of  April  the  South  Side  railroad  was  struck  in 
three  places,  and  the  last  line  of  communications  of  the  Con- 
federates cut  off. 

At  the  same  hour  Gibbon's  division  of  Ord’s  troops  had 
carried  Forts  Gregt;'  and  Alexander,  at  the  south  of  Peters- 
burg, greatly  weakening  the  defences  of  the  city.  These 
works  were  defended  by  Mississippians,  and  of  two  hundred 
and  fifty  in  number,  only  thirty  effective  men  survived  the 
conflict.  The  assaulting'  column  lost  live  hundred  men. 

Lossing  says : “ The  Confederates  were  now  confined  to  the 
inner  line,  close  around  Petersburg.  They  were  strong,  be- 
cause more  concentrated;  and  Longstreet,  who  had  crossed 
the  James  from  the  defences  of  Richmond  on  the  north  side, 
with  some  brigades,  had  pushed  forward  with  Benning’s  of 
Field’s  division,  and  joined  Lee  at  ten  o’clock  that  morning. 
So  strong  did  Lee  feel,  that  he  ordered  a charge  on  the  be- 


760 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


siegers,  to  regain  some  of  the  works  on  his  left,  carried  by  the 
Ninth  corps.  Heth  commanded  the  charging  party,  which 
consisted  of  his  own  division  of  A.  P.  Hill’s  corps.  So  heav- 
ily did  the  Confederates  press,  that  the  troops  holding  City 
Point  were  ordered  up  to  the  support  of  the  Ninth  corps. 
Hetli  was  repulsed,  and  so  ended  the  really  last  blow  struck 
for  the  defence  of  Richmond  by  Lee’s  army.” 

In  consequence  of  the  enormous  loss  which  it  had  sustained 
during  the  preceding  few  days,  the  Confederate  army  had 
been  reduced  to  thirty-three  thousand  men,  and  General  Lee 
now  felt  that  he  could  no  longer  hold  Petersburg  or  Rich- 
mond, and  determined  to  evacuate  the  two  cities  during  the 
coming  night.  His  aim  was  to  maintain  his  position  until 
dark,  and  then  retreat  by  way  of  the  Danville  railroad  and 
join  General  Johnston.  Chief  among  the  losses  sustained  by 
the  Confederate  army,  during  the  morning  of  April  second, 
had  been  the  gallant  General  A.  P.  Hill,  who  had  been  shot 
dead  from  his  horse  while  reconnoitering.  Being  one  of  Lee’s 
ablest  officers,  his  death  was  irreparable,  and  added  one  more 
pang  to  the  perplexed  mind  of  the  great  southern  chieftain. 
Than  General  Hill  there  were  few  men  who  died  in  the  army 
Avho  were  more  generally  lamented.  For  four  years  he  had 
been  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  figures  in  the  defence  of  the 
Confederate  capital,  and  laid  down  his  life  in  this,  the  last 
movement  made  in  its  behalf. 

At  about  half-past  ten  o'clock  General  Lee  telegraphed  Mr. 
Davis  of  the  condition  of  affairs,  and  said  that  Richmond 
must  be  evacuated  that  night,  April  second.  At  the  time 
this  dispatch  reached  the  Confederate  President,  he  was  at- 
tending St.  Paul’s  Episcopal  church.  He  immediately  left  the 
church,  which  movement  created  the  most  intense,  yet  sup- 
pressed excitement.  The  services  were  brought  to  an  abrupt 
ending,  and  before  closing  them,  the  pastor  gave  notice  that 
General  Ewell  desired  the  local  forces  to  assemble  at  three 
o’clock  that  afternoon. 

It  was  now  noon,  and  a rumor  of  the  immediate  evacuation 
of  the  city  having  become  current,  the  wildest  excitement 


THE  INFANTRY  ASSAULT. 


761 


prevailed,  and  the  people  were  kept  in  the  most  painful  sus- 
pense. Not  one  word  was  said  by  those  in  authority,  and 
toward  evening  a panic  took  the  place  of  better  judgment. 
At  the  various  State  Departments  wagons  were  being 
loaded  with  boxes,  and  driven  from  thence  to  the  Dan- 
ville depot,  and  this  added  fresh  fuel  to  the  flame  of  excite- 
ment then  gathering  in  every  section  of  the  city. 

During  the  forenoon  of  the  day  the  various  officers  had 
been  in  attendance  on  the  different  churches,  hut  now  none 
of  them  were  to  he  seen.  At  all  of  the  private  residences 
the  balconies  were  filled  with  ladies ; they  were  mute,  terror- 
stricken  and  helpless.  The  hour  of  their  abandonment  had 
come  like  a thunder-bolt,  although  it  had  been  long  expected. 

It  was  painful  to  witness  their  forlorn  sadness,  as  first  one 
and  then  another  bade  farewell  to  some  soldier  friend  as  he 
would  march  by. 

Thousands  were  preparing  to  fly,  and  yet  had  no  definite 
point  in  view.  At  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  Mr.  Davis, 
accompanied  by  his  family,  left  the  city.  At  nine  o'clock  the 
Virginia  Legislature  fled,  and  when  midnight  came  every  ves- 
tige of  the  Government  had  gone,  except  Major  Melton, 
representing  the  war  department.  The  city  council  was  as- 
sembled in  the  evening,  and  ordered  the  destruction  of  all 
liquors  that  might  be  accessible  to  the  lawless.  This  was 
done,  but  the  very  precaution  had  the  most  dreaded  effect. 
The  gutters  of  the  city  were  filled  with  the  fluid  from  hun- 
dreds of  barrels,  and  the  straggling  Confederate  soldiers  and 
the  rougher  class  of  citizens  thus  came  into  possession  of  the 
liquor,  and  the  great  calamity  was  thereby  hastened. 

Lossing  says:  “Ewell  had  been  directed,  in  spite  of  his 
own  remonstrances,  and  that  of  private  and  public  citizens, 
to  issue  an  order  for  the  firing  of  the  warehouses  at  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning.” 

There  was  a fresh  breeze  from  the  south,  and  such  fires 
might  endanger  the  whole  city. 

The  common  council  appealed  to  Major  Melton  to  rescind 
the  order,  as  the  representative  of  the  War  Department,  but 


762 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


this  he  refused  to  do,  and  the  torch  was  applied.  About  day- 
break the  tobacco  warehouses,  at  the  head  of  the  basin,  situ- 
ated near  the  Petersburg  depot,  Shockoe  warehouse,  near  the 
center  of  the  city,  and  that  of  Mayo  and  Dibbrell  on  Cary 
street,  one  square  below  Libby  prison,  were  in  flames. 

The  city  meantime  was  on  fire  in  many  places,  and  the 
intoxicated  soldiery,  and  many  of  the  dangerous  class  of  both 
sexes,  formed  a marauding  mob  of  dangerous  proportions  who 
broke  open  and  plundered  stores,  and  committed  other  ex- 
cesses equally  as  heinous.  Pandemonium  reigned  supreme 
from  midnight  to  dawn.  The  prison  doors  of  the  city  jail 
were  beaten  down,  and  the  prisoners  let  loose  to  swell  the 
ranks  of  the  infuriated  inhabitants,  and  the  jail  was  burned. 
The  arsenal  was  next  set  on  fire  in  hopes  of  destroying  the 
Tredegar  works.  Now  the  large  flour  mill  was  set  on  fire, 
and  the  conflagration  spread  rapidly,  as  the  fire  department 
was  powerless  to  check  it. 

Before  noon  the  greater  portion  of  the  business  part  of  the 
city  was  in  flames,  and  the  furies  of  hell  seemed  to  revel  in 
uncontrolled  delight.  General  Ewell  declares  that  he  left 
the  city  at  seven  o’clock  Monday  morning,  and  that  nothing 
had  been  set  on  fire  by  his  orders,  although  the  fire  was  rag- 
ing in  many  places. 

While  this  dreadful  state  of  affairs  was  raging  in  the 
beautiful  “ city  of  the  hills,”  the  Confederate  troops  from 
the  north  side  of  the  James  river  were  making  their  way 
through  the  city,  and  crossing  the  bridges  to  the  south  bank 
by  way  of  Manchester.  This  was  before  the  dawn  of  April 
the  third.  At  about  three  o’clock  the  magazine  was  blown 
up  with  a concussion  that  shook  the  city  to  its  foundation, 
and  sent  terror  to  the  despondent  hearts  of  the  helpless  in- 
habitants. Other  explosions  followed;  the  ram  Virginia,  ly- 
ing below  the  city,  being  the  second  victim.  Then  followed 
a like  destruction  of  the  iron-clads,  Fredericksburg  and  Rich- 
mond, and  the  scuttling  of  the  receiving  ship  Patrick  Henry. 

At  seven  o’clock  all  of  the  troops  having  crossed,  the  torch 
was  applied  to  Mayo’s  bridge  and  the  Railroad  High  bridge, 


* 


THE  INFANTRY  ASSAULT.  763 

both  of  which  were  burned  behind  the  retreating  Confed- 
erates. Before  noon,  nearly  seven  hundred  buildings  in  differ- 
ent sections  of  the  city  were  in  flames,  among  them  being  the 
Presbyterian,  church. 

It  is  said  by  those  who  were  in  position  to  know,  that  after 
General  Lee  had  succeeded  in  withdrawing  his  army  from 
Richmond,  his  spirits  were  momentarily  lightened,  and  during 
the  day  of  the  third  of  April,  he  said,  “ I have  got  my  army 
out  of  its  breastworks,  and  in  order  to  follow  me  my  enemy 
must  abandon  his  lines  and  derive  no  future  benefit  from  his 
railroads  or  the  James  river.”  General  Lee  thus  evidently 
hoped  to  escape  with  his  army  and  unite  with  that  of  John- 
ston, yet  not  expecting  to  establish,  the  independence  of  the 
Confederacy.  He  hoped  to  prolong  the  contest  for  an  indefi- 
nite period  of  time,  but  these  hopes  were  dashed  to  the 
ground  by  the  prodigious  valor  with  which  Grant  pressed  the 
pursuit. 

In  the  gray  light  of  early  morning  on  the  third  of  April, 
the  Federal  troops  on  the  north  bank  of  the  James  river, 
under  the  command  of  General  Weitzel,  were  surprised  by 
hearing  fearful  explosions  in  Richmond,  and  by  seeing  the 
morning  skies  made  glaring  red  by  a frightful  conflagration. 
Surmising  the  cause  of  the  explosion  and  fire,  preparations 
were  made  to  enter  the  doomed  capital  of  the  Confederacy. 
At  six  o'oclock,  General  Weitzel  accompanied  by  his  staff 
and  the  Second  brigade  of  the  Third  division  of  the  Twenty- 
fourth  Army  corps,  under  the  command  of  General  Ripley, 
moved  forward  to  the  suburbs  of  the  town. 

At  eight  o’clock,  he,  at  the  head  of  Ripley’s  brigade  of 
negro  troops,  rode  into  the  cRy,  and  thus  these  had  the  honor 
of  first  entering  the  streets  of  the  Confederate  capital,  for 
which  privilege  so  many  thousands  of  white  men  had  laid 
down  their  lives  in  vain. 

The  city  was  immediately  placed  under  military  rule,  and 
the  work  of  extinguishing  the  flames  begun,  which  by  super- 
human exertions  was  accomplished,  although  not  until  at 
least  one-third  of  beautiful  Richmond  had  been  laid  in  ashes. 


764 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Thus  it  fell ; its  defence  for  the  past  year  had  been  one  of  the 
most  marvelous  events  of  modern  warfare,  and  its  fall  was 
equally  strange.  After  men  by  scores  of  thousands  had  fallen 
in  the  attempt  to  capture  it,  it  was  not  thus  taken,  but,  as  a 
prize  of  war,  occupied  by  a party  of  horsemen. 

The  hour  has  arrived  in  the  epoch  of  American  history 
when  the  unvarnished  truth  can  be  spoken  without  the  fear 
of  being  contradicted  by  any,  and  it  shall  be  here  plainly  re- 
corded. With  the  exception  of  perhaps  a few,  the  inhabitants 
of  Richmond  were  glad  to  see  the  end  so  near,  and  famished 
thousands  welcomed  the  advance  of  the  Federal  troops.  The 
hopelessly  helpless  had  long  before  seen  the  end  of  this  strug- 
gle, and  patiently  looked  forward  to  their  deliverance. 

Let  us  now  tumour  attention  toward  the  city  of  Petersburg 
and  the  troops  under  General  Lee.  From  early  dawn  of 
April  second,  the  fierce  assault  upon  the  works  immediately 
surrounding  the  city  had  been  kept  up,  and  about  noon  it 
became  generally  known  that  the  Confederates  would  soon 
either  abandon  the  city  or  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Federals 
as  prisoners  of  war. 

The  long  besieged  inhabitants  were  remarkably  quiet  under 
the  prevailing  commotion,  and  seemed  resigned  to  any  fate 
which  might  await  them. 

From  Old  Blanford  cemetery  to  the  Weldon  railroad  a 
continuous  sheet  of  flame  and  smoke  burst  from  the  throats 
of  the  Federal  cannon,  and  this  tremendous  uproar  was  accom- 
panied by  the  rattle  of  small  arms  in  many  directions.  Hun- 
dreds were  being  borne  to  the  rear  and  placed  in  the 
hospitals.  The  streets  of  the  city  were  deserted,  and  all  were 
still  save  the  straggling  soldiers.  Despair  and  ruin  alone  im- 
pressed the  people. 

At  dark  of  April  second  the  firing  ceased,  and  death  held 
high  carnival  over  a thousand  victims.  Before  midnight  of 
that  eventful  day,  the  slow  tread  of  soldiers,  and  the  low  rum- 
ble of  artillery,  told  but  too  plainly  that  the  city  was  being  evac- 
uated. This  was  conducted  so  silently  that  Monday  morning 
the  Confederates  had  nearly  all  gone,  and  the  fact  had  not 
been  communicated  to  the  Federal  lines. 


THE  IXFANTRY  ASSAULT. 


765 


General  Lee  had  determined  to  concentrate  his  troops  at 
Amelia  Court-house,  and  ordered  his  commissaiy  stores  to  be 
sent  to  that  place.  These  were  never  received,  but  instead 
were  destroyed  in  the  conflagration  at  Richmond.  Upon  the 
arrival  of  General  Lee  at  Amelia  he  found  his  stores  were  not 
there.  This  was  a great  disappointment,  and  he  almost  gave 
up  in  despair. 

It  was  his  intention,  with  a bountifully  supplied  force  kept 
well  in  hand,  to  attack  in  detail  the  Federals,  whom  he  felt 
certain  General  Grant  would  break  up  in  detachments  while 
in  pursuit  of  him,  but  when  this  last  disappointment  had 
fallen  upon  him,  all  idea  of  such  a thing  was  abandoned,  and 
he  was  compelled  to  wait  for  supplies. 

While  General  Lee  and  the  heroic  remnant  of  his  gallant 

o 

army  were  so  bravely  fighting  their  last  battles  around  Peters- 
burg, and  were  so  skillfully  making  their  escapa  from  the 
intrendliments  of  both  this  city  and  Richmond,  scenes  of 
marked  ability  were  being  enacted  in  the  Federal  army.  The 
North  was  wild  with  excitement  over  the  intelligence  that 
these  cities  had  been  captured,  but  General  Grant  cared  noth- 
ing for  Richmond  or  Petersburg,  his  object  was  to  crush  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  and  to  this  end  the  most  untir- 
ing energy  was  displayed.  His  trusted  lieutenants  at  the 
head  of  their  troops  pressed  forward,  and  long  lines  of  blue 
were  seen  marching  along  almost  every  road  leading  in  the 
direction  which  General  Lee  had  retreated. 

"While  the  Confederates  were  concentrating  at  Amelia 
Court-house  the  Federals  had  occupied  Petersburg  and  were 
hurrying  on  as  above  stated. 

The  cavalry  and  the  Fifth  corps,  both  under  General  Sher- 
idan, struck  the  Danville  railroad  at  Jetersville,  seven  miles 
southwest  of  Amelia,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  fourth,  and 
some  of  his  cavalry  moved  on  almost  to  Burkeville  Station, 
at  the  junction  of  that  road  with  the  South  Side  road. 

Lee  now  found  the  Federal  general  square  across  his  line 
of  retreat,  with  his  infantry  well  intrenched,  and  supported 
by  a sufficient  force  of  cavalry.  The  Confederate  line  of  sup- 


766 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


plies  was  now  cut  off,  and  he  was  left  to  choose  between  two 
courses.  He  must  either  fight  Sheridan,  or  take  a course  to 
the  west  and  left  of  Jetersville,  recross  the  Appomattox  at 
Farmville,  thirty-five  miles  from  Amelia  Court-house,  where 
the  South  Side  touches  the  river,  and  flee  to  the  mountains 
beyond  Lynchburg. 

Manjr  circumstances  had  taken  place  up  to  this  time  which 
were  direful  in  their  results,  and  calculated  to  bring  despair 
to  the  great  leader  who  was  thus  being  brought  to  bay.  His 
ranks,  so  battered  and  weary,  became  thinner  and  thinner  as 
he  tarried.  Hundreds  were  hourly  falling  out  by  the  way  as 
the  report  gained  credence  that  they  were  to  leave  the  bor- 
ders of  the  state,  if  need  be.  Many  more  were  deserting 
through  the  gnawings  of  hunger,  while  many  more  had  lost 
all  heart,  and  sought  the  lines  of  the  triumphantly  advancing 
Federals  as  an  asylum  from  further  strife. 

All  of  this  had  to  be  taken  into  consideration,  and  no  defi- 
nite plan  of  retreat  could  be  inaugurated,  or  dependence 
placed  in  the  troops  who  were  panic-stricken  and  dispirited. 
Time  was  more  than  precious  with  General  Lee,  it  was  inval- 
uable, and  yet  he  was  constrained  to  tarry  throughout  the 
day,  and  evening  brought  the  disconsolate  tidings  of  General 
Meade  having  joined  Sheridan  at  Jetersville,  with  the  Sec- 
ond and  Sixth  corps,  late  in  the  afternoon. 

lee’s  only  hope. 

The  only  hope  of  the  Confederate  chief  now,  was  to  escape 
by  way  of  Farmville,  and  this  was  greatly  marred  by  the 
threatening  attitude  of  General  Sheridan,  nevertheless  he 
made  the  attempt.  Davies  with  his  cavalry  was  sent  by  Gen- 
eral Sheridan  to  reconnoiter  to  the  left  and  in  front  of  Jeters- 
ville. At  this  hour  a portion  of  Lee’s  army  was  moving 
from  Amelia  Court-house  in  a westerly  direction,  his  cavalry 
escorting  a train  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  wagons  in  front 
of  his  infantry. 

Davies  fell  upon  these  at  Fame’s  Cross-roads,  destroyed  the 
wagons,  and  captured  many  prisoners  and  five  guns.  The 


BATTLE  OF  FARMVILLE. 


769 


Confederate  infantry  was  then  attacked,  but  the  determined 
resistance  which  they  had  evinced  upon  so  many  hard-fought 
battlefields  had  not  forsaken  them,  and  the  Federal  horse- 
man found  himself  in  a most  embarrassing  situation.  Fortu- 
nately for  him,  the  timely  arrival  of  reinforcements  under 
Generals  Gregg  and  Smith  came  to  his  rescue,  and  he  was 
thus  enabled  to  extricate  his  command  from  its  perilous  posi- 
tion, and  fell  back  upon  Jetersville. 

Nearly  the  entire  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  arrived  at 
Jetersville  on  the  morning  of  the  sixth,  and  moved  upon  Ame- 
lia Conrt-house  to  attack  the  Confederates. 

Sheridan  had  returned  the  Fifth  corps  to  Meade,  and  now 
operated  with  the  cavalry  alone. 

BATTLE  OF  FARMVILLE. 

During  the  night  Lee  had  left  Amelia  Court-house,  passed 
the  left  flank  of  the  Union  army,  and  was  moving  westwardly 
toward  Deatonsville.  This  movement  General  Sheridan  had 
discovered,  and  made  a rapid  pursuit  in  three  columns. 
General  Ord,  with  the  Army  of  the  James,  meanwhile  had 
reached  Burkeville  Station  on  the  South  Side  railroad,  and 
was  directed  to  move  on  to  Farmville.  He  sent  both  cavalry 
and  infantry  forward  to  destroy  the  bridges  near  that  place, 
the  troops  being  under  the  immediate  command  of  General 
Read. 

Here  the  Federals  met  the  van  of  the  retreating  Con- 
federates, and  made  a vigorous  attack  on  it,  with  the  hope  of 
arresting  its  further  advance  until  reinforcements  might  be 
sent  the  Federal  General.  The  conflict  was  short,  sharp,  and 
decisive.  The  Federals  were  repulsed  with  dreadful  loss  of 
life,  among  the  number  being  the  commanding  General  Read. 
The  Confederates  saved  the  bridge,  but  at  the  sacrifice  of  the 
most  precious  time,  and  this  gave  General  Ord  an  oppor- 
tunity to  arrive  on  the  field  with  the  remainder  of  his  army. 


49 


770 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


BATTLE  OF  SAILOR’S  CREEK. 

Meantime  Sheridan  had  ordered  General  Crook  to  strike 
another  of  the  Confederate  wagon  trains  then  being  escorted 
on  his  left,  by  a heavy  force  of  cavalry.  In  this  attack  the 
Federals  were  repulsed,  but  General  Custer,  who  had  pressed 
far  in  advance  of  Crook,  had  arrived  at  Sailor’s  Creek,  a trib- 
utary to  the  Appomattox,  and  was  intrenched  across  the  path 
of  the  Confederates.  Two  divisions,  those  of  Crook  and 
Devens,  now  pressed  up  to  his  support,  and  the  Confederate 
line  was  pierced,  and  four  hundred  wagons,  sixteen  guns,  and 
many  prisoners  were  captured.’ 

Ewell’s  corps  was  thus  cut  off  from  the  main  body  of  the 
Confederates,  and  being  attacked  by  overwhelming  forces, 
after  the  most  desperate  fighting,  fell  back  to  Sailor’s  Creek. 

From  this  position  so  determinedly  did  his  troops  resist  the 
attack  of  the  Federals  that  they  halted  until  the  arrival  of 
Wheaton’s  division,  which  also  came  to  their  support.  Again 
the  Federals  advanced,  and  though  Ewell’s  veterans  resisted 
with  great  determination,  they  were  surrounded  by  cavalry 
and  infantry,  assaulted  in  both  front  and  rear,  and  finally 
threw  their  arms  down  and  surrendered. 

CAPTURE  OF  GENERAL  EWELL. 

General  Ewell  and  four  other  generals  were  among  the  six 
thousand  men  thus  captured. 

The  dreadfully  shattered  remnant  of  Lee’s  army  succeeded 
in  crossing  the  Appomattox  over  the  bridges  at  Farmville 
that  night  and  on  the  morning  of  the  seventh.  He  attempted 
to  burn  the  bridges  behind  him,  but  in  this  he  was  unsuccess- 
ful, as  the  van  of  the  Federals,  under  General  Humphreys, 
saved  the  one  over  which  the  wagons  passed,  and  only  the 
railway  bridge  was  destroyed. 

At  this  point  the  Federals  came  into  possession  of  eighteen 
guns  which  had  been  abandoned  by  the  Confederates,  as  the 
starving  horses  could  not  longer  draw  them.  Thousands  of 
the  Confederate  soldiers  here  threw  away  their  muskets, 


CAPTURE  OF  GENERAL  EWELL. 


771 


being  unable,  from  the  effects  of  hunger,  to  longer  carry 
them.  When  Petersburg  was  abandoned  four  days  before, 
only  one  ration  had  been  dealt  out  to  the  men,  nor  had  they 
received  any  since.  The  country  through  which  they  were 
retreating  furnished  no  supplies,  and  the  suffering  of  Lee's 
soldiers,  after  the  first  day  of  that  ever  to  be  remembered  re- 
treat, can  never  be  forgotten  by  those  who  underwent  the 
trying  ordeal. 

It  would  be  folly  to  attempt  to  picture  it  here.  Forced  on 
without  sleep,  without  food,  weary  and  harassed;  attacked  in 
front,  in  rear,  and  on  both  flanks,  they  were  compelled  to 
halt  and  face  a victorious  and  well  disciplined  army  of  four 
times  their  number ; men  whose  spirits  were  sustained  by 
favorable  events.  Indeed,  their  heroism  cannot  find  an  equal, 
nor  can  a similar  instance  of  mental  and  physical  suffering  be 
found  recorded. 

During  the  night  of  the  sixth,  in  the  absence  of  the  Confed- 
erate chieftain,  a council  of  his  generals  was  convened,  at 
which  time  all  of  them  agreed  that  further  resistance  would 
be  suicidal,  and  that  capture  was  inevitable.  Famine  had  de- 
prived them  of  over  one-half  of  their  men  ; while  the  greater 
part  of  the  other  half  were  unfitted  to  continue  the  contest. 
The  artillery  horses  were  too  weak  to  draw  the  guns,  and  if  a 
rapid  flight  was  attempted,  all  of  the  cannon  would  assuredly 
be  lost. 

In  consideration  of  the  surrounding  adversity,  General  Pen- 
dleton was  delegated  to  present  to  General  Lee  the  result  of 
their  council,  and  suggest  a capitulation  on  the  easiest  terms 
attainable.  This  interview  with  the  Confederate  commander- 
in-chief  resulted  adversely  to  the  conclusions  arrived  at  by 
his  lieutenants,  and  the  retreat  was  continued. 

The  soldiers  of  both  armies  were  early  upon  their  feet  on 
the  morning  of  the  seventh,  and  the  immediate  pursuit  was 
resumed  by  the  Second  corps,  which  came  up  with  the  rear 
of  the  Confederate  army,  under  General  Mahone,  at  High 
Bridge,  as  the  first  point  where  the  railroad  bridge  crosses  the 
Appomattox,  below  Farmville,  is  called.  This  bridge  ex- 


772 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


tended  from  hill  to  hill  over  the  narrow,  but  unfordable  river 
and  interval,  and  rested  upon  piers,  rising  sixty  feet  in 
height,  and  just  below  or  almost  beneath  it  was  a small 
wagon-road  bridge. 

General  Barlow,  whose  division  was  in  advance,  sent  his 
leading  regiment,  the  Nineteenth  Maine,  rapidly  forward,  as 
a skirmish  line,  to  the  brow  of  the  hill,  upon  the  south  side 
of  the  river,  and  there  discovered  the  northerly  end  of  the 
railroad  bridge  and  the  wagon-road  bridge  in  flames,  and  Gen- 
eral Mahone’s  forces  in  view  upon  the  opposite  range  of  hills. 
The  small  regiment  on  the  double-quick  rushed  down  the 
hill  to  the  travel  bridge,  and  with  dippers,  hats  and  canteens 
as  fire  buckets,  eagerly  commenced  making  efforts  to  ex- 
tinguish the  flames. 


BATTLE  OF  HIGH  BRIDGE. 

Their  enemy  discovered  their  exertions,  sent  back  a superior 
force  to  drive  them  away  and  to  complete  the  destruction  of 
the  bridge.  Then  ensued  one  of  the  most  spirited  little  en- 
gagements of  the  war,  over  the  bridge.  Its  preservation  on 
the  one  hand,  and  its  destruction  on  the  other,  was  of  vital 
importance  to  the  pursuers  and  pursued.  The  Nineteenth 
Maine,  as  well  as  the  attacking  force,  fought  with  great  de- 
termination and  spirit,  and  were  enabled  to  hold  the  bridge 
and  keep  the  flames  in  check  until  the  timely  arrival  of  Gen- 
eral Smythe,  one  of  the  most  gallant  brigade  commanders  in 
the  Northern  Army,  with  his  brigade  to  the  support  of  the 
Maine  boys.  The  bridge  was  saved. 

This  enabled  General  Humphreys’  corps  to  cross  to  the 
north  bank  without  delay,  and  continue  the  pursuit  with  such 
vigor  as  to  compel  a halt  of  the  Confederate  forces  upon 
Farmville  Heights,  a few  miles  above,  and  thus  detained  the 
Confederates  until  darkness  set  in.  This  was  a loss  of  in- 
valuable time  to  the  Confederates,  occasioning  the  loss  of  their 
supplies  at  Appomattox  Station,  and  enabled  the  Union 
troops  to  reach  Appomattox  Court-house  in  advance  of  them 
on  the  morning  of  the  ninth. 


GRANT’S  NOTE  TO  LEE. 


773 


On  the  road  leading  to  Lynchburg,  a few  miles  north  of 
Farmville,  the  remainder  of  Lee’s  army  was  huddled  together 
in  one  mass.  This  was  heavily  intrenched,  and  many  pieces 
of  artillery  commanded  the  roads  by  which  the  Federals  must 
advance  from  the  Appomattox  river.  The  Second  corps, 
under  General  Humphreys,  had  already  crossed  the  river  in 
pursuit,  also  the  divisions  of  Generals  Miles  and  De  Trobriand. 

THE  BATTLE  IN  THE  ROAD. 

The  intrenched  army  of  General  Lee  confronted  him,  and 
he  resolved  to  bring  on  an  attack.  The  troops  under  General 
Miles  assailed  the  Confederate  left,  while  those  under  General 
Barlow  assaulted  them  in  front. 

By  some  misunderstanding  and  delay,  the  Federals  under 
Barlow  did  not  act  simultaneously  with  those  of  General 
Miles,  and  this  battle  resulted  in  a bloody  repulse  of  the  Fed- 
eral troops,  who  lost  over  six  hundred  men  in  the  affray. 
Among  the  number  killed  was  the  gallant  General  Smythe 
and  Major  Mills,  Generals  Mott,  Madill  and  McDougall  se- 
verely wounded,  as  also  Colonel  Starbird  of  the  Nineteenth 
Maine. 

Meanwhile  General  Crook’s  cavalry  was  badly  defeated 
near  Farmville  by  the  Confederate  infantry, .who  were  guard- 
ing a wagon  train.  In  this  fight  the  Federal  General  Gregg, 
commanding  a brigade,  was  captured. 

grant’s  note  to  lee. 

Soon  after  the  repulse  of  General  Miles  General  Lee  re- 
ceived a note  from  General  Grant,  in  which  he  said  : “ The 
result  of  the  last  week  must  convince  you  of  the  hopeless- 
ness of  further  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  Army  of  North- 
ern Virginia  in  this  struggle.  I feel  that  it  is  so,  and  regard 
it  as  my  duty  to  shift  from  myself  the  responsibility  of  any 
further  effusion  of  blood  by  asking  of  you  the  surrender  of 
that  portion  of  the  Confederate  states’  army  known  as  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia.”  General  Lee  made  the  follow- 
ing reply  to  the  above  note:  “Though  not  entertaining  the 


774 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


opinion  you  express  on  the  hopelessness  of  further  resistance 
on  the  part  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  I reciprocate 
your  desire  to  avoid  useless  effusion  of  blood,  and  therefore, 
before  considering  your  propositon,  ask  the  terms  you  will 
offer  on  condition  of  its  surrender.”  These  negotiations  did 
not  cause  the  Confederates  to  halt,  and  during  the  night  of 
the  seventh  they  continued  the  retreat. 

The  response  of  Lee  to  Grant’s  note  was  received  on  the 
morning  of  the  eighth,  and  immediately  the  following  com- 
munication was  sent  to  the  Confederate  chief : 

“ Peace  being  my  great  desire,  there  is  but  one  condition 
that  I would  insist  upon,  namely,  that  the  men  and  officers 
surrendered  shall  be  disqualified  for  taking  up  arms  again 
against  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  until  properly 
exchanged.” 

Accompanying  this  note  was  a proposition  to  meet  General 
Lee  in  person,  or  to  delegate  officers  to  meet  whomsoever 
Lee  might  name  for  arranging  the  terms  of  surrender. 

At  the  same  time  Grant  set  his  whole  army  in  motion. 
General  Sheridan  by  a rapid  march  had  reached  a point  in 
advance  of  the  retreating  forces  of  Lee,  and  planted  himself 
squarely  across  his  line  of  further  retreat  toward  Lynchburg, 
while  the  main  body  of  the  Federal  army  was  slowly  but 
surely  pressing  closely  on  in  the  rear  of  the  Confederates. 

General  Meade,  commanding  the  Second  and  Sixth  corps, 
was  accompanied  by  the  Federal  general-in-chief,  and  moved 
directly  on  the  trail  of  the  flying  army  of  Lee,  while  other 
troops  were  pressing  on  either  flank.  It  is  thus  that  we  find 
the  two  armies  on  the  eighth  of  April. 

About  this  time  further  correspondence  was  indulged  in  on 
the  part  of  the  two  generals-in-chief,  but  which  failed  to  pro- 
cure the  desired  result. 

sheridan’s  last  stroke. 

The  cause  of  the  Confederacy  was  now  utterly  hopeless, 
however.  Sheridan  had  closed  the  last  avenue  of  escape,  and 
General  Lee  saw  that  nothing  but  the  most  reckless  daring 
could  possibly  accomplish  anything. 


BATTLE  OF  APPOMATTOX  STATION. 


775 


Could  he  cut  his  way  out  ? That  was  the  only  chance. 
With  everything  against  the  bare  possibility  he  concluded  to 
make  the  effort.  At  daybreak  on  the  morning  of  the  ninth 
the  attempt  was  to  be  made,  although  the  once  splendid  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia  had  been  reduced  to  ten  thousand 
effective  men. 

At  about  noon  of  April  the  eighth  the  remnant  of  the  Con- 
federate artillery  force,  under  the  command  of  General 
Walker,  had  passed  Appomattox  Court-house  about  two  or 
three  miles,  and  were  then  halted  in  a small  field  surrounded 
by  a thick  growth  of  shrubbery  and  oak. 

Neither  the  men  or  horses  had  had  either  anything  to  eat, 
any  rest,  or  sleep  for  three  days,  and  they  were  halted  and 
parked  here  simply  because  exhausted  nature  compelled  them 
to  stop.  The  horses  were  unharnessed  and  the  men  lay  down 
upon  the  ground  to  rest.  The  only  support  which  the  bat- 
terymen  had  was  a few  regiments  of  jaded  cavalrymen  under 
command  of  General  Garey,  of  South  Carolina. 

BATTLE  OF  APPOMATTOX  STATION. 

About  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  the  men  were  aroused 
by  the  cry  of  a cavalry  scout  of  “Yankees!  Sheridan  ! 
Quickly  they  were  on  their  feet,  but  before  the  guns  could  be 
placed  in  battery  the  familiar  hum  of  the  deadly  minie-ball 
resounded  about  their  ears,  and  the  wildest  excitement  pre- 
vailed. In  the  general  report  of  that  struggle,  as  given  by 
different  historians,  mention  has  only  been  made  of  it  in  gen- 
eral terms,  but  for  fierceness,  and  a reckless  display  of  cour- 
age, perhaps  there  cannot  be  found  among  the  annals  of  the 
entire  war  a parallel. 

Hampered  in  this  little  space  of  five  or  six  acres,  densely 
surrounded,  as  has  already  been  stated,  were  about  thirty 
pieces  of  artilley.  There  was  not  a vestige  of  earthworks  to 
protect  the  artillerist.  The  guns,  caissons,  wagon  trains,  and 
horses,  were  all  huddled  promiscuously  together.  Surround- 
ing these  were  the  powerful  squadrons  of  Sheridan,  supported 
by  a heavy  body  of  infantry  in  line  of  battle. 


776 


BLUE  AM)  GRAY. 


As  quickly  as  possible,  the  guns  being  unlimbered,  the 
roar  of  artillery  echoed  far  and  near,  although  no  definite 
range  was  obtained  of  the  advancing  Federals,  as  the  wood, 
not  fifty  yards  distant  in  advance  of  the  muzzles  of  the  guns, 
completely  shielded  the  hostile  force  from  view,  and  only  the 
deadly  cry  of  bullets  and  the  rattle  of  small  arms,  gave  warn- 
ing of  its  coming. 

This  sudden  attack,  under  such  circumstances,  beggars  all 
description.  Pieces  were  discharged  immediately  over  each 
other,  at  point  blank  range,  frequently  the  shells  exploding 
in  close  proximity  to  their  muzzles.  Horses  ran  wildly  in 
every  direction,  many  being  killed  in  their  flight,  before  the 
guns,  in  the  direction  of  the  oncoming  troops  of  Sheridan. 

Minie-balls  were  making  sad  havoc  among  the  cannoneers, 
and  now  so  close  was  the  Federal  line  that  nothing  but  can- 
ister was  being  used,  flying  from  the  throats  of  every  piece, 
all  forming  a semicircle,  carrying  death  to  the  advance  of  the 
assailants.  Now  the  advance  line  of  the  Federals  rushed 
through  the  edge  of  the  woods,  across  the  short  intervening 
space,  right  up  to  the  guns  at  which  were  heroically  standing 
the  remnant  of  the  gunners.  Hand  spikes  were  seized  by  the 
Confederates,  while  club  muskets  were  freely  used  by  the 
Federals. 

Individual  acts  of  daring  were  now  performed  worthy  of  an 
everlasting  page  in  history.  Deeds  that  should  be  held  dear 
in  the  memory  of  every  true  American  who  takes  pride  in 
recounting  the  reminiscences  of  the  past  and  telling  of  the 
valor  of  his  dead  countrymen. 

The  first  gun  seized  by  the  assaulting  column  was  that  of 
Sergeant  John  Underwood,  of  Surry  County,  of  Hankin’s 
battery,  of  Lightfoot’s  battalion,  of  Virginia  artillery.  The 
section  to  which  this  gun  belonged  was  on  the  extreme  right 
of  the  semicircle,  and  the  Sergeant's  gun  was  the  extreme 
gun  on  the  line.  Around  this  gun  stood  the  brave  officer  and 
his  detachment  loading  and  firing  in  rapid  succession,  charge 
;after  charge  of  canister,  when  over  fifty  Federals  crowded 
around  his  piece  demanding  its  surrender.  Between  the  edge 


BATTLE  OF  APPOMATTOX  STATION.  i l < 

of  the  woods,  from  whence  the  advance  had  been  made,  to 
the  position  occupied  by  the  gun,  the  dead  of  the  valiant 
Federals  lay  in  heaps. 

As  the  foremost  in  the  onset  rushed  up  to  the  gun,  demand- 
ing its  surrender,  a well-directed  blow  from  a handspike  felled 
him  to  the  earth.  So  cool  and  determined  did  these  desper- 
ate men  behave  that  a rifle  aimed  at  the  heart  of  the  Sergeant 
was  prevented  from  doing  its  bloody  work  by  the  brave  com- 
mander of  the  troops. 

Soon  every  piece  in  the  field  was  in  the  possession  of  the 
Federals,  and  the  men  were  all  made  prisoners.  The  slaugh- 
ter had  been  terrible,  and  when  it  is  taken  into  mind  that 
these  men  did  not  have  a particle  of  support,  the  cavalry  be- 
ing engaged  on  their  left,  a more  heroic  and  determined  de- 
fence cannot  be  recalled. 

The  brave  sergeant  and  his  gunners  have  never  become 
conspicuous  in  the  annals  of  the  rebellion,  but  no  truer  heart 
throbbed  within  the  bosom  of  any  who  wore  the  blue  or  the 
gray,  than  that  of  this  gallant  son  of  Virginia,  and  though  he 
is  dead  now,  let  his  name  be  ever  kept  in  honorable  remem-  . 
brance  by  the  survivors  among  his  former  comrades,  and 
every  true  admirer  of  unselfish  bravery.  Let  his  only  child 
live  on  to  honor  the  name  of  her  father,  nor  blush  to  hear  his 
deeds  recounted. 

The  force  which  General  Lee  proposed  to  throw  against 
the  powerful  legions  of  the  Federal  army,  highly  flushed  with 
their  continued  successes,  was  two  thin  lines  of  battle, 
which  consisted  of  the  remains  of  Gordon's  division,  and  the 
wreck  of  Longstreet’s  corps.  Gordon,  whose  men  were  for- 
merly commanded  by  A.  P.  Hill,  was  ordered  to  cut  through 
the  lines  at  all  hazards,  and  so  desperate  was  the  attempt  his 
men  made,  that  Sheridan’s  troops  were  driven  back  in  great 
confusion. 

When  General  Sheridan,  who  was  absent  from  the  field  at- 
tempting to  bring  up  his  infantry  support,  the  Army  of  the 
James,  heard  of  the  result  of  the  conflict,  he  ordered  his 
troopers  to  gradually  fall  back,  that  the  approaching  infantry 


778 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


might  form  a battle  line  under  their  cover.  This  was  so 
adroitly  done,  that  as  the  cavalry  swiftly  moved  to  the  right, 
the  astonished  Confederates  were  confronted  by  a solid  pha- 
lanx of  Federal  bayonets.  From  these  they  recoiled  in  utter 
dismay. 


THE  LAST  EFFORT. 

The  valor  of  his  troops  could  do  no  more,  the  begrimed 
faces  of  the  Confederate  veterans  became  stoical  with  despair  ; 
all  hope  was  lost,  and  the  stern  reality  of  their  bitter  fate 
stared  each  man  in  the  face.  It  was  both  foolish  and  suicidal 
to  make  further  resistance.  This  splendid  relic  of  southern 
chivalry  and  southern  pride,  humiliated  and  overpowered  by 
weight  of  numbers,  grimly  looked  upon  their  assailants  and 
calmly  awaited  whatever  lot  was  in  store  for  them ; and  Gen- 
eral Lee  determined  to  reluctantly  bow  to  the  inevitable,  and 
with  this  determination,  sent  a white  flag,  in  token  of  sur- 
render, to  the  vanguard  of  General  Custer. 

General  Sheridan  galloped  up  to  the  Court-house  of  Ap- 
pomattox, where  he  was  informed  by  General  Gordon  that 
Grant  and  Lee  were  making  arrangements  for  the  surrender 
of  the  Confederates  under  the  latter.  This  negotiation  was 
being  held  at  the  especial  request  of  General  Lee.  The  con- 
queror and  the  victim  were  holding  their  interview  in  the 
parlors  of  Wilmer  McLean,  at  Appomattox  Court-house. 
There  the  two  commanders  met,  with  courteous  recognition, 
at  two  o’clock  on  Sunday,  April  the  ninth,  1865. 

The  formula  of  the  surrender  was  reduced  to  writing  in  the 
presence  of  Colonel  Parker,  the  chief  Aid  of  General  Grant, 
and  Colonel  Marshall,  Lee’s  Adjutant-General. 

The  magnanimous  terms  of  the  Federal  chieftain  stipulated 
simply  that  Lee  and  his  men  should  give  their  parole  of  honor 
not  to  take  up  arms  against  the  United  States  Government, 
until  they  had  been  regularly  exchanged,  allowed  all  officers 
to  retain  their  side  arms,  baggage  and  private  horses,  and 
guaranteed  them  protection  so  long  as  they  kept  their  parole 
inviolate. 


CONDITIONS  OF  THE  SURRENDER. 


779 


That  every  one  who  reads  of  this  great  rebellion  may  have 
an  opportunity  to  learn  of  the  extraordinary  leniency  exhib- 
ited by  General  Grant  toward  the  southern  troops  compris- 
ing the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  and  that  the  personal 
and  political  opponents  of  the  Federal  chief  may  ever  remem- 
ber his  unselfish  magnanimity,  the  full  text  of  the  conditions 
of  the  surrender  are  transcribed  verbatim. 

CONDITIONS  OF  THE  SURRENDER. 

APPOMATTOX  COURT-HOUSE,  ) 
Virginia,  April  9,  1S65.  ) 

General — In  accordance  with  the  substance  of  my  letter  to  you,  of 
the  eighth  instant,  I propose  to  receive  the  surrender  of  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia  on  the  following  terms,  to  wit:  Rolls  of  all  the  offi- 
cers and  men  to  be  made  in  duplicate ; one  copy  to  be  given  to  an  officer 
to  be  designated  by  me,  the  other  to  be  retained  by  such  other  officer  or 
officers  as  you  may  designate.  The  officers  to  give  their  individual  pa- 
roles not  to  take  up  arms  against  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
until  properly  exchanged,  and  each  company  or  regimental  commander 
to  sign  a like  parole  for  the  men  of  their  commands.  The  arms,  artillery 
and  public  property  to  be  parked  and  stacked,  and  turned  over  to  the  of- 
ficers appointed  by  me  to  receive  them.  This  will  not  embrace  the  side 
arms  of  the  officers,  nor  their  private  horses  or  baggage.  This  done,  each 
officer  and  man  will  be  allowed  to  return  to  his  home,  not  to  be  disturbed 
by  United  States  authority  so  long  as  they  observe  their  paroles,  and  the 
laws  in  force  where  they  reside. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General. 

General  R.  E.  Lee. 

To  this  proposition  General  Lee  sent  the  following  reply : 

Headquarters  Army  of  Northern  ) 
Virginia,  April  9,  1S65.  f 

General — I received  your  letter  of  this  date  containing  the  terms  of 
the  surrender  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  as  proposed  by  you.  As 
they  are  substantially  the  same  as  those  expressed  in  your  letter  of  the 
eighth  instant,  they  are  accepted.  I will  proceed  to  designate  the  proper 
officers  to  carry  the  stipulations  into  effect. 

R.  E.  Lee,  General. 

Lieutenant-General  U.  S.  Grant. 

When  it  became  generally  known  by  the  advanced  lines  of 
the  Federal  troops  and  the  soldiers  of  General  Lee  that  signs 
of  returning  peace  hovered  about  them,  their  long  pent  up 
feelings  gave  way  in  the  loudest  tumult  of  rejoicing. 


780 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


Enthusiastic  yell  upon  yell  resounded  from  thousands  of 
throats,  and  shout  upon  shout  filled  the  surrounding  region. 
New  life  was  instilled  into  the  hopeless  recesses  of  the  weary 
souls  of  all,  and  a united  throb  of  mutual  sympathy  and 
thankfulness  commingled  freely  among  the  many  thousands 
wearing  the  blue  and  the  gray. 

Old  veterans  wept  upon  the  shoulders  of  their  comrades, 
and  the  lofty  peaks  of  the  distant  range  of  hills  re-echoed  the 
loud  acclamations  of  joy  borne  upward  to  the  God  of  the  uni- 
verse in  one  continuous  hosanna  over  the  return  of  the  long 
looked  for  dawn  of  peace. 

All  animosity  between  the  troops  seemed  to  have  been  for- 
gotten ; and  the  men  who  had  so  often  faced  death,  in  at- 
tendance with  its  countless  miseries,  engulfed  all  memory  of 
the  past  in  the  consoling  truths  of  the  present ; the  war  was 
over  and  peace  would  smile  upon  the  sorely  afflicted  land. 

All  preliminaries  being  arranged,  upon  the  morning  of  the 
twelfth  the  troops  of  General  Lee  were  marched  in  divisions 
to  an  appointed  place  near  Appomattox  Court-house.  A sim- 
ilar number  of  the  Federals  had  been  drawn  up  in  line,  under 
the  command  of  General  Chamberlain,  to  receive  them. 

As  a division  of  the  Confederates  would  come  up  they 
would  be  saluted  by  the  Federals,  stack  their  arms,  and  then 
march  silently  away  to  their  former  positions.  Thus  matters 
continued  until  the  remnant  of  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia  had  laid  down  their  arms,  and  the  once  mighty  host, 
that  had  challenged  the  admiration  of  Christendom,  became  a 
thing  of  the  past,  and  the  civilized  world  breathed  easier. 
The  Confederates  were  immediately  fed  by  their  captors,  and 
more  than  one  man  ate  the  first  full  ration  he  had  seen  for 
months. 

The  officers  and  men  rapidly  received  their  paroles,  and  as 
quickly  bade  farewell  to  that  obscure  mountain  spot  in  Vir- 
ginia, made  ever  historically  famous  by  the  fall  of  the  rebel 
lion.  Before  leaving  Appomattox  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia  was  the  recipient  of  a tenderly  expressed  farewell 
address  by  General  Lee,  which  is  given  in  full. 


LEE'S  FAREWELL  ADDRESS. 


781 


lee's  farewell  address. 

Headquarters  Army  Northern  Virginia,  ? 

Appomattox  Court-house,  April  10,  1S65.  j 

General  Orders,  No.  9. 

After  four  years  of  arduous  service,  marked  by  unsurpassed  courage 
and  fortitude,  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  has  been  compelled  to  yield 
to  overwhelming  numbers  and  resources. 

I need  not  tell  the  brave  survivors  of  so  many  hard-fought  battlefields, 
who  have  remained  steadfast  to  the  last,  that  I have  consented  to  this  re- 
sult from  no  distrust  of  them,  but  feeling  that  valor  and  devotion  could 
accomplish  nothing  to  compensate  for  the  loss  that  must  have  attended  a 
continuation  of  the  contest,  I determined  to  avoid  the  useless  sacrifice  of 
those  whose  past  services  have  endeared  them  to  their  countrymen. 

By  the  terms  of  agreement,  officers  and  men  can  return  to  their  homes, 
and  remain  until  exchanged.  You  will  take  with  you  the  satisfaction 
that  proceeds  from  the  consciousness  of  duty  faithfully  performed,  and  I 
earnestly  pray  that  a merciful  God  will  extend  to  you  his  blessing  and 
protection.  With  an  unceasing  admiration  of  your  constancy  and  devo- 
tion to  your  country,  and  a grateful  remembrance  of  your  kind  and  gen- 
erous consideration  for  myself,  I bid  you  all  an  affectionate  farewell. 

This  address  was  printed,  and  circulated  profusely  among 
the  Confederates,  and  a copy  of  it  was  then,  and  doubtless 
until  this  day,  is  kept  in  fond  remembrance  of  the  great 
southern  leader  by  those  who  so  greatly  admired  him. 

During  the  movements  of  his  arm}’,  from  the  twenty-sixth 
of  March  to  the  ninth  of  April,  Lee  lost  about  fourteen  thou- 
sand men  killed  and  wounded,  and  twenty-five  thousand 
made  prisoners.  The  remainder,  who  were  not  present  at  the 
surrender,  had  deserted  on  the  retreat. 

The  number  of  men  paroled  was  about  twenty-six  thou- 
sand, of  whom  not  more  than  nine  thousand  had  arms  in 
their  hands.  About  sixteen  thousand  small  arms  were  sur- 
rendered, one  hundred  and  fifty  cannon,  seventy-one  colors, 
eleven  hundred  wagons  and  caissons,  and  four  thousand 
horses  and  mules. 

The  Confederate  troops  immediately  upon  receiving  their 
paroles,  separated  and  returned  to  their  homes.  It  required 
more  moral  courage  for  them  to  face  the  situation  at  the  close 
of  the  war,  than  it  had  for  them  to  face  their  old  foe  upon 
the  field  of  battle. 


782 


BLUE  ANT)  GRAY. 


They  had  lost  everything  but  honor  by  the  war.  Their 
homes  and  farms  had  been  ruined,  their  fortunes  had  disap- 
peared during  the  prolonged  strife,  as  the  mists  of  morning 
are  dispelled  by  the  rising  of  the  sun,  but  suppressing  their 
bitter  disappointment,  and  resolving  to  repair  their  fortunes 
by  honest  toil,  and  by  becoming  peaceful,  patriotic  citizens, 
their  efforts  have  been  crowned  with  success,  and  as  a result 
the  whole  country  admires  the  patient,  unceasing  zeal  with 
which  they  have  thus  toiled.  All  bitterness  of  the  past  is  for- 
gotten amidst  the  fraternal  relations  of  the  present. 

After  the  surrender  of  General  Lee  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  that  splendid  creation  of  patriotism  and  unwavering 
courage,  marched  back  to  Washington  to  take  part  in  the 
great  review  at  that  cityr,  after  which  the  troops  were  rapidly 
mustered  out  of  the  service  and  returned  to  their  homes. 

Soon  the  survivors,  Federal  and  Confederate,  had  disap- 
peared from  view,  being  transformed  from  warriors,  grim  and 
brave,  to  civilians  in  every  department  of  honorable  labor,  all 
absorbed  in  developing  the  resources  of  the  country  which 
had  been  so  happily  preserved  amid  the  storms  of  war. 

Nearly  a score  of  years  have  passed  since  the  echo  of  the 
last  gun  was  heard  at  Appomattox,  and  a period  has  been 
reached  in  our  history  when  those  who  once  wore  the  blue 
and  the  gray  meet  as  brothers  upon  the  old  fields  of  strife, 
and  exchange  their  reminiscences  of  those  eventful  days,  and 
as  they  turn  to  the  cemeteries,  where  side  by  side  repose  their 
former  comrades,  they  all  adopt  the  sentiment  of  the  follow- 
ing beautiful  poem,  written  by  the  Hon.  Francis  M.  Finch, 
Ithica,  New  York,  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  that  State : 


THE  BLUE  ANT)  THE  GRAY. 

By  the  flow  of  the  inland  river. 

Whence  the  fleets  of  iron  have  fled, 

Where  the  blades  of  the  grave-grass  quiver, 
Asleep  are  the  ranks  of  the  dead; — 

Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgment  day; — 


THE  BLUE  AND  THE  GRAY. 


783 


Under  the  one,  the  Blue; 

Under  the  other,  the  Gray. 

From  the  silence  of  sorrowful  hours 
The  desolate  mourners  go, 

Lovingly  laden  with  flowers 
Alike  for  the  friend  and  the  foe; — 

Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgment  day; — 

Under  the  roses,  the  Blue; 

Under  the  lilies,  the  Gray. 

So,  with  an  equal  splendor 
The  morning  sun-rays  fall, 

With  a touch,  impartially  tender, 

On  the  blossoms  blooming  for  all; — 

Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgment  day; — 

’Broidered  with  gold,  the  Blue; 

Mellowed  with  gold,  the  Gray. 

So,  when  the  summer  calletli, 

On  forest  and  field  of  grain 
With  an  equal  murmur  falleth 
The  cooling  drip  of  the  rain; — 

Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgment  day; — 

Wet  with  the  rain,  the  Blue; 

Wet  with  the  rain,  the  Gray. 

Sadly,  but  not  with  upbraiding, 

The  generous  deed  was  done ; 

In  the  storm  of  the  years  that  are  fading, 
No  braver  battle  was  won; — 

Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgment  day; — 

Under  the  blossoms,  the  Blue ; 

Under  the  garlands,  the  Gray. 

» 

No  more  shall  the  war-cry  sever, 

Or  the  winding  rivers  be  red; 

They  banish  our  anger  forever 
When  they  laurel  the  graves  of  our  dead! 
Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgment  day; — 

Love  and  tears  for  the  Blue; 

Tears  and  love  for  the  Gray. 


784 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Our  task  is  done ; carefully  have  we  attempted  to  depict 
the  scenes  of  that  eventful  period  in  which  the  country  was 
so  mournfully  divided.  Our  aim  has  been  to  truthfully  and 
plainly  tell  the  story  of  the  war,  without  any  prejudice,  mal- 
edictions, or  uncalled  for  bitterness.  If  within  our  endeavor 
anything  is  found  which  wounds  the  sensibility  of  anj^,  let 
them  remember  that  where  bitterness  is  not  intended  it  should 
be  overlooked. 

To-day  the  country,  which  is  inhabited  by  the  “Blue  and  the 
Gray,”  amid  all  of  its  magnificent  splendors,  can  boast  of  noth- 
ing' so  beautiful  as  the  fraternal  regard  with  which  its  honor 
and  integrity  are  maintained  by  its  reunited  citizen  soldiers. 
Let  the  mantle  of  charity  and  forgetfulness  cover  from  our 
view  the  trials  of  the  past,  as  we  press  onward  to  a better 
and  more  enlightened  future,  surrounded  by  natural  advan- 
tages, which  none  other  can  boast. 


COMMANDERS  IN  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC.  785 


ROSTER. 


COMMANDERS  IN  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC  UN^ 
DER  MAJOR-GENERAL  GEORGE  G.  MEADE, 

ON  MARCH  31,  1865. 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS  AND  UNATTACHED  COMMANDS. 

Provost  Guard— Colonel  George  N.  Macy. 

Engineer  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Henry  W.  Benham. 

Battalion  U.  S.  Engineers — Captain  Franklin  Harwood. 

Artillery — Brigadier-General  Henry  J.  Hunt. 

Siege  Train— Colonel  Henry  L.  Abbot. 

Headquarters  Guard — Captain  Richard  G.  Lay. 
Quartermaster’s  Guard— Colonel  R.  N.  Batchelder. 

Signal  Corps — Captain  Charles  L.  Davis. 

Independent  Brigade— Colonel  Charles  H.  T.  Collis. 


SECOND  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  ANDREW  A.  HUMPHREYS. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  NELSON  A.  MILES. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  George  W.  Scott;  Second  Brigade— Colonel  Robert  Nugent; 
Third  Brigade — Colonel  Henry  J.  Madill;  Fourth  Brigade— Colonel  John  Ramsey. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  'WILLIAM  HAYS. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  Win.  A.  Olmstead;  Second  Brigade — Colonel  James  P.  Mclvor; 
Third  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Thomas  A.  Smyth. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GERSHOM  MOTT. 

First  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Regis  De  Trobriand;  Second  Brigade — Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Byron  R.  Pierce;  Third  Brigade— Colonel  Robert  McAllister. 

Artillery  Brigade— Major  John  G.  Hazard. 


FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  GOUVERNEUR  K.  WARREN. 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  CHARLES  GRIFFIN. 

First  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Joshua  L.  Chamberlain;  Second  Brigade — Colonel  Ed- 
gar M.  Gregory;  Third  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Joseph  J.  Bartlett. 

50 


786 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ROMEYN  B.  AYRES. 

First  Brigade— Colonel  Frederick  Winthrop;  Second  Brigade—- Colonel  Andrew  W.  Den- 
ison ; Third  Brigade— Colonel  James  Gwyn. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  SAMUEL  W.  CRAWFORD. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  John  A.  Kellogg;  Second  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Henry 
Baxter;  Third  Brigade — Colonel  Richard  Coulter. 

Artillery  Brigade— Colonel  Charles  S.  Wainwright. 


SIXTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  HORATIO  G.  WRIGHT. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  FRANK  WHEATON. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  Wm.  H.  Penrose;  Second  Brigade — Colonel  Joseph  E.  Hamblin; 
Third  Brigade — Colonel  Oliver  Edwards. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  W.  GETTY. 

First  Brigade— Colonel  James  N.  Warner;  Second  Brigade — Brigadier-General  Lewis  A. 
Grant;  Third  Brigade — Colonel  Thomas  W.  Hyde. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  TRUMAN  SEYMOUR. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  Wm.  S.  Truex;  Second  Brigade — Colonel  J.  Warren  Keifer. 
Artillery  Brigade — Captain  Andrew  Cowan. 


NINTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  JOHN  G.  PARKE. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ORLANDO  B.  WILLCOX. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  Samuel  Harriman;  Second  Brigade — Lieut.-Colonel  Ralph  Ely; 
Third  Brigade — Lieut.-Colonel  Gilbert  P.  Robinson. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ROBERT  B.  POTTER. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  John  I.  Curtin;  Second  Brigade— B rig.-Gen.  Simon  G.  Griffin. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  F.  HARTRANFT. 

First  Brigade — Lieut.-Colonel  Wm.  H.  McCall;  Second  Brigade — Colonel  Joseph  A. 
Mathews. 

Artillery  Brigade— Col.  John  C.  Tidball. 


SHERIDAN’S  CAVALRY. 

Major-General  PHILIP  H.  SHERIDAN, 


ARMY  OF  THE  JAMES. 


787 


ARMY  OF  THE  SHENANDOAH. 

• Brigadier-General  WESLEY  MERRITT. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  THOMA.S  C.  DEVIN. 

First  Brigade — Colonel  Peter  Stagg;  Second  Brigade — Col.  Clias.  L.  Fitzhugh;  Third 
Brigade — Brig.-Gen.  Alfred  Gibbs. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  GEORGE  A.  CUSTER. 

First  Brigade — Col.  Alex.  C.  M.  Pennington;  Second  Brigade— Col.  Wm.  Wells;  Third 
Brigade — Col.  Henry  Capebart. 

SECOND  DIVISION  (Army  of  the  Potomac). 

Major-General  GEORGE  CROOK. 

First  Brigade—  Brig.-Gen  H.  E.  Davies;  Second  Brigade — Col.  J.  Irwin  Gregg;  Third 
Brigade — Col.  Cbas.  H.  Smith. 


ARMY  OF  THE  JAMES. 

Majok-General  EDWARD  O.  C.  ORD. 

GENERAL  HEADQUARTERS  AND  UNATTACHED  COMMANDS. 

Signal  Corps — Captain  L.  B.  Norton. 

Engineers— Colonel  James  F.  Hall. 

CAVALRY. 

Colonel  Francis  Washburn,  Colonel  Edwin  V.  Sumner,  Colonel  Charles  F.  Adams,  Jr. 


DEFENCES  OF  BERMUDA  HUNDRED. 

Major-General  GEORGE  L.  HARTSUFF. 
Pontoniers — Lieutenant-Colonel  Peter  S.  Michie. 
Separate  Brigade— Brigadier-General  Joseph  B.  Carr. 


TWEHTY-FOURTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  JOHN  GIBBON. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  ROBERT  S.  FOSTER. 

First  Brigade— Col.  Thomas  O.  Osborn;  Third  Brigade— Col.  Geo.  B.  Dandy;  Fourth 
Brigade— Col.  Harrison  S.  Fairchild. 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  CHARLES  DEVENS. 

First  Brigade — Col.  Edward  H.  Ripley;  Second  Brigade — Col.  Michael  T.  Donohue; 
Jhird  Brigade— Col.  Samuel  H.  Roberts. 


788 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


INDEPENDENT  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  JOHN  W.  TURNER. 

First  Brigade— Lleut.-Col.  Andrew  Potter;  Second  Brigade— Col.  'William  B.  Curtis; 
Third  Brigade— Col.  Thomas  M.  Harris. 

ARTILLERY. 

Captain  JAMES  R.  ANGEL. 

TWENTY-FIFTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

Major-General  GODFREY  WEITZEL. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  AUGUST  V.  KAUTZ. 

First  Brigade— Col.  Alonzo  G.  Draper;  Second  Brigade — Brig.-Gen.  Edward  A.  Wild; 
Attached  Brigade — Col.  Charles  S.  Russell. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  WILLIAM  BIRNEY. 

First  Brigade — Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr.;  Second  Brigade — Col.  Ulysses  Doublebay ; Third 
Brigade— Col.  W.  W.  Woodward. 

ARTILLERY  BRIGADE. 

Captain  LOOMIS  L.  LANGDON. 

CAVALRY  DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General  RANALD  S.  McKENZIE. 

First  Brigade — Col.  Robert  M.  West;  Second  Brigade — Col.  Samuel  P.  Spear. 


STATISTICAL  RECORD  OF  CALLS  FOR  TROOPS.  789 


APPENDIX. 


STATISTICAL  RECORD  OF  CALLS  FOR  TROOPS. 

On  April  15,  1861,  President  Lincoln  issued  his  proclama- 
tion for  75,000  militia  for  three  months. 

On  May  3,  1861,  he  issued  another  call  for  troops,  which 
was  confirmed  by  act  of  Congress,  approved  August  6,  1861. 
Under  this  call,  and  under  acts  approved  July  22  and  25, 
1861,  500,000  men  were  required ; and  there  were  furnished 
for  six  months,  2,715  men;  for  one  year,  9,147  men;  for  two 
years,  30,950  men ; and  for  three  years,  657,868  men,  making 
a total  of  700,680  men. 

Special  authority  was  granted  to  the  States  of  New  York, 
Illinois,  and  Indiana  in  May  and  June,  1862,  to  furnish  men 
for  three  months’  service.  Under  this  authority  there  were 
furnished  by  New  York,  8,588  ; Indiana,  1,723  ; Illinois,  4,696. 

Under  the  call  of  July  2,  1862,  for  300,000  men,  for  three 
years,  there  were  furnished  by  the  States  and  Territories 
421,465  men. 

Under  the  call  of  August  4,  1862,  for  300,000  militia,  for 
nine  months’  service,  there  were  furnished  by  the  States 
87,588  men. 

Under  the  President’s  proclamation  of  June  15,  1863,  for 
militia  for  six  months’  service,  there  were  furnished  by,  and 
credited  to,  the  States  16,361  men. 

October  17,  1863,  and  February  1,  1864,  calls  were  made 
for  500,000,  in  the  aggregate,  for  three  years.  In  these  were 
embraced  the  men  raised  by  draft  in  1863. 

Under  the  call  of  March,  1864,  for  200,000  men  for  three 
years’  service,  there  were  credited  to  the  states  292,193  men. 

There  were  mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  be- 
tween April  23  and  July  18,  1864,  for  one  hundred  days’  ser- 
vice, 83,612  militia. 


790 


APPENDIX— BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


On  the  18th  of  July,  1864,  500,000  men  were  called  for; 
this  call  was  reduced  by  the  excess  of  credits  on  previous 
calls,  and  under  it  the  states  were  credited  with  386,461  men. 

Under  the  call  of  December  19,  1864,  for  300,000  men, 
there  were  furnished  212,212  men.  The  necessity  for  more 
ceased  to  exist  before  most  of  the  states  had  completed  their 
quotas. 

During  the  war  there  were  also  furnished  volunteers  and 
militia  b3r  sixteen  states  and  territories,  which,  after  the  first 
call,  had  not  been  called  upon  for  quotas  when  general  calls 
for  troops  were  made,  182,357  men. 


Summary  of  the  number  of  men  called  for  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  and  furnished  by,  and  credited  to,  the  States  and  Territories  during 
the  War  of  the  Rebellion. 


States  and  Territories. 

Quota. 

Men 

Total. 

Aggregate 
reduced  to  a 
three  years’ 
standard. 

Furnished. 

Paid  com- 
mutation. 

Maine. . 

73,587 

70,107 

2,007 

72,114 

56,776 

New  Hampshire 

35,897 

33,937 

692 

34,629 

30,349 

Vermont 

32,074 

33,288 

1,974 

35,262 

29,068 

Massachusetts 

139,(195 

146,730 

5,318 

152.048 

124,104 

Rhode  Island 

18,898 

23,236 

463 

23.699 

17,866 

Connecticut 

44,797 

55,864 

1,515 

57,379 

50,623 

New  York 

007,148 

448,850 

18,197 

467,047 

392,270 

New  Jersey 

92,820 

76,814 

4,196 

81,010 

67,908 

Pennsylvania 

385,369 

337,936 

28,171 

366,107 

265,517 

Delaware 

13,935 

12,284 

1,386 

13,670 

10,322 

Maryland 

70,965 

46,638 

3,678 

60,316 

41,275 

34,463 

32,068 

32,068 

27,714 

District  of  Columbia 

13,973 

16,534 

338 

16,872 

11,506 

Ohio 

306,322 

313,180 

6,479 

319,659 

240,514 

Indiana 

199,788 

196,363 

784 

197,147 

153,576 

Illinois 

244,496 

259,092 

55 

259,147 

214,133 

Michigan 

95,007 

87,364 

2,008 

89,372 

80,111 

Wisconsin 

109,080 

91,327 

6,097 

96,424 

79,260 

Minnesota 

26,326 

24,020 

1,032 

25,052 

19,693 

Iowa 

79,521 

76,242 

67 

76,309 

68,630 

122,496 

109,111 

109,111 

86,530 

Kentucky 

100,782 

75^760 

3,265 

79^025 

70,832 

Kansas 

12,931 

20,149 

2 

20,161 

18,706 

1,560 

31,092 

31,092 

26,394 

'780 

8,289 

8^2*9 

7,836 

North  Carolina 

1,560 

3J56 

3,156 

3,156 

15,725 

35  725 

15,725 

3,080 

3,080 

l’080 

1,810 

1,810 

1,773 

Washington  Territory 

'964 

964 

964 

3,157 

3,157 

2,175 

4,9<>3 

4,903 

3^697 

206 

206 

'206 

6,661 

6,561 

4,432 

2,576 

2,676 

1,611 

1,290 

l'290 

1,290 

5,224 

6,224 

4,654 

545 

545 

'545 

Texas. . . T 

1,965 

1,965 

1,632 

Indian  Nation 

3,530 

3,630 

3,530 

93,441 

93,441 

91,789 

Total 

2,763,670 

2,772,408 

86,724 

2,859,132 

2,320,272 

TABULAE  STATEMENT  OF  ORGANIZATIONS.  791 

The  total  number  of  colored  troops  enlisted  during  the 
•war  was  186,097  men. 

In  the  regular  army  there  were  enlisted  during  the  war 
about  67,000  men,  of  these  probably  not  more  than  two-thirds 
were  credited  to  the  states. 

It  is  safe  to  say  that  the  total  number  of  men  furnished  by 
the  states  and  territories  for  the  armies  of  the  United  States, 
after  deducting  those  credited  for  service  iu  the  navy,  will 
exceed  2,850,000. 


Tabulae  Statement  of  Organizations  in  the  Service  of  the 
United  States  during  the  Rebellion. 


States  and  Territories. 

Cavalry 

A RTILLERY. 

Infantry. 

Total. 

| Regiments. 

j Companies. 

■x 

© 

W> 

© 

£ 

Companies. 

| Batteries. 

Regiments. 

X 

.2 

*2 

© 

| Regiments. 

© 

s 

a. 

o 

Batteries. 

Maine 

2 

i 

3 

7 

30 

22 

33 

25 

7 

New  Hampshire 

1 

i 

i 

17 

4 

19 

4 

1 

Vermont 

1 

l 

i 

3 

17 

19 

1 

3 

Massachusetts 

5 

4 

4 

8 

19 

68 

47 

77 

59 

19 

Rhode  Island 

3 

2 

3 

1 

8 

1 

14 

3 

1 

Connecticut 

1 

2 

3 

21 

30 

3 

New  York 

27 

io 

15 

35 

252 

15 

294 

25 

35 

New  Jersey 

3 

5 

38 

4 

41 

4 

5 

Penn  svl  vania 

23 

28 

4 

5 

19 

227 

62 

254 

95 

19 

Delaware 

8 

1 

1 

9 

4 

9 

13 

1 

Maryland 

4 

4 

6 

20 

1 

24 

5 

6 

District  of  Columbia 

1 

1 

2 

33 

3 

34 

West  Virginia 

7 

2 

8 

17 

2 

24 

4 

8 

Virginia 

1 

1 

North  Carolina 

2 

2 

4 

Georgia 

2 

2 

Florida 

2 

2 

Alabama 

i 

5 

i 

5 

Mississippi 

2 

2 

Louisiana 

2 

3 

5 

Texas 

i 

9 

i 

9 

Arkansas 

4 

i 

3 

2 

7 

2 

i 

Tennessee 

21 

7 

5 

9 

30 

7 

5 

Kentucky 

16 

10 

7 

45 

i 

61 

11 

7 

Ohio  . . 

13 

IS 

3 

27 

218 

ii 

234 

29 

27 

iHichigan 

12 

2 

2 

11 

36 

7 

50 

9 

11 

Indiana 

13 

1 

i 

26 

123 

16 

137 

17 

26 

Ulinois 

17 

2 

8 

157 

9 

176 

9 

8 

Missouri 

30 

26 

6 

64 

20 

94 

46 

6 

Wisconsin 

4 

i 

12 

53 

58 

12 

Iowa 

9 

4 

46 

55 

4 

Minnesota . .• 

2 

io 

i 

3 

11 

14 

io 

3 

California 

2 

4 

9 

11 

4 

Kansas - 

9 

3 

10 

5 

19 

5 

3 

Oregon  

1 

1 

2 

9 

Nevada 

6 

3 

Washington  Territory 

i 

i 

New  Mexico  Territory 

2 

5 

6 

ii 

8 

ib 

Nebraska  Territory 

2 

4 

2 

2 

6 

Colorado  Territory 

3 

i 

2 

3 

2 

i 

Dakota  Territory  

2 

2 

U.  S.  Veteran  Volunteer  Infantry. 

io 

io 

U.  S.  Volunteer  Infantry 

6 

i 

6 

i 

United  States  Colored  Troops 

6 

ii 

4 

io 

102 

18 

119 

22 

io 

United  States  Army,  Regulars 

6 

5 

19 

30 

Total 

258 

170 

57 

22 

232 

1666 

306 

19S1 

498 

232 

792 


APPENDIX— BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Nine  regiments  of  infantry  of  the  regular  army  were  organizations  of 
24  companies  each;  taking  this  into  consideration  and  allowing  for  errors 
it  may  be  said  that  during  the  war  organizations  equivalent  to  2,050  reg- 
iments entered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States;  the  regular  army 
included  and  the  veteran  reserve  corps  excluded. 

The  Secretary  of  War,  in  his  report  dated  November  22,  1865,  makes  the 
following  remarks,  which  show  more  than  anything  else  the  spirit  animat- 
ing the  people  of  the  loyal  States:  “On  several  occasions,  when  troops 
were  promptly  needed  to  avert  impending  disaster,  vigorous  exertions 
brought  them  into  the  field  from  remote  States  with  incredible  speed. 
Official  reports  show  that  after  the  disasters  on  the  Peuinsula,  in  1862, 
over  80,000  troops  were  enlisted,  organized,  armed. equipped,  and  sent  into 
the  field  in  less  than  a month.  60,000  troops  have  repeatedly  gone  to  the 
field  within  four  weeks.  90,000  infantry  were  sent  to  the  armies  from  the 
five  States' of  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Iowa  and  Wisconsin,  within  twenty 
days.  When  Lee’s  army  surrendered,  thousands  of  recruits  were  pouring 
in,  and  men  were  discharged  from  recruiting  stations  and  rendezvous  in 
every  State.” 


Strength  of  the  Army  at  Various  Dates. 


This  table,  from  the  report  of  the  Provost-Marshal-General,  will  give  the 
reader  an  idea  of  the  number  of  men  in  service,  present  and  absent,  at 
certain  periods  during  the  war. 


Dates. 

Present. 

Absent. 

Aggregate. 

Grand  Total. 

m 

u 

c« 

1 

O) 

a 

09 

M 

© 

© 

ta 

o 

Hz 

H 

2 

& 

© 

09 

Ih 

© 

© 

1 

O 

> 

3 

o 

H 

09 

eS 

a 

© 

E 

© 

© 

R 

g 

O 

> 

January  1, 1861. . 
July  1,1861.. 

January  1,  1862. . 
March  31,  1862. 
January  1,  1863. . 
January  1,  1864. . 
January  1,  1865. . 
March  31,  1865. 
May  1,  1865. . 

14,663 

14,108 

19,871 

19,585 

19,169 

17,237 

14,661 

13,880 

169,480 

507,333 

514,399 

679,633 

594,013 

606,263 

643,867 

14,663 

183,588 

527,204 

533,984 

698,802 

611,250 

620.924 

657,747 

797,807 

1,704 

2,314 

2,551 

3,723 

6,294 

7,399 

7,358 

7,789 

' ' 849 
46,159 
99,419 
213,095 
242,088 
331,178 
314,550 

1,704 
3,163 
48,713 
103,142 
219, 3S9 
249,487 
338,536 
322,339 
202,709 

16,367 

16,422 

22,425 

23,308 

25,463 

24,636 

22,019 

21,669 

170,329 

553,492 

.613,818 

S92.728 

836,101 

937,411 

958,417 

16,367 

186,751 

675,917 

637,126 

918,191 

860,737 

959,460 

980,086 

1,000,516 

Average  Mean  Strength  of  the  Various  Classes  of  Troops. 

The  following  table,  prepared  by  Lieut.  Chas.  A.  L.  Totten,  U.  S.  Army, 
will  show  the  average  mean  strength  of  the  classes  of  troops  serving 
during  the  rebellion.  In  this  compilation,  the  regulars  are  considered  as 
in  service  from  January  1,  1861,  to  January  1,  1865 — forty-eight  months; 
the  volunteers  from  July  1,  1861,  to  March  31,  1865 — forty-five  months; 
the  colored  troops  from  September,  1862,  to  December,  1867 — sixty-three 
months. 


Character  of  Troops. 

Present. 

Absent. 

Aggregate. 

Regulars 

17,735 

5,194 

22,929 

Volunteers 

514,704 

196,803 

741,507 

White  Troops 

562,439 

204,997 

764,436 

Colored  Troops 

35,640 

6,699 

42.339 

Mixed  Troops 

698,070 

211,696 

808,775 

LOSSES  BY  DEATH. 


793 


Effective  Strength  of  the  Army. 

The  following  table,  also  prepared  by  Lieut.  Cbas.  A.  L.  Totten,  of  the 
U.  S.  Army,  and  based  on  the  preceding  table,  will  assist  to  a conception 
of  the  number  of  men  effective  in  every  thousand  of  mean  aggregate 
strength. 


Troops. 

Absent. 

Sick  in 
Hospital. 

Total. 

Consequent 
effective 
strength  per 
1,000 

of  troops 
concerned. 

Regulars 

226 

64 

290 

710 

Volunteers 

265 

89 

354 

646 

White 

264 

86 

350 

650 

Colored 

159 

46 

204 

796 

Mixed 

258 

80 

338 

662 

Losses  by  Death— Adjutant-General’s  Report. 

The  Adjutant-General  of  the  United  States  Army,  February  7,  1S69, 
made  a report  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  which  the  total  number  of  deaths 


is  given  as  follows  : 

Among  white  officers  and  men 261,036 

Among  colored  men 33,380 

Total 291,416 

Of  these  there  were  killed  in  battle 44,238 

Regulars,  officers  and  men 1,355 

Volunteers,  officers  and  men 41,369 

Colored  enlisted  men 1,514 

Died  of  wounds 33,993 

Regulars,  officers  and  men 850 

White  volunteers,  officers  and  men 32,103 

Colored  enlisted  men 1,037 

« 

Died  of  Disease 149,043 

Regulars,  officers  and  men 2,428 

White  volunteers,  officers  and  men 120,404 

Colored  enlisted  men 26,211 

Of  other  known  causes 11,845 

Of  unknown  causes 65,297 


Under  date  of  October  25,  1870,  the  Adjutant-General  furnished  the  fol- 
lowing statement  to  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  army : 


Total  number  of  deaths. 

Regular  army 267  commissioned  officers;  4,592  enlisted  men.  Total,  4,859 

Volunteer  army 8,553  “ “ 253,427  “ “ “ 264,980 

Colored  troops 285  “ “ 33,380  “ “ “ 33.665 

Total 9,106  “ “ 294,399  « “ Aggregate,  303,504 


Or  among  white  officers  and  men ...270,124 

11  colored  men 33,380 

303,504 


794 


APPENDIX— BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Losses. 

In  Part  vi.  of  the  Final  Report  of  the  Provost-Marshal-General  of  the 
Army,  General  James  B.  Fry,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  March  17,  1866, 
appears  the  following  statement  of  casualties  in  the  military  forces. 


Aggregate. 

T«l°i 

03COt'-<©t-ot'-'-ococo-*,-.io 

CDl-OOO  -f  t'0  05  0tl-COT< 

COC^O^CO  I'.iCCOtO’tiNClO 

i-f-^'co'  CO-*r 03  05 

COCO  CO  t'-  03  03  05 

t-i  nd  i-i 

! 912,083 

•uam 

p9;si[ua 

CO  03  CO  -t<  t-  CO  CO  O 05  . . .05 

CO  CO  t—  05  03  Tt<  00  CO  . . . CM 

t—  r— < 05  03  O CO  O ’t  . . .<X' 

t- co  o'  c on«cT  * • *ocf 

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rl  n C3  n 

1 864,509 

•SI33SO 

CO  *+l  03  . CO  CO  CO  ^ n CO 

'N  -h  — .Ct.-OMOMNOOH 

CO  53  CO  . n 0^03  03  *^03  03  03 

COrlOl  • *h«T  of 

T-I  03 

! 47,574 

Colored  Troops. 

*mox 

1,914 

1,1183 

26,301 

1,293 

2,805 

7,055 

209 

158 

16 

801 

12,464 

1 54,099 

•natn 

pawmg: 

o h-  — < . .uocoas^  . . .ez 

C5  co  i-4  . . i—  t—  co  05  . . . 

r~^  m . .(N  coco  r-^  . . . ■»r 

ilrlCO  * ■ i-7 03  CO  • • -C$ 

03  1 

1 52.211 

■SJ93IJJ0 

-f4  CO  O . .COt-OCOOOCD^--* 
03  05  . . r- 03  CO  i- O — 1 O 03 
i-i  • . T}i  n n CO 

00 

oo 

00 

| White  Volunteers. 

'TOOx 

— Oit**0C0t-05C>05C003OC0 
0 0)100  lO  -3  O O i1  113  r.  H 
r^  cq-H.o  i-^ic^-  03^03  e 03 

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uo  CO  lO  r—  03  t— 

f—  i—  03  11 

828,353  | 

•nsin 

Pasting; 

54,056 

32,095 

152,013 

294 

6 

4,085 

159,764 

209,102 

2,023 

170,029 

783,467 

■8133^0 

LO  lO  — ' 07  . <M  lO  cr  CO  CO  03  t- 
-H  05  rfi  ri  . t—  no  ao  lO  05  cc 

CO  O 11  00  0,1103  01 

COriof  • o'  CO*'  of  — ' 

44,886 

03 

◄ 

■J 

D 

O 

K 

TB1°X 

31,047 

2,832 

"l 

1,299 

1,203 

5,091 

275 

122 

6 

390 

16.365 

29,631 

•nam 

Piling 

1,890 

2,749 

" i 
1,266 
1,201 
5.089 
275 

16,360 

28,831 

.CO  • .C0^03  .NOClO 

•sjaojgo  10  *oo  • ,c°  ■ cm  os 

i . . . 

800  ! 

. £ V 

' • £ to 

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03 

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National  Cemeteries. 

September  9,  1861,  the  Secretary  of  War  directed  that  the  Quartermas- 
ter-General of  the  Army  shall  cause  to  be  printed  and  to  be  placed  in  every 
hospital  of  the  army,  blank  books  and  forms  for  the  purpose  of  preserving 
accurate  and  permanent  records  of  deceased  soldiers  and  their  place  of 


NATIONAL  CEMETERIES.  795 

burial,  and  that  he  should  also  provide  proper  means  for  a registered  head- 
board  to  be  secured  at  the  head  of  each  soldier’s  grave. 

Act  of  Congress,  approved  July  17,  1862,  authorizes  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  whenever,  in  his  opinion,  it  shall  be  deemed  expedient,  to 
purchase  cemetery  grounds,  and  to  cause  them  to  be  securely  enclosed,  to 
be  used  as  a national  cemetery  for  the  soldiers  who  shall  die  in  the  service 
of  the  country. 

April  13,  1866,  it  was  provided  by  Public  Resolution  No.  21,  “that  the 
Secretary  of  War  be  authorized  to  take  immediate  measures  to  preserve 
from  desecration  the  graves  of  soldiers  of  the  United  States  who  fell  in 
battle  or  died  of  disease  during  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  and  to  secure 
suitable  burial-places,  and  to  have  these  grounds  enclosed,  so  that  the 
resting-places  of  the  honored  dead  may  be  kept  sacred  forever.” 

February  28,  1867,  an  act  to  establish  and  protect  national  cemeteries 
was  approved,  which  provided  in  detail  for  the  purchase  of  grounds,  and 
the  management  and  inspection  of  cemeteries;  also  for  the  punishment 
of  any  person  who  should  mutilate  monuments  or  injure  the  trees  and 
plants. 

In  accordance  with  the  foregoing  and  the  orders  issued  by  the  War  De- 
partment from  time  to  time,  every  effort  has  been  made  to  collect  the  re- 
mains of  the  dead,  to  inter  them  decently,  and  to  record  all  the  facts 
known  in  connection  with  each  grave.  After  no  war,  whether  of  ancient 
or  modern  times,  have  any  such  systematic  exertions  been  made  to  secure 
the  collection  of  the  dead  and  their  interment  in  permanent  resting-places, 
as  have  been  made  by  the  Quartermaster-Department  of  the  United  States 
Army  under  the  above  provisions  of  the  law. 

The  latest  report  of  the  Quartermaster-General  on  the  subject  of  the 
Nation's  Dead,  shows  that  the  following  National  Cemeteries  have  been 
established : 


Name  or  Cemetery. 

Interments. 

Known. 

Unknown. 

Total. 

Annapolis,  Md 

2,285 

204 

2,489 

Alexandria,  La 

531  . 

772 

1,-306 

Alexandria,  Va 

3,402 

120 

3,522 

Andersonville,  Ga 

12,793 

921 

13,714 

Antietam,  Md 

Arlington,  Va.. . . 

2,853 

1,818 

4.671 

11,915 

4,349 

16,264 

Ball's  Bluff,  Va 

1 

24 

25 

Barrancas,  Fla 

798 

667 

1,455 

Baton  Rouge,  La 

2,469 

495 

2,964 

Battle  Ground,  D.  C 

Beaufort,  S.  C 

43 

43 

4,748 

4,493 

9,241 

Beverly,  N.  J 

145 

7 

152 

Brownsville,  Tex 

1,417 

1,379 

2,796 

Camp  Butler,  111 

1,007 

355 

1,362 

Camp  Nelson,  Ky 

2 477 

1,165 

3,642 

Cave  Hill,  Ky 

3,344 

583 

3,927 

Chalmette,  La 

6,837 

5,674 

12,511 

Chattanooga,  Tenn 

7,999 

4,963 

12,962 

City  Point,  Va 

3,778 

1,374 

5,152 

Cold  Harbor,  Va 

673 

1,281 

1,954 

Corinth,  Miss 

1,789 

681 

3,927 

5,716 

Crown  Hill.  Ind 

32 

713 

Culpeper.  Va 

456 

262 

911 

1,367 

262 

Cypress  Hills,  N.  Yi 

3,710 

76 

3,786 

Danville,  Ky 

335 

8 

346 

796 


APPENDIX— BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Name  of  Cemetery. 

Interments. 

Known. 

Unknown. 

Total. 

Danville,  Ya 

1,172 

155 

1,327 

Fayetteville,  Ark 

431 

781 

1,212 

Florence,  S.  C 

199 

2,799 

2,998 

Fort  Douelson,  Tenn 

168 

511 

669 

Fort  Gibson,  I.  T 

216 

2,212 

2,427 

Fort  Harrison,  Va 

239 

575 

814 

Fort  Leavenworth,  Kan 

835 

928 

1,763 

Fort  McPherson,  Neb 

152 

291 

143 

Fort  Smith,  Ark 

711 

1,152 

1,863 

Fort  Scott,  Kan 

390 

161 

551 

Fredericksburg,  Va 

2,4S7 

12  770 

15,257 

Gettvsburg,  Pa 

1,967 

1,008 

3,575 

Glendale,  Va 

234 

961 

1,195 

Grafton,  YV.  Ya 

634 

620 

1,254 

Hampton,  Va 

4,930 

494 

5,424 

Jefferson  Barracks,  Mo 

8,584 

2,906 

11,490 

Jefferson  City,  Mo 

349 

412 

761 

Keokuk,  Iowa 

612 

33 

645 

Knoxville,  Tenn 

2,090 

1,046 

3,136 

Laurel,  Md 

232 

6 

238 

Lebanon,  Kv 

591 

277 

868 

Lexington,  Ry 

805 

108 

913 

Little  Rock,  Ark 

3,265 

2,337 

5,602 

Logan's  Cross  Hoads,  Ky 

345 

366 

711 

Loudon  Park,  Md 

1,637 

166 

1,803 

Marietta,  Ga 

7,188 

2,963 

10,151 

Memphis,  Tenn 

5,169 

8,817 

13,977 

Mexico  City 

284 

750 

1,034 

Mobile,  Ala 

756 

113 

869 

Mound  City,  111 

2,505 

2,721 

5,226 

Nashville,  Tenn 

11,825 

4.701 

16,526 

Natchez,  Miss 

308 

2,780 

3,088 

New  Albany,  Ind 

2,139 

676 

2,815 

New  Berne,  N.  C 

2,177 

1,077 

3,254 

Philadelphia,  Pa 

1,881 

28 

1.909 

Pittsburg  Landing,  Tenn 

1,229 

2,361 

3,590 

Poplar  Grove,  Va 

2,198 

4,001 

6,199 

Port  1 ludson,  La 

596 

3,223 

3,819 

Raleigh,  N.  Cl 

619 

56  i 

1 181 

Richmond,  Va 

842 

5,700 

6,542 

Rock  Island,  111 

277 

10 

296 

Salisbury,  N.  C 

94 

12,032 

12,126 

San  Antonio,  Tex 

324 

167 

491 

Seven  Pines,  Va 

150 

1,208 

1,353 

Soldiers’  Home,  D.  C 

5,314 

288 

6,602 

Staunton,  Va 

233 

520 

753 

Stone  Itiver,  Tenn 

3,821 

2,324 

6,145 

Vicksburg,  Miss 

3,896 

12,704 

16.600 

Wilmington,  N.  C 

710 

1,398 

2,108 

Winchester,  Va 

2,094 

2,365 

4,459 

Woodlawu,  Elmira,  N.  Y 

3,074 

16 

3,090 

Yorktown,  Va 

748 

1,434 

2,182 

171,302 

147,568 

318,870 

Of  the  whole  number  of  interments  indicated  above,  there  are  about 
6,900  known,  and  1,500  unknown  civilians,  and  6,100  known,  and  3,200  un- 
known Confederates.  Of  these  latter,  the  greater  portion  are  buried  at 
Woodlawu  Cemetery,  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  and  Finn’s  Point  Cemetery,  near 
Salem,  N.  J.  The  interments  at  Mexico  City  are  mainly  of  those  who  were 
killed  or  died  in  that  vicinity  during  the  Mexican  war,  and  include  also 
such  citizens  of  the  United  States  as  may  have  died  in  Mexico,  and  who, 
under  treaty  provision,  have  the  right  of  burial  therein.  From  the  fore- 
going, it  will  appear  that,  after  making  all  proper  deductions  for  civilians 
and  Confederates,  there  are  gathered  in  the  various  places  mentioned,  the 
remains  of  nearly  300,000  men,  who  at  one  time  wore  the  blue  during  the 
late  war,  and  who  yielded  up  their  lives  in  defence  of  the  government 
which  now  so  graciously  cares  for  their  ashes. 


LOSS  IN  ENGAGEMENTS,  ETC.  797 


LOSS  IN  ENGAGEMENTS,  ETC. 

Where  the  Total  was  Five  Hundred  or  More  on  the  Side  op 
the  Union  Troops. 


Although  the  losses  here  given  are  generally  based  on  official  medical 
returns,  the  figures  must  not  be  taken  as  perfectly  reliable,  for  in  many 
instances  the  returns  were  based  on  estimates,  and  the  totals  of  losses 
were,  by  later  and  more  reliable  returns,  sometimes  considerably  reduced. 
Confederate  losses  are  generally  based  on  estimates. 


Date. 


Name. 


Union  Loss. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

s 

Total. 

g l 

fa  $ 
fc  o 

OJ 

481 

1,011 

1,460 

2,952 

1,752 

223 

721 

291 

1,235 

1 095 

42 

108 

1,624 

1,774 

100 

223 

226 

445 

S94 

302 

90 

173 

235 

498 

966 

446 

1,735 

160 

2,331 

15,067 

203 

972 

174 

1,349 

5,200 

91 

466 

557 

583 

103 

440 

24 

567 

691 

1,735 

7,832 

3,956 

13,573 

10,699 

456 

1,400 

372 

2 228 

1,000 

32 

122 

750 

904 

38 

155 

711 

904 

890 

3,627 

1,222 

5,739 

7,997 

125 

500 

625 

287 

67 

361 

574 

1,002 

657 

85 

472 

128 

685 

204 

51 

401 

64 

516 

541 

1,582 

7,709 

5,958 

15,249 

17,583 

33 

62 

800 

895 

150 

450 

660 

290 

1,400 

1,307 

77 

156 

347 

5S0 

2,866 

7, 0n0 

7,000 

800 

4,000 

3,000 

7>00 

3,700 

200 

700 

4,000 

4,9  0 

750 

1.300 

8'K) 

80 

120 

11,583 

11,783 

500 

443 

1,806 

76 

2,325 

4,343 

50 

3,5(6 

3,616 

714 

2,010 

9,416 

1,043 

12,469 

25,899 

144 

59S 

40 

782 

1,516 

315 

1,812 

232 

2,359 

14,221 

500 

400 

916 

2,943 

489 

4,348 

7,000 

167 

798 

183 

1,148 

1,500 

55 

1,800 

1,855 

149 

90 

478 

9 

577 

739 

1,180 

9,028 

2,145 

12,353 

4,576 

1,000 

1,000 

500 

501 

191 

982 

756 

1,929 

207 

1,533 

7,245 

2,800 

11,578 

25,560 

1861. 

July  21st 

Aug.  10th 

Sept.  12th  to  20th 

Oct.  21st 

Nov.  7th 

1863. 

Feb.  14th  to  16th 

March  6th  to  Sth 

March  14th 

March  23d 

April  6th  and  7th 

May  5th 

May  23d 

May  25th 

May  31st  to  June  1st. . . . 

June  8th 

June  9th 

June  16th 

June  25th 

June  26th  to  July  1st.. . 


Bull  Run,  Ya 

Wilson’s  Creek,  Mo. 

Lexington,  Mo 

Ball's  Bluff,  Ya 

Bebnont,  Mo 


July  13th 

Aug.  8th 

July  20th  to  Sept.  20th. 

Aug.  28th  and  29th 

Aug.  30th 

Aug.  30th 

Sept.  1st 

Sept.  12th  to  lcth 

Sept.  14th 

Sept  14th  to  16th 

Sept.  17th 

Sept.  19th  to  20th 

Oct.  3d  and  4th 

Oct.  5th 

Oct.  8th 

Dec.  7th 

Dec.  7th 

Dec.  12th  to  18th 

Dec.  13th 

Dec.  20th 

Dec.  27th 

Dec.  28th  and  29th 

Dec.  31, ’62,  to  Jan.  2, ’63. 


Fort  Donelson,  Tenn 

Pea  Ridge,  Ark 

New  Berne,  N.  C 

Winchester,  Ya  ' 

Shiloh,  Tenn 

Williamsburg,  Va 

Front  Royal,  Va 

Winchester,  Va 

Seven  Pines  and  Fair  Oaks,  Va 

Cross  Keys,  Va 

Fort  Republic,  Va 

Secessionville,  James  Island,  S.  C. 

Oak  Grove,  Va 

Seven  days  retreat,  includes  Me- 
chanicsville,  Gaines’  Mills,  Chick- 
ahominy,  Peach  Orchard.  Savage 
Station.  Charles  City  Cross  Roads 

and  Malvern  Hill 

Murfreesboro’,  Tenn 

Cedar  Mountain,  Va 

Guerrilla  campaign  in  Missouri;  in- 
cludes Porter  s and  Poindex- 
ter’s Guerrillas 

Groveton  and  Gainesville,  Va 

Bull  Run,  Va.  (2d) 

Richmond,  Ky 

Chantilly,  Va 

Harper’s  Ferry,  Va 

Turner’s  and  Crumpton's  Gaps, 

South  Mountain,  Md 

Mumfordsville,  Ky 

Antietam,  Md 

I-u-ka,  Miss 

Corinth,  Miss 

Big  Hatchie  River,  Miss 

Perryville,  Ky  

Prairie  Grove,  Ark 

Hartsville,  Tenn 

Foster’s  expedition  to  Goldsboro’, 

N.  C 

Fredericksburg.  Va 

Holly  Springs,  Miss 

Elizabethtown,  Ky 

Chickasaw  Bayou,  Vicksburg,  Miss 
Stone’s  River,  Tenn 


798 


APPENDIX — BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


LOSS  IN  ENGAGEMENTS,  ETC. — (CONTINUED. 


Union  Loss. 

Confederate 

Loss. — Total. 

Killed. 

'C 

a 

3 

o 

£ 

Missing. 

Total. 

600 

COO 

50 

129 

831 

17 

977 

5,500 

100 

300 

1,30b 

1,706 

600 

12 

69 

1.486 

1,547 

130 

7 i 8 

5 

853 

1,650 

1,512 

9,51S 

5,000 

16,030 

12,281 

426 

1,840 

18£ 

2,457 

4,300 

545 

3,688 

301 

4,536 

31,277 

500 

2,500 

3,000 

7,203 

154 

223 

115 

492 

725 

500 

700 

3,000 

3,000 

850 

85 

432 

13 

660 

1,634 

2,834 

13,709 

6,643 

23,186 

31,621 

100 

800 

100 

1,000 

1,339 

1,500 

174 

1,644 

9,262 

4,945 

15, Sol 

17,804 

26 

124 

576 

726 

445 

6 

12 

650 

667 

30 

757 

4,529 

330 

5,616 

8,684 

100 

400 

500 

500 

700 

900 

193 

1.175 

4G0 

1,828 

500 

200 

900 

1,800 

2,900 

1,500 

100 

700 

300 

1,100 

2,000 

350 

60 

164 

574 

80 

20 

80 

1,500 

i ,eoo 

500 

200 

955 

1,155 

1,100 

6,597 

21,463 

10,677 

37,737 

11,401) 

200 

637 

837 

600 

4,177 

19,687 

2,577 

26,461 

9,000 

90 

400 

490 

500 

126 

585 

34 

745 

900 

422 

2,380 

210 

3,012 

2,500 

600 

2,147 

2,747 

2,800 

120 

660 

240 

920 

405 

200 

1,000 

1 200 

3,000 

223 

1,460 

290 

1,973 

2,'  00 

2,400 

3,000 

1,905 

10,570 

2,456 

14,931 

1,700 

130 

650 

780 

2,970 

1,370 

6,500 

800 

8,670 

4,600 

223 

394 

1,623 

2,240 

606 

Date. 


1863. 

Jan.  1st 

Jan.  11th 

March  4lh  and  5th 

April  27th  to  May  3d. . . 


May  1st 

May  1st  to  4th 

May  16th 

May  ISth  to  July  4th. . . 
May  27th  to  July  9th. . . 

June  6th  to  Sth 

June  9th 


June  13th  to  15th  . 
June  23d  to  30th  . 


July  1st  to  3d  . . . 
July  9th  to  16th. 
July  18th 


Name. 


Sept.  19th  and  20th Chickamauga,  G 


Galveston,  Tex 

Fort  Hindman,  Arkansas  Post, Ark 

Thompson’s  Station,  Tenn 

Streight’s  raid  from  Tuseumbia, 

Ala.,  to  Rome,  Ga 

Port  Gibson,  Miss 

Chancellorsville,  Va 

Champion  Mills,  Miss 

Siege  of  Vicksburg,  Miss. 

Siege  of  Port  Hudson,  La 

Milliken's  Bend,  La 

Beverly  Ford  and  Brandy  Station, 

Va 

Winchester,  Va 
Rosecrans’  campaign  from  Mur- 
freesboro’ to  Tullahoma,  Tenn 

Gettysburg,  Pa 

Jackson,  Miss.  

Second  assault  on  Fort  Wagner, 
S.  C 


Nov.  3d 

Nov.  6th 

Nov.  23d  to  25th 


Nov.  26th  to  28th. . 
Dec.  14th 

1864. 

Feb.  20th 

April  8th 

April  5th 

April  12tli 

April  17tli  to  20th  . 

April  30th 

May  oth  to  7th 

May  6th  to  9th 


May  8th  to  18th  . 


May  9th  and  10th . 
May  9th  and  10th.. 


May  12th  to  16th 

May  13th  to  16th 

May  15tli 

May  16th  to  30th 

May  33d  to  27th 

May  25th  to  June  4th... 

June  1st  to  12th 

June  5th 

June  9th  to  30th 


June  10th  . 


Grand  Coteau,  La 

Rogersville,  Tenn 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.;  includes  Or- 
chard Knob,  Lookout  Mountain 

and  Missionary  Pddge 

Operations  at  Mine  Run,  Va 

Beau’s  Station,  Tenn 


Olustee,  Fla. . 

Sabine  Cross  Roads,  La 

Pleasant  Hills,  La 

Fort  Pillow,  Tenn 

Plymouth,  N.  C 

Jenkins’  Ferry,  Saline  River,  Ark. 
Wilderness,  Va 


Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Ga.;  includes 
Tunnell  Hill,  Mill  Creek  Gap, 
Buzzard  Roost,  Snake  Creek  Gap, 

and  near  Dalton 

Spottsylvania  Court  House,  Va. ; 
includes  engagements  on  the 
Fredericksburg  Road,  Laurel 

Hill,  and  Nye  River 

Swift  Creek,  Va 

Cloyd’s  Mountain  and  New  River 

Bridge,  Va 

Fort  Darling,  Drury’s  Bluff,  Va. 

Ressaca,  Ga 

New  Market,  Va 

Bermuda  Hundred,  Va..  

North  Anna  River,  Va 

Dallas,  Ga 

Cold  Harbor,  Va 

Piedmont,  Va 

Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.;  includes 
Pine  Mountain,  Pine  Knob,  Gol- 
gotha, Culp’s  House,  general  as- 
sault, June  27th;  McAfee’s  Cross 
Roads,  Lattemore’s  Mills,  and 

Powder  Springs 

Brice’s  Cross  Roads,  near  Guntown, 
Miss 


LOSS  IN  ENGAGEMENTS,  ETC. 


799 


Date. 


June  lOtli 

June  11th  and  12th. 

June  15th  to  19th  . . 


June  17th  and  18th. 
June  20th  to  30th.. 

June  22d  to  30th. . . 

June  22d  and  23d  .. 
J une  27th 

July  1st  to  31st 


July  6th  to  10th 

July  9th 

J uly  13th  to  15th 

July  20th 

J uly  22d 

July  24th 

J uly  26th  to  31st 

July  26th  to  31st 

July  2Sth 

July  30th 

Aug.  1st  to  31st 

Aug  14th  to  18th 

Aug.  18th,  19th  & 21st.. 

Aug.  21st 

Aug.  25th 

Aug,  31st  to  Sept.  1st.. . 
May  5th  to  Sept.  8th. 


Sept.  1st  to  Oct.  30th.. . 

Sept.  19th 

Sept.  23d 

Sept.  24th  to  Oct.  28th. 

Sept.  28th  to  30th 

Sept.  30th  and  Oct.  1st. 

Oct.  oth 

Oct.  19th 

Oct.  27th 

Oct.  27th  and  28th 

Kov.  28th 

Nov.  30th 

Nov.  3oth 

Dec.  6th  to  9th  

Dec.  15th  and  16th  

1865. 

Jan.  11th 

Jan.  13th  to  loth 

Feb.  5th  to  7th 

March  8th  to  10th 

March  16th 

March  19  th  to  21st 


Union  Loss. 


Name. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

Total. 

X o 

Q 1 

X cn 

5 o 

Kellar’s  Bridge,  Lickiug  River,  Ky. 

13 

54 

700 

767 

i 

Trevellian  Station,  Central  Rail- 

road,  Va 

85 

490 

160 

735 

370 

Petersburg,  Va.;  includes  Baylor’s 

Farm,  Walthal,  and  Weir  Bot- 

tom  Church 

1,298 

7,474 

1,814 

10,586 

Lynchburg,  Va 

100 

5.0 

400 

700 

200 

Trenches  in  front  of  Petersburg, 

Ya 

112 

506 

800 

1,418 

Wilson's  raid  on  the  Weldon  Rail- 

road,  Va...  

76 

265 

700 

1,041 

3"0 

Weldon  Railroad,  Va 

604 

2,494 

2,217 

5,315 

500 

Kenesaw  Mountain,  general  as- 

3,000 

COO 

Front  of  Petersburg,  Va. ; losses  at 

the  Crater  and  Deep  Bottom  not 

419 

2 076 

1 ,200 

2 6Q5 

Chattahoochee  River,  Ga 

80 

450 

200 

730 

600 

Monocacy,  Md 

90 

579 

1,290 

1,959 

400 

Tupelo,  Miss. ; includes  Harrisburg 

and  Old  Town  Creek 

85 

563 

648 

700 

Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga 

300 

1,410 

1,710 

4,796 

Atlanta,  Ga. ; Hood’s  first  sortie. . . 

500 

2,141 

1,000 

3.641 

6,499 

1 ,200 

COO 

Stoneman’s  raid  to  Macon,  Ga 

ICO 

900 

1,000 

McCook  s raid  to  Lovejoy  Station, 

100 

500 

600 

Ezra  Chapel,  Atlanta,  Ga. ; second 

100 

600 

700 

Mine  explosion  at  Petersburg,  Va.. 

419 

1,679 

1,910 

4,008 

L200 

Trenches  before  Petersburg,  Va. . . 

87 

484 

571 

Strawberry  Plains,  Deep  Bottom 

Run,  Va 

400 

1,755 

1,400 

3,555 

1,100 

Six  Mile  House,  Weldon  Railroad, 

Va 

212 

1,155 

3,176 

4,543 

4,000 

600 

Ream’s  Station,  Va  

127 

646 

1,769 

2,442 

1 ,500 

1,149 

1,149 

2,0  j0 

Campaign  in  Northern  Georgia, 

from  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  to  At- 

26  129 

n 7S6 

Trenches  before  Petersburg,  Va. . . 

"’no 

’822 

612 

1 804 

1,000 

Apequan,  Winchester,  Va 

653 

3,719 

618 

4,990 

5,500 

950 

950 

30 

Price’s  invasion  of  Missouri;  in- 

eludes  a number  of  engagements. 

170 

336 

506 

400 

2,029 

2,429 

2,000 

Preble’s  Farm,”  Poplar  Springs 

Church,  Va 

141 

788 

1,756 

2,685 

900 

Allatoona,  Ga 

142 

352 

212 

706 

1,142 

Cedar  Creek,  Va- 

588 

3,516 

1,891 

5,995 

4,200 

Hatcher’s  Run,  South  Side  Rail- 

road,  Va 

156 

1,047 

699 

1,902 

1,000 

Fair  Oaks,  near  Richmond,  Va  — 

120 

783 

400 

1,303 

451 

Fort  Kelly,  New  Creek,  West  Va.. 

700 

700 

5 

Franklin,  Tenn 

189 

1,033 

1,104 

2,326 

6,252 

Honey  Hill,  Broad  River,  S.  C 

66 

645 

711 

Deveaux's  Neck,  S.  C 

39 

390 

200 

629 

400 

400 

1,740 

2,140 

15,000 

5 

20 

583 

602 

Fort  Fisher,  N.  C 

184 

749 

22 

955 

2,483 

Dabney’s  Mills,  Hatcher’s  Run.Va. 

232 

1,062 

186 

1,480 

1,200 

Wilcox ’s  Bridge,  Wise’s  Fork,  N.  C. 

80 

421 

600 

1,101 

1,500 

Averysboro’,  N.  C 

77 

477 

554 

865 

Bentonville,  N.  C 

191 

1,168 

287 

1,646 

2,825 

800 


APPENDIX— BLUE  AND  GUAY. 


LOSS  IN  ENGAGEMENTS,  ETC. — (CONTINUED.) 


Date. 


Name. 


Union  Loss. 


m 

a 


<8 
tt  o 
KS 

0 I 
H i 


March  2&th. 


March  25th 

March  26th  to  Apr.  8th. 
March  22d  to  Apr.  24th. 


March  31st 
April  1st. . 
April  2d... 
April  6th.. 
April  Oth.. 
April  7th.. 
April  9th.. 
April  9th  .. 
April  26th  , 
May  4th . . . 
May  10th. . 
May  11th. . 
May  26th . . 


Fort  Steadman,  iu  front  of  Peters- 
burg, Va  

Petersburg,  Va 

Spanish  Fort,  Ala 

Wilson’s  raid  from  Chickasaw,  Ala., 
to  Macon,  Ga.;  includes  a num- 
ber of  engagements 

Boydton  and  White  Oak  Roads,  Va. 

Five  Forks,  Va 

Fall  of  Petersburg,  Va 

Sailor’s  Creek,  Va 

High  Bridge, Appomattox  River ,Va. 

Farmville,  Va 

Fort  Blakely,  Ala 

Surrender  of  Lee 

Johnston  surrendered 

Taylor  surrendered 

Sain  Jones  surrendered 

JufE  Thompson  surrendered 

Kirby  Smith  surrendered 


68 


103 

100 


99 

177 

124 

296 

166 

10 


337 


864 

695 


598 

1,134 

706 

2,565 

1,014 

31 


506 

209 


28 

556 

54 

500 


1,000 


113 


616 


911 

1,176 

795 


725 

1,867 

884 

3,361 

1,180 

1,041 

655 

629 


2,681 

834 

652 


8,020 

1,235 

8,700 

3.000 

7.000 


2,900 

26,016 

29,924 

10,000 

8,000 

7,454 

20,000 


Tabular  Statement  of  the  Number  of  Engagements  in  the  Sev- 
eral States  and  Territories  during  each  Year  of  the  War. 


States  and  Territories. 

1861 

1S62 

1863 

1864 

1865 

New  York 

1 

Pennsylvania 

8 

i 

Maryland 

3 

9 

10 

8 

1 

West  Virginia 

29 

114 

17 

19 

1 

Virginia 

30 

40 

116 

206 

28 

North  Carolina 

2 

27 

18 

10 

28 

South  Carolina 

2 

10 

17 

9 

22 

Georgia 

2 

8 

92 

6 

Florida  

3 

3 

4 

17 

6 

Alabama .'. 

10 

12 

32 

24 

Mississippi 

42 

76 

67 

1 

Louisiana 

i 

11 

54 

50 

2 

1 

2 

8 

1 

2 

Arkansas 

1 

42 

40 

78 

6 

Tennessee 

2 

82 

124 

89 

1 

Kentucky 

14 

59 

30 

31 

4 

Ohio 

3 

Indiana 

4 

Illinois 

1 

Missouri  

65 

95 

43 

41 

Minnesota 

.... 

5 

1 

California 

1 

4 

i 

Kansas 

2 

5 

Oregon 

3 

i 

...» 

2 

Washington  Territory 

1 

Utah 

1 

New  M exico 

3 

5 

7 

4 

Nebraska 

2 

Colorado 

.... 

4 

Indian  Territory 

2 

9 

3 

3 

Dakota 

2 

5 

4 

Arizona 

i 

1 

1 

i 

1 

.... 

156 

564 

627 

779 

135 

Total. 


1 

9 

30 

1 

80 

519 

85 

60 

108 

32 

78 

186 

118 

14 

107 

298 

138 

3 

4 
1 

244 

6 

6 

7 

4 

2 

1 

1 

19 

2 

4 

17 

11 

4 

1 


2,261 


801 


LIST  OF  GENERAL  OFFICERS,  U.  S.  A. 

List  of  General  Officers  U.  S.  A.,  Deceased. 
Major-Generals. 

Killed  in  action 6 

Died  of  wounds  received  in  action 5 

Died  of  disease 6 — 17 

Brevet-Major-Generals. 

Killed  in  action 5 

Died  of  wounds  received  in  action 1 

Died  of  disease 4 — 10 

Brigadier-Generals. 

Killed  in  action 13 

Died  of  wounds  received  in  action 9 

Died  of  disease 16 — 38 

Brevet-Brigadier-Generals. 

Killed  in  action 14 

Died  of  wounds  received  in  action 14 

Died  of  disease 9 — 37 

Total 1()2 


List  of  General  Officers  of  the  United  States  Army  Before, 
During,  and  Since  the  War. 

Regular  Army. 

Generals,  U.  S.  A.,  full  rank 1 

Lieut. -Generals,  U.  S.  A.,  full  rank. 2 

By  Brevet,  U.  S.  A 1 

Major-Generals,  U.  S.  A.,  full  rank 11 

By  Brevet 152 

Brigadier-Generals 36 

By  Brevet 187 

Volunteer  Army. 

Major-Generals,  full  rank 128 

By  Brevet 228 

Brigadier-Generals 561 

By  Brevet 1170 


51 


802 


APPENDIX— BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


Names  of  U.  S.  A.  Genebals  Killed  in  Action. 
Major-Generals. 

Philip  Kearney Sept.  1,  1862 Chantilly,  Va. 

Isaac  I.  Stevens “ “ “ “ “ 

Hiram  G.  Berry May  2,  1863 Chancellorsville,  Va. 

John  F.  Reynolds July  1,  1S63 Gettysburg,  Pa. 

John  Sedgwick May  9,  1S64 Spottsylvania,  Va. 

James  B.  McPherson July  22,  1864 Atlanta,  Ga. 

Brigadier-Generals. 

..  ..Aug.  5,  1862 Baton  Rouge,  La. 

....  “ 6,  1862 Dechai'd,  Tenn. 

....  “ 22,  1862 Freeman’s  Ford,  Va. 

. . . .Oct.  3,  1862 Corinth,  Miss. 

“ 8,1862 Perryville,  Ky. 

Oct.  8,  1862 Perryville,  Ky. 

Dec.  13,  1862 Fredericksburg,  Va. 

....  31,1862 Stone  River,  Tenn. 

July  2,  1S63 Gettysburg,  Penn. 

May  10,  1864 Spottsylvania,  Va. 

“ “ “ Laurel  Hill,  Va. 

Sept.  30,  1864 Chapin’s  Farm,  Va. 

....Oct.  19,  1864 Cedar  Creek,  Va. 


Brevet-Major-Generals. 


S.  K.  Zook 

Alex.  Hays 

James  S.  Wadsworth.. . 

“ 6,1864.... 

U U 

David  A.  Russell 

Sept.  19,  1864.. 

Frederick  Winthrop . . . 

Brevet-Brigadier-Generals. 

A.  Van  Horn  Ellis 

Lewis  Benedict 

April  9,  1864... 

Henry  H.  Giesy 

May  28,  1864... 

John  McConilie 

Thomas  W.  Humphrey. 

“ 10,1864.. 

William  Blaisdell 

“ 23,  1S64.. 

Before  Petersburg,  Va. 

George  A.  Cobham 

July  20,  1S64. . 

Griffin  A.  Steadman 

George  E.  Elstner 

“ 8,  1S64 . . . 

Frank  H.  Peck 

Sept.  19,  1864.. 

George  D.  Wells 

Oct.  13,  1S64... 

Sylvester  G.  Hill 

Dec.  15,  1864... 

George  W.  Gowan 

Theodore  Read 

“ 6,1865.. 

Thomas  Williams 

Robert  L.  McCook 

Henry  Bohlen 

Pleasant  A.  Hackelman 

James  S.  Jackson 

William  R.  Terrill 

Conrad  Feger  Jackson. 

Joshua  W.  Sill 

Stephen  W.  Weed 

Thomas  G.  Stevens. . . . . 

James  C.  Rice 

Hiram  Burnham 

Daniel  W.  Bid  well 


INDEX. 


803 


INDEX. 


_A_ 


PAGE 

A beautiful  incident  182 

A big  prize  444 

A Christmas  dinner  399 

A cruel  joke  405 

A Dutchman’s  description  633 

A presentiment  565 

A few  reasons  why  630 

A surprised  prohibitionist  635 

A question  to  ask  the  court  635 

A straightforward  hoosier  725 

A gal  baby  299 

A lively  chase  223 

A mutual  pleasure  134 

A nephew  of  J eff erson  Davis  308 

A palace  401 

A put  up  job  131 

A thousand  shirts  61 

A sad  fate  224 

A school-marm’s  trick  180 

Abraham  Lincoln  641 

Absent  without  leave  447 

All  quiet  alODg  the  Potomac  to-night 
(poem)  228 

All  (poem)  5S5 

Alsop's  farm,  Federals  at,  surprised  491 

Alexander  Fort,  capture  of  759 

An  appreciative  Texan  296 

An  incident  of  early  associations  226 

An  inventive  genius  441 

An  amusing  sentence,  634 

Anderson  General,  at  the  Wilderness  486 
in  command  of  Longstreet’s  corps 
at  Spottsylvania  490 

assault  of  on  Fort  Harrison  620 

recalled  by  Lee  from  the  valley  675 
on  the  White  Oak  road  712 

Answer  to  the  song  of  the  sword  554 

Antietam,  campaign  of  140 

battle  of  159 

Appendix  789 

Statistical  record  of  calls  for 
troops  789 


PAGE 


Appendix — 

Organization  of  Federal  army  791 

Strength  of  Federal  army  at  vari- 
ous dates  792 

Losses  of  the  North  and  South 
during  the  war  794 

National  cemeteries,  names  of  795 

Number  of  engagements  during 
the  war  800 

List  of  Federal  generals  of  the 
service  801 

List  of  Federal  generals  killed 
in  action  802 

Appomattox  Station  battle  775 

description  of  battle  of  776 

Aren't  that  Yankee  battery  a godsend  452 

Army,  embarkation  of  Federal,  for 
Fort  Munroe  68 

Army  of  the  Peninsula,  Magruder  in 
command  of  69 

Army  of  the  Potomac  withdrawn  to 
Harrison’s  Landing — to  Washington  89 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia  withdrawn 
to  Richmond  89 

Army,  strength  of  Confederate,  in  Penn- 
sylvania 342 

Army,  lamentable  condition  of  Feder- 
al— Halleck’s  folly  343 

Army,  Federal  and  Confederate,  dis- 
positions of,  at  Gettysburg,  316 

Army  of  tlio  Potomac,  condition  of  475 

reinforced  by  the  Ninth  corps  476 

at  Chancellorsville,  line  of  march 
of  477 

crossing  the  James  river  583 

Army,  disposition  of  Federal,  in  the 
valley  651 

Army  at  Winchester  676  • 

at  Petersburg,  contrast  between  693 

Federal,  in  motion  711 

Armies,  parts  of  both,  detached  418 

in  winter  quarters  430 


804 


BLUE  AXD  GKAY. 


PAGE 


Armie9,  peculiar  situation  of,  at  Wilder- 
ness 484 

Armistead  General,  mortally  wounded  366 
Arrival  of  Confederate  commanders  on 
Bull  Run  battlefield  39 

Ashby  Colonel,  guarding  the  valley  648 

Baggage  train,  Federal  477 

Baker  Colonel,  Federal  commander  at 
Ball's  Bluff  47 

Baker  Colonel,  death  of  48 

Ball’s  Bluff,  battle  of  47 

Banty  Tim  412 

Banks  General,  in  command  of  Shen- 
andoah Valley  650 

his  march  from  Winchester  652 

Barksdale  General,  death  of  ’ 362 

Bartlett  General,  at  Hatcher’s  Run  758 

Barlow  General,  wounded  351 

Battery  B 217 

Battles  around  Richmond,  Confederate 
names  of  96 

Battle  of  3Iay  6th  at  Wilderness  4S5 

May  12th  at  Spottsylvania  496 

lines,  formation  of,  at  Cool  Arbor  512 
in  the  road  near  Farmville  773 

Baylor  Colonel,  killed  117 

Bearing  his  brother's  dead  body  330 

Beauregard  Gen.  G.  T.,  pen  picture  of  256 

at  Bull  Run  32 

his  dispatch  to  Johnson  32 

headquarters  and  strength  of  his 
army  36 

I have  come  to  die  with  you  40 

army  of,  at  Petersburg,  checks 
Butler's  advance  558 

Beaver  Dam,  battle  of  80 

station  captured  by  Federals  498 

Bee  General,  joins  Evans  at  Bull  Run  38 

Before  breakfast  177 

Ben  Butler’s  strategy  224 

Berry  General  Hiram  G.,  at  Chancel- 

lorsville  269 

death  of  289 

pen  picture  of  462 

Birney  General,  in  command  of  Third 

corps  362 

his  division  storming  works  504 

assault  of,  at  Petersburg,  592 

in  command  of  Second  corps  593 

crossing  the  James  river  617 

Bidwell  General, mortally  wounded  6S9 

Bit  off  mor’n  we  can  chaw  451 

Bishop  Simpson  and  the  flag  225 

Blackburn’s  Ford,  battle  of  35 

Blockade  of  the  Potomac  46 


PAGE 


Ashby  Colonel,  death  of  655 

Jackson’s  tribute  to  memory  of  655 
Ashland  Station,  capture  of,  by  Fed- 
erals 498 

Attention  world  319 

Auger  General,  wounded  107 

Bohlen  General,  death  of  110 

Boswell  Captain,  death  of  276 

Bound  to  go  to  ruin  634 

Bottom’s  Bridge,  Federals  crossing  at  74 
Bottom  rail  on  top  321 

Brainard  Captain,  death  of  330 

Bradford  Governor,  his  call  for  troops  666 
Bratton  General,  wounded  623 

Breathed  Major  James,  incident  of  466 
Breckenridge  General,  at  New  Market  658 
at  Lynchburg  660 

Brick  mansion  near  Sharpsburg,  101 

Brigade,  capture  of  Mississippi,  at  Wil- 
loughby’s Run  350 

Bristoe  Station,  battle  of  422 

Broadbent  Captain  Wm.,  death  of  609 

Brooks  General,  wounded  362 

at  battle  of  Fort  Stevens  561 

Brown  General, attack  on  center  by,  at 

North  Anna  River  503 

captured  504 

Buford  General,  cavalry  of,  at  Gettys- 
burg 345 

Bull  Run,  battle  of  35 

second  battle  of  115 

Burnham  General,  death  of  618 

Burnside  General,  inactivity  of  163 

in  command  of  Federals  moves 
toward  Richmond  ' 189 

blunder  of,  at  Fredericksburg  190 
crossing  river  at  “ 191 

strength  of  his  army  at  “ 192 

no  plan  of  battle  at  “ 197 

those  heights  must  be  carried  to- 
night 200 

withdraws  from  Fredericksburg  201 
Federals  lose  confidence  in  201 

dismissing  his  subordinate  gen- 
erals 201 

pen  picture  of  246 

resigns  202 

arrival  of  corps  of,  at  Wilderness  485 
his  blunder  at  the  Crater  COO 

Bushwhackers  323 

Butler  General,  campaign  of  555 

his  destination  a secret  556 

ascends  the  York  river  £56 

ascends  the  James  river  557 


INDEX. 


805 


PAGE  I 

Butler  General,  landing  troops  at  Ber- 
muda Hundred  557 

intrenches  position  558 

surprised  558 


Caldwell  General,  attacked  by  Stuart  420 


Camp  of  distribution  406 

Campaign,  the  Peninsula  68 

the  spring  of  1S64  475 

of  the  Shenandoah  644 

the  last  754 

Camping  for  the  night  55 

Canal.  Chesapeake  and  Ohio,  cut  by 
Imboden  342 

Capturing  a regiment  443 

Carriages  and  millinery  to  the  rear  629 
Casey  General,  at  Seven  Pines  76 

Caught  in  his  own  trap  311 

Cavalry,  daring  of  Eighth  Pennsylvania  270 
Cedar  Mountain,  battle  of  105 

Cedar  Creek,  battle  of  686 

Federals  surprised  686 

Chambersburg,  burning  of,  account  of  672 
Chalk  that  down  214 

Chamberlayne  Hampden,  bravery  of  604 
Chamberlain  General,  wounded  712 

at  Appomattox  Court-house  780 

Chapman  General,  wounded  680 

Chancellorsville,  campaign  of  258 

location  of  263 

battle  of  266 

battle  of,  Sunday  287 

Chantilly,  battle  of  118 

mansion  in  ruins  144 

Chaplin  C.,  prayer  of  65 

Christian  example  639 

Claiborne  Road,  battle  on  759 

Cheek  39S 

Coarse  food  64 

Codfish  531 

Company  Q 130 


PAGE 

Butler  General,  withdraws  army  to 

Bermuda  Hundred  562 

“ bottled  up  ” 562 


Condition  of  the  North  and  South  at 


the  beginning  of  hostilities,  27 

Conger  Major,  death  of  674 

Congress,  resolution  of  thanks  to  Sheri- 
dan by  1191 

Confederate  currency  148 

money  302 

generals,  council  of  771 

Crawford  General,  attack  of,  at  Five 
Forks  715 

Cool  daring  of  a rebel  soldier  329 

Couch  General,  at  Seven  Pines  76 

in  command  of  Second  corps  at 
Fredericksburg  199 

in  command  of  Second  corps  at 
Chancellorsville  258 

Cold  Harbor,  battle  of  508 

Corps,  1st  and  5th,  at  Chancellorsville  290 
11th  and  12th,  sent  to  Tennessee  418 
Conscripting  his  staff  535 

Crook  General,  in  Kanawha  Valley,  de- 
stroys railroad  657 

crossing  Potomac  at  "Williams- 
port 671 

defeated  773 

Court-martial  436 

Cross  General,  wounded  362 

Crutchfield  Colonel,  wounded  2S1 

Cub  Run  bridge  41 

Culp’s  Hill,  right  of  Federal  line,  July 
2, 1863  355 

Cutter  General,  at  battle  of  Willough- 
by Run  350 

Custer  General  George,  pen  picture  of  252 
Cummings  Lieut. -Colonel,  killed  107 


Doing  picket  duty  62 

Don’t  make  me  mark  time  299 

Doubleday  General,  at  Fredericksburg  198 
Doubty  St.  Jacob,  bravery  of  598 

Draft,  enforcement  of,  in  New  Tork 
city  418 

Duval  Colonel,  wounded  680 

Early  General,  pen  picture  of  254 

retreat  from  Fredericksburg  292 

at  Wrightsville  342 


3D 

Dalghren  Colonel  177 

Davis  President,  confers  with  Lee  706 

flight  of,  from  Richmond  761 

De  bone  don’t  fight  183 

Didn’t  want  to  see  him  538 

Discoveries  made  by  both  armies  44 

Disgusted  133 

33 

Early  General,  at  Chinn  House  41 

at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain  107 

brigade  of,  endangered  110 


806 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PAGE 


Early  General,  his  delay  at  Gettysburg  352 
anecdotes  of  472 

moves  on  “Washington  609 

at  Martinsburg  609 

slight  opposition  to  610 

advance  of,  to  Rockville,  attack  at  611 
recrosses  Potomac  611 

at  Charlottesville  661 

in  pursuit  of  Hunter  661 

invasion  of  Maryland  by  662 

composition  of  his  army, at  Win- 
chester 663 

crossing  the  Potomac  at  Shep- 
herdstown  663 

at  Silver  Spring  666 

in  full  view  of  Washington  667 

at  Berrysville  670 

taps  B.  & O.  railroad  at  Martins- 
burg 671 

Ellison  Colonel,  death  of  360 

Elliott  General,  brigade  of,  at  Crater 

mine  602 

Falmouth,  Federals  at  190 

False  impressions  333 

False  hopes  held  out  to  the  Confed- 
erates 703 

Fame’s  Cross  Roads,  Federals  at  766 

Farmville,  battle  of  769 

Father  and  son  531 

Federal  cause,  dark  period  in  153 

army,  position  of  74 

order  of  advance  at  the  Wilder- 
ness 478 

plan  of  attack  at  the  Wilderness  4S0 
Fernald  Lieut.  A.  E.,of  20th  Maine  regi- 
ment, bravery  of  621 

Field  General,  wounded  115 

at  battle  of  White  Oak  Swamp  622 
Fisher’s  Hill,  battle  of  681 

Five  Forks,  battle  of  714 

Flight  from  the  Shenandoah  728 

Foraging  300 

for  melons  433 

Gaines  Mill,  battle  of  82 

Gainesville,  battle  of  111 

Gary  General,  at  battle  of  White  Oak 

Swamp  622 

at  Appomattox  Station  775 

Gap,  Turner’s  156 

Garnett  General,  wounded  107 

death  of  386 

Geary  General,  wounded  107 


PAGE 


Elliott  General,  death  of  603 

Elzey  Colonel,  in  command  of  Kirby 
Smith’s  brigade  41 

Elzey  Gen.,  in  command  of  Brecken- 
ridge’s  troops  661 

Embarrassment  of  McClellan  and  John- 
ston 73 

Emory  General,  sent  to  Washington 
with  Eighteenth  corps  610 

Evans  Colonel,  at  Stone  Bridge  37 

address  to  his  troops  47 

Ewell  General,  wounded  111 

pen  picture  of  255 

van  of  Confederates  led  by,  into 
Pennsylvania  342 

bombards  Cemetery  Hill  363 

attack  of,  on  Sedgwick’s  corps  488 

attack  on  Federal  wagon  train  by  498 

reinforced  at  Fort  Gilmer  619 

in  valley  en  route  to  Pennsylvania  656 

capture  of  770 

Exaggerated  reports  542 

Forest  on  fire  at  the  Wilderness  488 

Fort  Darling,  repulse  of  gunboats  by  74 

Fort  Stevens,  battle  of  560 

Franklin  General,  at  Crampton’s  Gap  156 

at  Fredericksburg  196 

Fraternizing  312 

Frederick  City,  cool  reception  at,  of 

Confederates  147 

Federals  move  toward  153 

disposition  of  troops  153 

Fredericksburg,  campaign  of  188 

battle  of  192 

bombardment  of  195 

Fremont’s  scouts  568 

Fremont  General,  repulsed  by  Ewell  655 

French  General,  at  Fredericksburg  199 

Front  Royal,  capture  of  garrison  of,  by 
Jackson  651 

Fulkenson  Colonel,  death  of  83 

Furloughs  only  when  death  is  in  the 
family  297 


Gettysburg,  topographical  features  of  345 

battle  of  July  1st  at  346 

formation  of  country  around  349 

battle  of  July  2d  at  355 

armies  facing  each  other  at  355 

battle  of  J uly  3d  at  364 

Gibbs  Hampton,  wounded  604 

Gilmer  Fort,  attack  on,  by  colored 
troops  619 


Gr 


INDEX. 


807 


PAGE 


Glendale,  battle  of  87 

Grant  General,  pen  picture  of  230 

at  “Wilderness  Tavern  479 

his  losses  in  action  49S 

makes  flank  movement  at  Spott- 
sylvania  489 

attacks  Lee's  left  center  at  Spott- 
sylvania  495 

second  flank  movement  of  497 

his  plans  discovered  by  Lee  499 

crosses  the  North  Anna  505 

■withdraws  his  army  505 

his  army  at  Hanovertown  506 

contemplates  a change  of  base  513 
withdraws  from  Cool  Arbor  to 
the  James  river  514 

crossing  the  James  river  at  Wind- 
mill  point  515 

his  order  to  Butler  £55 

his  contemplated  method  of  cap- 
turing Petersburg  596 

sends  Sixth  corps  to  Washington  610 
his  expedition  against  Richmond  611 
landing  troops  at  Deep  Bottom  612 


Hagerstown,  Kemper’s  brigade  at  149 

sympathy  of  citizens  151 

Hall  Private  310 

Halleck  General,  appointed  to  com- 
mand of  Federal  army  102 

his  order  to  Pope  109 

opposes  Hooker’s  order  to  Slocum  343 
Hamlin  Col.  Augustus  C.,  letter  of  21 

Hampton  General  Wade,  at  Hawes’ 
shop  506 

Hancock  General,  battle  of  Williams- 
burg won  by  72 

at  Fredericksburg  200 

pen  picture  of  241 

in  command  at  Gettysburg  352 

in  command  of  Second  corps  475 

assaults  Hill’s  corps  at  the  Wil- 
derness 484 

repulsed  at  the  Wilderness  by 
Longstreet  4S6 

reinforced  at  Spottsylvania  497 

his  corps  at  Millford  Station  499 

at  Jericho  Ford  504 

corps  of,  ordered  to  Cold  Harhor  511 
arrival  of,  in  front  of  Petersburg  5S7 
moves  against  Richmond  597 

at  Bailey’s  Creek  612 

destroys  W eldon  railroad  614 

embarrassed  at  Ream’s  Station  615 

Harper’s  Ferry  captured  by  Confed- 
erates 155 


PAGE 


Grant  General,  his  plan  on  the  north 

bank  of  the  James  617 

arrival  of,  at  Fort  Harrison  619 

his  letter  to  Meade  623 

recalls  the  Sixth  corps  from 
Washington  670 

his  note  to  Lee  773 

his  second  note  to  Lee  774 

Graybacks  149 

Great  Union  convention  184 

Gregg  General,  his  brigade  at  Fred- 
ericksburg 1 98 

his  horse  320 

death  of  623 

Gregg  Fort,  capture  of.  by  Federals  759 

Gregg  General  (Federal;,  captured  773 

Go  way  dar,  won  t you  724 

GrifEn  General,  pen  picture  of  245 

attacks  Ewell  at  Wilderness  Tav- 
ern 480 

assault  on,  at  the  North  Anna  503 

Godwin  General,  death  of  680 

Gordon  General,  at  Fort  Steadman  708 

Grovetown,  battle  of  112 

Grover  General,  wounded  691 

ZE3Z 

Harper’s  Ferry  evacuated  by  Federals  647 

Confederates  occupy  647 

Hanover  Court-house,  battle  of  507 

Hare's  Hill  attacked  by  Hancock  and 
Burnside  591 

Harrison  Fort,  capture  of  by  Federals  618 

Haskel  Captain  John,  at  Crater  Mine  603 

Haskell  Colonel,  death  of  512 

Hatch  General,  wounded  117 

Hatcher's  Run,  battle  of  627 

Hawes’  shop,  battle  of  506 

Hatton  General,  death  of  76 

Hayes  General  Alexander,  death  of  484 

Haygood  General,  brigade  of,  at  Port 
Walthall  658 

Hazel  Grove,  seized  by  Confederates  238 

Hazlett  Captain,  death  of  358 

Heckman  General,  at  battle  of  Fort 

Stevens  561 

in  command  of  Ord’s  corps  619 

Heintzelman  General,  at  Seven  Pines  76 
Heroism  186 

Heth  General,  at  Ream’s  Station  615 

High  Private,  descriptive  letter  of 
march  to  Maryland  by  142 

High  Bridge,  battio  of  772 

HiR  General  A.  P.,  assault  of,  at  Me- 

clianicsville  80 

Harper’s  Ferry  surrendered  to  156 
arrival  of  troops  of,  at  Antietam 
from  Harper’s  Ferry,  164 


808 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PAGE 


Hill  General  A.  P.,  his  division  at 

Fredericksburg  198 

pen  picture  of  242 

joins  Ewell  at  Ckambersburg  342 

at  Seminary  Ridge  362 

surprised  422 

at  Parker’s  store  479 

assaults  General  "Wright  500 

at  Ream’s  Station  615 

attack  on  Second  corps  593 

death  of  760 

Hill  General  L>.  H.,  leads  Confederate 
advance  into  Maryland  142 

Hincks  General,  reinforced  Smith  in 

front  of  Petersburg  5S6 

colored  troops  of,  assault  Confed- 
erate line  687 

Hoke  General,  his  division  558 

at  battle  of  "White  Oak  Swamp  622 
Honesty  the  best  policy  400 

Hood  General,  at  Peach  Orchard  356 

How  a Yank  and  Johnny  fraternized 
at  Shiloh  306 

How  they  lost  their  breakfast  726 

Howard  General  O.  O.,  pen  picture  of  469 
in  command  of  Eleventh  corps  258 

his  neglect  266 

corps  of,  surprised  at  Chancel- 
lorsville  266 

his  lost  guns  recaptured  273 

assists  Hancock  at  Gettysburg  352 

Hooker  General,  at  "Williamsburg,  re- 
inforced by  Kearney  71 

“ Fighting  Joe  ” 72 

at  battle  of  Antietam  160 

I do  326 

I fights  mit  Sigel  339 

I won't  stand  much  crowding  452 

If  we’uns  had  been  Texicans  297 

Incidents  of  the  last  retreat  337 

Intercepted  letter  of  lady  of  Frederick 
city  148 

Jackson  General,  reinforces  Bee  39 

occupies  Young’s  branch  39 

march  of,  from  Weyer’s  Cave  79 

his  mode  of  making  a forced 
march  80 

delay  of,  at  the  Chickahominy  86 

forestalls  Hatch  at  Gordonsville  103 

in  pursuit  of  Pope  104 

his  plan  of  action  105 


PAGE 


Hooker  General,  wounded  162 

his  division  at  Fredericksburg  200 

in  command  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  202 

pen  picture  of  251 

organizes  Army  of  the  Potomac 
into  corps  258 

introduces  corps  badges  258 

strength  of  his  army  259 

army  of,  at  Chancellorsville  260 

crossing  the  Rapidan  260 

his  head-quarters  261 

his  flaming  order  at  Chancellors- 
ville 262 

moves  toward  Fredericksburg  263 

skirmishing  263 

decides  to  act  on  the  defensive  264 

preparing  for  battle  265 

his  words  to  General  SAlgwick  265 

reinforced  by  cavalry  and  infan- 
try 266 

withdraws  from  Hazel  Grove  287 

knocked  senseless  at  Chancellors- 
ville 289 

retreats  across  the  Rapidan  294 

crossing  the  Potomac  in  pursuit 
of  Lee  342 

resigns  343 

Humphreys  General,  at  Farmville  770 

Hunt  General,  at  battle  of  Fredericks- 
burg 196 

Hunt  Captain  Henry  327 

Hunter  General,  supersedes  Sigel  658 

headquarters  of,  at  Staunton  659 


Into  Maryland,  scarcity  of  provisions  144 
Influence  of  Christian  character  637 

In  camp  and  on  the  march  737 

Imboden  General,  his  account  of  Lee’s 
retreat  from  Gettysburg  370 


Jackson  General,  strength  of  his  army 


at  Cedar  Mountain  106 

falls  back  across  the  Rapidan  109 

at  Bristoe  station  111 

his  message  to  Lee  116 

dangerous  position  of  his  troops  118 
at  Sharpsburg  166 

at  Orange  Court-house  190 

pen  picture  of  236 


I 


INDEX. 


809 


PAGE 

Jackson  General,  Funeral  Bell  of  (poem)  237 


at  Wilderness  Tavern  265 

wounded,  thrilling  account  of  276 

his  last  order  280 

arm  of,  amputated  282 

his  message  to  Stuart  283 

wife  sent  for  283 

his  reply  to  Lee’s  note  283 

his  aids  sent  to  the  front  283 

the  stone-wall  brigade,  284 

“ I am  not  afraid  of  them  ’ ’ 284 

at  Guinea  station  284 

at  Chandler  house  284 

sympathy  of  teamsters  and  citi- 
zens 285 

his  wife  tells  him  of  his  approach- 
ing end  285 

army  praying  for  286 

his  last  words  286 

death  of  286 

grief  of  army  over  death  of  286 

imposing  funeral  cortege  of  2S7 

memoirs  of  i 463 

at  Winchester,  his  weary  march  649 
reinforced  by  Ewell  651 

his  victories  in  the  valley  656 


PAGE 


Jeb  Stuart  playing  orderly  to  Bayard  724 

Jenkins  General,  at  Chambersburg  342 

Jetersville,  Federal  army  at  769 

Jerusalem  Plank  road,  seizure  of  692 

Jim's  bad  fix  299 

Johns  Colonel,  wounded  291 

Johnson  General  Edward,  captured  496 

Johnson  General  Bushrod  558 

Johnson  Lieutenant-Colonel,  death  of  669 

Johnston  General,  faces  Patterson  in 

the  Shenandoah  Valley  32 

his  arrival  at  Mannassas  37 

agrees  with  Beauregard  37 

seizes  colors  of  4th  Alabama  reg- 
iment 39 

in  command  at  Yorktown  69 

preparing  for  defence  of  Rich- 
mond 73 

wounded  76 

pen  picture  of  244 

evacuates  Harper’s  Ferry,  cause 
of  647 

at  Winchester  647 

on  the  situation  705 

Jones  General,  death  of  659 

Jones  Major,  death  of  669 


K,  private  325 

Kautz  General,  his  cavalry  in  front  of 

Petersburg  5S6 

moves  toward  Weldon  railroad  593 

at  Ream’s  and  Burkesville  Sta- 
tions 594 

on  the  north  bank  of  the  James  617 

marches  overland  to  City  Poibt  557 
at  Darbytown  622 

Kearney  General,  corps  badges  origi- 
nated by  258 

pen  picture  of  467 

killed  119 

body  of,  viewed  by  Confederates  145 

Xj 

L.  L G.’s  219 

Lathrop  Sergeant,  death  of  360 

Layne  Major,  mortally  wounded  106 

Ledlie  General,  his  colored  troops  at 

the  crater  699 

Lee  General  R.  E.,  in  command  of 

Confederates  79 

his  plan  and  order  of  battle  80 

his  troops  in  motion  to  crush  Pope  S9 
condition,  composition,  and 
strength  of  his  army  142 

his  invasion  of  Maryland,  reasons 
for  so  doing  140 


Keenan  Major  Peter  270 

his  charge  at  Chancellorsville  271 

Kellogg  the  spy  541 

Kelly’s  Ford,  attack  at,  by  Federals  425 

Kemper  General,  pen  picture  of  253 

at  the  Mattapony  river  499 

wounded  366 

Kemstown,  battle  of  650 

second  battle  of  671 

Keyes  General,  at  Seven  Pines  76 

Killed  in  battle  129 

Kilpatrick  General,  attacked  by  Stu- 
art’s cavalry  425 

Kitching  General,  wounded  691 

Lee  General  R.E.,  his  plans  discovered  154 
order  No.  191  151 

his  battle  lines  at  Antietam  160 

army  of,  at  Culpepper  188 

his  defence  of  Fredericksburg  191 

strength  of  his  army  at  Freder- 
icksburg 192 

position  of  197 

pen  picture  of  231 

strength  of  his  army  at  Chancel- 
lorsville 259 

disposition  of  259 

outnumbered  262 


810 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PAGE 


Lee  General  R.  E.,  desperate  situation 

of  his  army  262 

watching  Hooker  262 

rare  generalship  262 

his  brilliant  plan  265 

army  of,  divided  265 

attack  on  Hooker’s  left  by  269 

note  of  regret  overfall  of  Jackson  283 
order  announcing  fall  of  Jackson  286 
his  son  301 

concentrating  his  army  314 

plan  of  344 

marching  toward  Gettysburg  346 
disposition  of  troops  at  Gettys- 
burg July  2d,  18G3  355 

his  plan  of  attack  at  Gettysburg 
July  3d,  1863  363 

disposition  of  his  artillery  at  Get- 
tysburg 364 

enters  Pennsylvania  College  July 
3d,  1863,  364 

description  of  his  attack  on  Han- 
cock July  3d,  1863  364 

retreat  of,  from  Gettysburg  369 

army  of,  iu  the  Shenandoah  Val- 
ley 417 

on  the  defensive  418 

crossing  the  Kapidan  418 

occupies  Culpepper  419 

at  Sulphur  Springs  419 

at  Warrenton  420 

headquarters  at  Culpepper  Court- 
house 425 

recrosses  the  Rapidan  427 

disposition  of  his  troops  along  the 
Rapidan  427 

strength  of  position  of,  at  Mine 
Run  429 

to  the  rear  453 

strength  of  his  army  in  spring  of 
1864  . 476 

rare  generalship  of  478 

his  army  in  motion  478 

attacks  Sedgwick  May  6,  1864  485 

brilliant  assault  on  Hancock  487 

on  the  alert  > 490 

blocks  Federal  advance  at  Spott- 
sylvania  492 

position  of  his  army  at  Spottsyl- 
vania  492 

his  line  in  tack  497 

position  of  his  army  504 

his  troops  on  the  march  506 

his  lines  flanked  at  Hanover 
Court-house  by  Wright  507 

arrival  of  his  army  at  Petersburg  688 
abandons  outer  line  at  “ 592 


PAGE 


Lee  General  R.  E.,  activity  of  592 

his  line  of  defence  at  Petersburg  595 
opposes  Hancock  on  the  north 
bank  of  the  James  597 

bravery  of  his  troops  at  the  crater  601 
his  order  to  Colonel  Venable  605 
his  proposed  move  on  Washing- 
ton 609 

his  attack  on  Washington  a failure  611 
his  assault  on  Warren  at  Weldon 
railroad  613 

joins  Ewell  at  Fort  Gilmer  619 

his  object  in  sending  Early  into 
Maryland  663 

his  army  reduced  to  33,000  men  701 
military  head  of  the  Confederacy  707 
his  effective  strength  April  1,1865  711 
his  plan  at  Five  Forks  714 

his  plan  of  retreat  from  Peters- 
burg 760 

his  telegram  to  President  Davis  760 
his  intended  concentration  at 
Amelia  765 

disappointed  765 

his  proposed  plan  765 

Federals  in  pursuit  of  765 

no  definite  plan  of  retreat  766 

his  only  hope  766 

his  reply  to  Grant’s  note  773 

the  last  effort  of  his  army  778 

sends  flag  of  truce  to  Custer  778 

his  farewell  address  to  his  army  731 
his  losses  on  the  retreat  781 

the  moral  courage  of  his  troops  781 
Lee  General  Fitzhugh,  pen  picture  of  249 
letter  of  25 

at  Hawes’  shop  506 

at  Trevilian’s  Station  662 

wounded  680 

at  Sutherland  Station  712 

at  Little  Five  Forks  716 

Lee  General  W.  H.  F.,  at  Stony  Creek  711 
Lee’s  Mills,  Federals  at  69 

Leister  Lydia,  her  house  Federal  head- 
quarters 355 

Lets  buy  the  battery  563 

Letter  of  Surgeon  Augustus  C.  Hamlin  21 
of  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee  25 

Lexington,  military  institute,  burning 
of  659 

Lightfoot  Colonel,  his  battalion  at  Port 
Walthall  557 

Lightning  don’t  strike  twice  in  the 
same  place  563 

Lincoln  President  403 

his  call  for  one  hundred  days’ 
men  664 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Lincoln  President,  his  reception  of 


troops  667 

at  battle  of  Fort  Stevens  668 

his  message  to  Sheridan  691 

Little  Rliody  68 

Longstreet  General,  attacked  at  Black- 
burn’s Ford  36 

moves  to  the  Rapidan  109 

at  second  Bull  Run  116 

ordered  to  Fredericksburg  by 
Lee  190 

pen  picture  of  240 

detailed  south  of  the  James  259 

joins  Ewell  at  Chambersburg  342 

arrival  of,  at  the  Wilderness  486 

■wounded  487 

movement  of  corps  of  499 

reinforces  Early  in  the  valley  685 

his  corps  at  Appomattox  777 

Losses  at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain  108 


Madill  General,  wounded  773 

Mahone  General,  pen  picture  of  256 

at  Ragland  house  606 

his  order  to  his  men  . 606 

at  Hatcher  s Run  627 

at  High  Bridge  772 

Mallow  General,  death  of  422 

Manassas,  movement  on  31 

battlefield  42 

account  of,  by  Confederate  private  42 
Mansfield  General,  death  of  161 

Magruder  and  the  Mississippian  57 

at  Savage  Station  86 

Malvern  Hill,  Federals  occupy  88 

battle  of  88 

Map  of  Bull  Run  33 

Richmond  and  the  Peninsula  77 

Pope’s  campaign  113 

Antietam  157 

Fredericksburg  193 

Chancellorsville  267 

Gettysburg,  1st  and  3d  day  347 

Gettysburg,  2d  day  354 

Gettysburg  to  Rapidan  416 

the  Shenandoah  Valley  423 

the  Wilderness  482 

Spottsylvania  494 

the  North  Anna  502 

Cold  Harbor  509 

Richmond  and  Petersburg  690 

Winchester  653 

Fisher’s  Hill  6S3 

Cedar  Creek  6S7 

route  of  Lee’s  retreat  from  Pe- 
tersburg 756 


811 

PAGE 


Losses  at  battle  of  Antietam  164 

Fredericksburg  201 

Chancellorsville  295 

Gettysburg  369 

Cold  Harbor,  from  Rapidan  to 
Chickahominy  513 

Wilderness  438 

Federal  at  the  crater  601 

at  second  battle  of  Ream’s  Station  616 
at  Forts  Harrison  and  Gilmer  620 

at  Hatcher’s  Run  627 

at  Cedar  Creek  690 

at  Fort  Steadman  709 

of  Federals  during  the  war  794 

Louisiana  tigers  363 

storming  Cemetery  Hill  363 

Lowell  General,  death  of  691 

Lynchburg,  threatened  by  Hunter  659 

battle  of  661 


Map  of  Petersburg  and  Five  Forks  767 
Masonry  exemplified  437 

Massa  Robert  564 

Marking  time  448 

Maryland  Heights,  Federals  at  663 

Maryland,  excitement  in,  over  Early's 
invasion  664 

McClellan  General,  in  command  of 

Federals  44 

Army  of  the  Potomac, reorganized 
by  45 

at  Fortress  Monroe  6S 

invests  Yorktown  70 

when  spades  are  trumps  79 

withdraws  across  the  Chickahom- 
iny 84 

pursued  84 

object  of  battle  of  Savage  Sta- 
tion 86 

in  command  of  Army  of  Poto- 
mac at  Antietam  153 

at  Crampton’s  Pass  155 

his  plans  at  Antietam  160 

disposition  of  troops  160 

tardiness  of  188 

seizes  Harper's  Ferry  188 

crossing  the  Potomac  on  pon- 
toons 1S8 

his  plan  to  crush  Lee  189 

relieved  1S9 

pen  picture  of  248 

McCabe  Captain  W.  Gordon,  account 
of  explosion  of  crater  601 

McCall  General,  division  of  87 


812 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PAGE 


McCausland  General,  his  requisition  at 
Hagerstown  663 

McDougall  General,  wounded  773 

McDowell  General,  in  command  of 

Federals  at  Bull  Run  31 

liis  embarrassment  32 

plan  of  attack  at  Bull  Run, 
changed  hy  37 

glory  of  obscured  44 

resigns  44 

battle  of  651 

order  of,  to  join  McClellan,  coun- 
termanded 652 

his  wild  goose  chase  652 

McGuire  Doctor,  attends  Jackson  while 

wounded  280 

accompanies  Jackson  to  Chandler 
House  2S4 

McIntosh  General,  wounded  680 

McKeen  Colonel,  death  of  612 

McLean  Wilmer,  Grant  and  Lee  at 
house  of  778 

McMahon  Colonel,  death  of  512 

McParlin  Surgeon,  his  report  to  Meade  627 
Meade  General,  at  Fredericksburg  198 

pen  picture  of  250 

in  command  of  Fifth  corps  258 

supersedes  Hooker  344 

his  army  in  motion  344 

headquarters  of  at  Taneytown  345 
disposition  of  his  army  345 

decides  to  fight  at  Gettysburg  355 

disposition  of  his  troops  July  2d, 
at  Gettysburg  355 

consults  his  subordinate  generals  363 
headquarters  of,  July  3d,  1863  367 

Nagle  General,  brigade  of  76 

’Nary  lock  left,  Miss  218 

Narrow  passage,  Early  at  682 

Nasby's  reasons  why  he  should  not  be 
drafted  725 

National  cemeteries,  names  of  795 

New  Creek,  battle  of  673 

New  Market,  battle  of  658 

New  York  World,  a tender  feeling  for  146 
Never  mind  the  pictures  185 

O,  Shackson  636 

Old  Reuben  443 

One  in  blue  and  one  in  gray  (poem)  375 

One  thousand,  nine  hundred  and  sixty 
yards  221 

Open  your  ranks,  Virginians  135 

Opequon,  battle  of  the  677 


PAGE 


Meade  General,  at  Little  Round  Top  368 
in  pursuit  of  Lee  in  the  valley  417 
his  line  of  march  417 

his  tardiness  417 

advances  to  Culpepper  Court- 
house 418 

falls  back  across  the  Rappahan- 
nock 419 

recrosses  the  Rappahannock  419 

strength  of  position  of  425 

his  plan  of  action  427 

retires  across  the  Rapidan  429 

at  Wilderness  Tavern  479 

order  of  489 

his  headquarters  at  Cool  Arbor  511 
Merrimac,  ram,  blown  up  by  Confed- 
erates 73 

Merritt  General,  attacked  by  Stuart’s 
cavalry  491 

Miles  Colonel,  death  of  156 

Miles  General,  attack  of,  at  Deep  Bot- 
tom 597 

at  Ream’s  Station  616 

Mills  Major,  death  of  773 

Milroy  General,  surprised  at  Winches- 
ter 657 

Mine  crater,  explosion  of  598 

a failure  600 

Mississippians  at  Fort  Gregg  and  Alex- 
ander 759 

Monocacy,  battle  of,  Confederates  at 
Rockville  665 

Morefield,  battle  of  674 

Morris  Colonel,  death  of  612 

Mosby  Colonel,  at  Cheek’s  Ford  674 

Mulligan  General,  death  of  671 

Noah’s  ark  330 

North  and  South,  condition  of,  at  com- 
mencement of  hostilities  27 

North,  despondency  of,  over  McClel- 
lan’s retreat  84 

North  Anna,  Federals  at  500 

battle  of  503 

Norfolk  evacuated  by  Confederates  73 

Number  of  engagements  during  the  war  800 


Ord  General,  at  Drainsville  49 

arrival  at  Baltimore  665 

crosses  the  James  617 

wounded  619 

his  flank  movement  710 

Organization  of  Federal  army  791 


1ST 


INDEX. 


813 


PAGE 


Pat’s  wit  183 

Patterson  General,  watching  JackBon 

in  the  Shenandoah  32 

advance  of,  through  Maryland  647 
outgeneraled  643 

Patton  Colonel,  death  of  680 

Paul  General,  wounded  351 

Peehle's  Farm,  battle  of  621 

Pegram's  artillerist,  at  the  Crater  602 

Pegram  General,  death  of  722 

Pender  General,  at  Beaver  Dam  81 

at  Cedar  Mountain  108 

his  last  order  from  Jackson  280 

Pendleton,  Jackson’s  Adj.-General  282 

Pendleton  General,  his  mission  to  Gen. 

Lee  a failure  771 

Pennsylvania,  invasion  of  341 

Petersburg,  relation  of,  to  Richmond 

and  elsewhere  583 

seige  of,  begun  692 

bombardment  of  758 

assault  on  758 

dreadful  sacrifice  of  life  at  764 

Pettigrew  General,  wounded  and  cap- 
tured 76 

Pickett  Gen.  Geo.  E.,  pen  picture  of  247 
arrival  of,  at  Gettysburg  363 

joins  Longstreet  363 

his  charge  at  Gettysburg  365 

at  Five  Forks  714 

his  intrenchments  at  Five  Forks  719 
Pipe  Creek,  Army  of  Potomac  at  345 

Play  Katie  Darling  on  your  organ  215 

Playing  old  soldier  304 


Pleasanton  General,  at  Chancellorsville  270 


Quaker  church,  Gen.  Hunter  at 

IR, 

Railroad,  B.&  0.,cntbyGen.Imboden  342 
destroyed  by  Early  610 

Railroad  Weldon,  captured  by  Gen. 

TV  arren  612 

Ragged  rebels  viewed  by  Marylanders  147 
Randolph  Sarah  Nicholas,  graphic  ex- 
tract from  work  of  273 

Rather  die  on  the  field  629 

Rations,  scarcity  of,  among  Confeder- 
ates 700 

Rapidan,  Federals  crossing  476 

Rappahannock  Station,  battle  of  426 

Ream's  Station,  battle  of  595 

second  battle  of  615 

Read  General,  death  of  769 

Rees  Sergeant  Henry,  bravery  of  598 

Regiment  Cth  Maine,  at  Rappahan- 
nock Station  426 

6th  Maine,  at  Fredericksburg  292 
10th  Maine,  at  Cedar  Mountain  107 


PAGE 


Poker  playing  305 

Pollard  A.  E.,  his  account  of  battle  of 

Beaver  Dam  51 

on  the  situation  700 

Pontoons,  laying  of,  at  Fredericksburg  192 
Poor  whites  60 

Pope  General,  commands  Army  of  Vir- 
ginia, consisting  of  101 

concentrating  at  Fredericksburg  101 
army  organized  by  102 

disposition  of  his  troops  102 

his  proclamation  103 

threatens  Gordonsville  I04 

order  to  Banks  105 

his  guide  105 

strength  of  his  army  105 

reinforced,  retreats  across  the 
Rappahannock  109 

headquarters  of  no 

reinforced  by  twenty-three  thou- 
sand new  troops  111 

his  boasts  115 

falls  back  to  Centerville  117 

army  of,  withdrawn  to  Washing- 
ton 118 

Porter  Colonel,  death  of  512 

Port  Republic,  battle  of  655 

Port  Walthall  Junction,  battle  of  559 

Potomac  river,  crossing  of,  by  Con- 
federates 140 

Prayed  for  hissef  and  de  bote  438 

Preaching  for  rations  533 

Preston  Samuel,  wounded  604 

Prince  General,  captured  107 


660 


Regiment  17th  and  18th  Mississippi  and 

8th  Florida,  at  Fredericksburg  192 
bravery  of  three  Federal  at  Fred- 
ericksburg 196 

147th  New  York  350 

9th  Maine  and  112th  New  York  561 
18th  South  Carolina  at  the  crater  602 
6th  Virginia  609 

Company  F at  the  crater  609 

116th  Ohio,  bravery  of  661 

Reno  General,  death  of  159 

Resolutions  of  Federal  Congress  43 

Returning  the  compliment  312 

Reynolds  General,  corps  of,  at  Freder- 
icksburg 199 

in  command  of  First  corps  258 

Reynolds  General,  at  Chancellorsville  273 
death  of  350 

pen  picture  of  469 

Rice  General,  pen  picture  of  470 


814 


BLUE  AND  GEAT. 


PAGE 


Rice  General,  death  of  495 

Richmond,  objective  point  of  Federals  69 
excitement  of  citizens  760 

burning  of  public  buildings  at  762 

terror  in  762 

in  flames  762 

evacuated  762 

explosions  in  762 

bridges  at,  destroyed  763 

under  Federal  rule  763 

fall  of  764 

Ricketts  General,  sent  with  his  division 

of  Sixth  corps  to  Washington  664 
wounded  691 

Rick's  ride  748 

Roberts  General,  his  orders  at  Cedar 
Mountain  105 

Robinson  General,  wounded  491 

Robins  Colonel  445 

Rodes  General,  at  Martinsburg  657 

death  of  677 

Roll-call  (poem)  430 

Rough,  but  expressive  1S1 

Round  Top,  left  of  Federal  line  July 

2d, 1863  355 

Salem  church,  battle  of  292 

singular  position  of  armies  at  293 

Confederates  reinforced  293 

Sailor’s  Creek,  battle  of  770 

Savage  Station,  battle  of  85 

Scene  at  Appomattox  332 

Schimmelpfennig  General,  captured  351 

Schenck  General,  wounded  117 

Secession,  death  knell  of  369 

Sedgwick  General,  pen  picture  of  243 

in  command  of  Sixth  corps  258 

crossing  river  at  Fredericksburg  261 
ordered  to  move  on  “ 273 

occupies  “ 290 

critical  position  of,  at  Salem 
church  294 

withdraws  294 

Sergeant  B 59 

Seven  Fines,  battle  of  76 

Seymour  General,  captured  488 

Shaler  General,  captured  488 

Sharpe  Colonel,  wounded  680 

Shenandoah  Yalley,  description  of  645 

points  of  historic  interest  in  647 

under  Confederate  rule  662 

a waste  692 

Shields  General,  command  of,  trans- 
ferred to  McDowell  651 

Shield  Private  179 

Sheridan  General,  pen  picture  of  233 

his  ride  • 234 

in  command  of  cavalry  475 

at  Haxall’s  landing  499 

at  Hawes’  shop  606 


PAGE 


Round  Top,  graphic  description  of 

battle  on  356 

Hazlett’s  battery  at  357 

McLaws  brigade  at  357 

Colonel  Oates  at  35g 

Federal  and  Confederate  loss  at  360 
Colonel  Chamberlain  and  Lieu- 
tenant Melcher  at  361 

Roster  A,  Federal,  Peninsula  campaign  SO 
Pope's  campaign  120 

Antietam  165 

Fredericksburg  203 

Gettysburg  378 

May,  1864  516 

Shenandoah  Valley  campaign  693 
March  31,  1865  785 

Roster  B,  Confederate,  Peninsula  cam- 
paign 96 

Pope’s  125 

Antietam  168 

Gettysburg  3S6 

May,  1864  522 

Shenandoah  Yalley  campaign  695 
Russell,  Bull  Run  42 

Russell  General,  death  of  678 


Sheridan  General,  at  Trevilian’s  Station  662 
in  command  of  the  army  of  the 


valley  674 

despoils  the  valley  675 

occupies  Winchester  679 

dispatch  of,  to  Grant  679 

promoted  680 

Lincoln’s  dispatch  to  680 

in  pursuit  of  Early  631 

army  of,  at  Cedar  Creek  686 

nrrival  of,  at  Cedar  Creek  690 

controls  the  valley  691 

in  winter  quarters  691 

at  White  House  692 

at  Hatcher’s  Run  711 

at  Dinwiddie  Court-house  711 

his  order  from  Grant  713 

plan  of  battle  at  Five  Forks  720 

his  order  to  Warren  720 

at  Danville  railroad  765 

intercepts  Lee  765 

his  last  stroke  774 

at  Appomattox  Station  775 

Shooters  before  tooters  298 

Shot  in  the  back  540 

Sickles  General,  in  command  of  Third 

corps  258 

at  Chancellorsville  270 

wounded  362 

pen  picture  of  471 

Siege  of  Petersburg  586 

Sigel  General,  his  delay  105 

in  command  of  the  Shenandoah  657 
at  Cedar  Creek  657 


S 


INDEX. 


PAGE 


Sigel  General,  removed  658 

Sixteen  shooters  311 

Slocum  Gen.,  in  command  of  Twelfth 

corps  258 

ordered  to  march  to  Harper's 
Ferry  343 

commands  troops  at  Gettysburg  352 
Smith  Extra  Billy  335 

Smith  General,  moves  on  Petersburg  586 
surprised  at  Petersburg  588 

Smythe  General,  death  of  773 

Sold  395 

Soldiers,  Federals  salute  Confederates 
at  Appomattox  780 

Somebody's  Darling  (poem)  313 

Southern  colic  633 

South  and  North,  condition  of  at  com- 
mencement of  hostilities  27 

South  Side  railroad,  capture  of  722 

cut  759 

Sowing  beside  all  waters  747 

Spottsylvania,  battle  of  495 

Stahel  General,  at  Piedmont  658 

Starbird  Colonel,  wounded  773 

Steam  Mill,  battle  of  712 

Stannard  General,  wounded  620 

Statistical  record  for  calls  for  troops  7S9 
Steadman  Fort,  seizure  of  708 

Steel,  Sergeant  360 


Take  it  away  437 

Taliaferro  General,  at  Cedar  Mountain  106 
wounded  111 

Tar-heels  58 

Taylor  General,  mortally  wounded  1 1 1 

That  Yankee  trick  322 

The  adventures  of  a private  soldier  729 
The  battle  of  Bethel  440 

The  bloody  lane  162 

The  “ Blue  ami  the  Gray”  (poem)  782 

The  boy  bugler  of  Bull  Run  552 

The  brave  little  bugler  646 

The  bread  riot  450 

The  bully  of  Battery  B 318 

The  bull  in  the  Dutch  regiment  734 

The  chaplain's  conscience  136 

The  chaplain’s  theft  565 

The  colonel  was  not  on  hand  666 

The  difference  435 

The  difficulty  129 

The  Dunker  bee-hive  574 

The  Dutch  cavalry  537 

The  Dutch  farmer  of  Pennsylvania  544 
The  fall  campaign  of  1863  41 7 

The  fascination  of  the  picket  post  328 

The  first  march  53 

The  first  man  who  asks  me  532 

The  flattened  bullet  220 

The  flower  of  South  Carolina  335 

The  friendly  act  of  a fallen  foe  309 


815 

PAGE 


Steinwher  General,  at  Gettysburg  351 

Stevens  General,  death  of  118 

Stevens  Colonel,  wounded  618 

Stevens  Fort  (near  Washington),  battle 
of  668 

Stingy  Joe  316 

Stone  dead  307 

Stonebridge,  attack  of  by  Gen’l  Tyler  38 
Stoneman  General,  attack  of  on  Fort 
Magruder  70 

Stonewall  Brigade,  how  named  40 

Stonewall’s  body  servant  539 

Strength  of  Federal  army  at  various 
dates  792 

Stuart  General, pursues  retiring  Federals  41 
at  Catlett’s  Station  110 

his  circus  131 

pen  picture  of  176 

at  Wilderness  Tavern  265 

in  command  of  Jackson’s  corps  287 
at  James  City  418 

bravery  of  420 

death  of  498 

memoirs  of  457 

Suffering  in  the  South  323 

Surrender  of  Lee’s  army  779 

terms  of  779 

rejoicing  over  by  troops  779 

Swift  Creek,  battle  of  559 

The  Georgia  picket  336 

The  homeliest  man  137 

The  humane  guard  643 

The  last  drink  132 

The  lost  pig  432 

The  mule  brigade  338 

The  mule  race  213 

The  negro  oystermen  62 

The  North  and  South,  condition  of,  at 
commencement  of  hostilities  27 

The  only  private  66 

The  planter's  little  game  317 

The  reverse  434 

The  reward  of  merit  439 

The  scavenger  446 

The  Seventy-first  Virginia  regiment  535 
The  skulker  442 

The  soldier’s  appeal  173 

The  soldier's  companions  440 

The  song  of  the  sword  553 

The  staff  of  life  at  the  point  of  death  563 
The  story  of  a scout  628 

The  Wilderness,  graphic  description  of 
battle  of  6S1 

The  Zouaves  and  Tigers  222 

Three  negroes  447 

Thoburn  General,  death  of  6S9 

Tibbetts  General,  capture  of  wagon 
train  by  670 

Tied  on  the  wrong  saddle  631 


T 


SI  6 


BLUE  AND  GRAY. 


PAGE 

PAGE 

Tower  General,  wounded 

117 

True  as  steel 

175 

Torbert  General,  iu  command  of  cav- 

True to  the  flag 

172 

alry  in  the  Shenandoah 

674 

True  manhood 

434 

Trading  on  the  blackwater 

327 

Tyler  General,  attack  of , at  Blackburn’s 

Trevilian’s  Station,  battle  of 

662 

Ford 

32 

Trimble  General,  wouuded 

115 

wounded 

512 

TT 

Unknown  dead  (poem) 

186 

Upton  General,  wouuded 

680 

Underwood  Sergeaut,  bravery  of 

776 

Unyoke  the  steer 

567 

V 

Vain  glory 

315 

Virginia  and  Tennessee  railroad  cut 

Valedictory 

784 

by  General  Averill 

430 

Vandalism 

333 

Visscher  Colonel,  death  of 

669 

Vincent  General,  death  of 

353 

W 


"Wadsworth  General,  pen  picture  of  465 

death  of  487 

"Wagon  traiu,  capture  of,  by  Federals  770 
Wait  until  I get  that  battery  over  664 

Wallace  General,  at  the  Monoeacy,  at- 
tacked by  Early  610 

at  battle  of  Monocacy  664 

War,  the  North  preparing  for  44 

begun  iu  the  valley  at  Harper's 
Ferry  647 

Warren  General,  pen  picture  of  238 

corps  of  endangered  421 

rejoins  army  at  Centerville  425 

at  Robertson’s  Tavern  428 

in  command  of  Fifth  corps  475 

his  line  of  march  490 

detained  at  Todd’s  Tavern  490 

threatens  Richmond  * 514 

at  Dabney’s  Mills  713 

reinforces  Sheridan  718 

gallantry  of,  and  ill  treatment  722 

Walker  General,  at  Appomattox  Sta- 
tion 775 

Washing  under  difficulties  392 

Washington  iu  danger  of  capture  by 
Early  610 

Washington,  march  of  Federals  to, 
from  Appomattox  7S2 

Watch  for  de  flash  of  mine  sword  636 

Webb  General,  Federal  chief  of  artil- 
lery at  Fredericksburg  192 

W eed  General , death  of  357 

Weird  band  of  the  Chickahominy  448 

Weitzel  General,  at  battle  of  Fort  Ste- 
vens 561 

in  command  of  Eighteenth  corps  619 

Yellow  Tavern,  battle  of  498 

York  General,  wounded  680 

You  tinks  1 pese  a plained  phool  298 


Weitzel  General,  occupies  Richmond  763 
Welch  Colonel,  death  of  621 

What  will  you  do  now,  sir  216 

What’s  in  a name  298 

When  will  the  rest  of  the  circus  arrive  404 
Where  in  thunder  was  General  Grant  390 
Where  man  should  die  (poem)  753 

White  House,  Federal  headquarters  at  73 
Whiting  General,  at  battle  of  Fort 
Stevens  561 

Why  didn’t  he  shell  ’em  304 

Wide  eye  132 

Wilcox  General,  in  command  of  Ninth 
corps  at  Fredericksburg  199 

Wilderness,  battle  of  483 

object  of  battle  of  488 

Willard  General,  death  of  362 

Williamsburg,  battle  of  71 

Williamsport,  Confederates  crossing  at  342 
Willoughby's  Run,  attack  at  349 

Wilson  General,  at  Nottaway  Station  594 
his  loss  at  Ream’s  Station  695 

Winder  General,  death  of  106 

Winter  quarters,  Confederates  in  49 

Federals  and  Confederates  in  627 
at  Petersburg  698 

Wise  General,  pen  picture  of  252 

Wrestle  with  the  Lord  319 

Wright  General,  in  command  of  Sedg- 
wick's corps  492 

sent  to  Washington  667 

iu  command  of  Federals  at  Wash-  ^ 
ington  669 

wouuded  691 

Wounded  (poem)  643 

Yorktown,  Federals  at  69 

evacuated  by  Confederates  70 

You  peeps  too  late  ~ 637 


Z 


Zook  General,  wounded 


362 


973.7416  G-378B 


530561 


